Best companion planting combos for NB veggies?

Companion planting works exceptionally well in New Brunswick's short growing season by maximizing space and naturally protecting crops from pests. Here are the most effective combinations for our Zone 4-5 climate and 120-150 day growing season.

Tomatoes, Basil, and Marigolds form the classic trio that thrives in NB's warm summer months. Plant basil around tomato cages in early June after soil reaches 15°C consistently. The basil repels aphids and hornworms while improving tomato flavor, and marigolds deter nematodes and whiteflies. This combination works perfectly in NB's clay-heavy soils around Fredericton and Saint John since all three prefer well-draining, amended soil.

The Three Sisters - corn, beans, and squash - adapts beautifully to our Maritime climate when timed correctly. Start corn indoors in early May and transplant after the last frost (mid to late May). Plant climbing beans 2-3 weeks later when corn is 6 inches tall, then add squash around the perimeter in early June. This traditional combination maximizes your growing space while the beans fix nitrogen for heavy-feeding corn and squash. Choose short-season varieties like 'Early Sunglow' corn (65 days) to ensure harvest before our early fall frosts.

Carrots and Chives make an excellent pairing for NB's cooler spring and fall weather. Plant carrots in late April when soil temperature reaches 7°C, then interplant with chives which survive our winters and return each spring. The chives repel carrot flies while their purple flowers attract beneficial insects. This combination works particularly well in the sandy soils around Miramichi and coastal areas.

Lettuce and Radishes provide quick succession harvests perfect for our shorter season. Plant radishes every two weeks from early May through August, using them as living markers for slower-germinating lettuce. Radishes break up clay soil for lettuce roots and are harvested before competing for space. Follow with fall plantings in late August for harvest into October.

Cucumbers and Nasturtiums create a pest-deterrent partnership ideal for NB's humid summers. Plant cucumber seeds directly in early June when soil stays above 15°C, then sow nasturtiums around the base. Nasturtiums act as trap crops for cucumber beetles and squash bugs while their flowers attract pollinators. The trailing nasturtiums also provide living mulch to retain moisture in our well-drained soils.

Brassicas with Aromatic Herbs work exceptionally well in our cool climate. Plant cabbage, broccoli, and kale in early May, then interplant with dill, thyme, and sage. These herbs repel cabbage moths and flea beetles while thriving in NB's cooler temperatures. Start brassicas indoors in March for transplanting in early May, giving them maximum time before summer heat.

Timing is crucial in New Brunswick - start warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Plant cool-season companions like lettuce and radishes as soon as soil can be worked in April. Always choose varieties suited to our short season, and consider succession planting every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvests.

For best results in NB's acidic soils, test pH and add lime in fall to reach 6.0-7.0 for most vegetables. Amend clay soils with compost to improve drainage, especially important for root crops like carrots and radishes.

Need help planning your garden layout or finding a landscaper to build raised beds? New Brunswick Landscaping can match you with local professionals who understand our unique growing conditions.