Most people plant only one plant per pot. But did you know that (under certain conditions) you can put several of your favourite plants in one pot? In addition to multiplying the amount of zinc in the pot, combining several plants in one pot has several advantages. This practice has a name: companion planting.
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Is it possible to grow several plants in the same pot or in the same planter box?
Yes, just as it is possible to create a flower bed in the heart of a garden, you can also create your own presentations with plants and flowers. Whether in a flower pot or a planter box, let your imagination and creativity run wild.
This process is based on the natural relationship between plants that share, so that they can be planted next to each other in the same pot. These plants help each other by exchanging nutrients, providing shade and physical support. And they love it!
Association of plants in the same pot
Obviously, the answer is no… You must choose plants of the same family or plants that have the same needs. Then you can play with volume, colors and even heights.
You can also marry plants with fruits and vegetables, or even fruits with each other. The location of your plants affects the choice. Indeed, you don’t put the same plants inside as outside. In the same way, the sunshine is determining.
What type of pot or planter box for companion planting
Large, deep pots and planter boxes should be preferred. The depth is very important because all plants have roots that take up space. Depending on the varieties chosen, these roots will not be at the same level.
Always choose pots with a hole at the bottom. If you choose planter boxes, there should be several holes. These allow good drainage of water and prevent the roots from rotting. If you have several plants, they will be able to take the water they need when they pass through.
Introduction to companion planting
If you already have several plants in your home and want to combine some of them, first take the time to compare their growing conditions (water, air and light requirements) and then test these plants. First of all by keeping them in their respective pots, place them in a suitable place of your choice and observe their behaviour and evolution over the following weeks.
If all goes well for them, you can combine them in the same pot. A pot big enough to hold them all and put them back in it. That’s it: all you have to do is enjoy your “new” roommates.
How to maintain these compositions?
You have to be very vigilant. Make sure that plants have enough soil but also water. If you want to use fertilizer, choose a universal mixture that will not penalize any of the plants.
Then and above all, take good care of your compositions. Remove all dead leaves and treat diseases. If one of the plants is in bad shape, the whole composition can be lost. If necessary, separate the plants and rebuild your pots and planter boxes by replacing the lost plants.
Summary
Cultivating several plants in the same pot is an activity within everyone’s reach. In a more or less conscious way, we often have the reflex to want to associate several plants when planting.
Experimentation is good and allows us to learn more about plants. As mentioned above, not only will you learn more about each one of them, but you will no longer be afraid to manipulate them. You will find that they are much more resistant than they look.
