Question from S.: Thanks so much for the family farm tour yesterday. My kids really enjoyed it and can't wait to come back.

I had a question about the crop combining that I saw yesterday. How do you decide what crops you are planting next to each other? I've heard of the three sisters planting (corn, squash, and beans) together but am interested in other combinations. Is the idea to have ground covering crop like some kind of greens with some other taller crops? I have my peas planted already and will now plan on putting some of my greens around some of my taller crops like peas, pole beans, etc.

Answer from Coastalfields: We're real glad that you and your children enjoyed it so much!

We decide based on two factors:

1) how easy they are to harvest when they are growing together (thus, we DON'T plant potatoes with tomatoes, DON'T plant carrots with squashes, etc. and DO plant corn and potatoes, etc.)

2) their mature size and shape: will there be enough room for them? We leave plenty of room between rows and plants for weeds.

We try to increase biodiversity and biodensity in the field as much as we can, so we try to plant as many different kinds of plants in one bed as possible. Sometimes we plant more than 25 different crops in one bed!

It is unnecessary to plan an agroecology through "companion" planting. Agroecology happens and doesn't need to be planned. ALL plants, animals and all living things naturally seek to help each other grow stronger.

We're glad you're going to be increasing the biodiversity in your garden...don't forget to let the weeds grow! The native plants have deep roots and will feed your crops water, they are preferred by native pests (who don't want to eat your crops but will if they don't have their usual favorites). Weeds have so many benefits to the field!

If you need any further help, please let us know! We might also suggest coming out some day to see how we plant.