Diversity is so important for creating a thriving and sustainable edible garden. Choosing edible or medicinal plants to use as companion planting can not only boost the health of your garden but also your own! Each plant type has a different root structure, leaf coverage, height, nutrient absorption, and nutrient excretion and attracts different insects and wildlife to the garden. The more diversity we have in plants, the more life we are encouraging both above the soil and below. Diversity also helps reduce severe deficiencies, as all the plants aren’t competing for the exact same nutrients.
Diversity and companion planting are closely related. Companion planting is generally two different plants that grow well together and have a mutually beneficial relationship. With a diverse garden, we want to build on those relationships and continue to add more and more.
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for inspirational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
Calendula officinalis
Usable parts // Flowers, Leaves
Medicinal Benefits
- Soothing Skin Irritation and Inflammation
- Healing wounds, rashes
- Soothing sore throats
Garden Companion Benefits
- Attracting pollinators
- Habitat for beneficial insects
- Living mulch to protect soil
- Fed to chickens to brighten egg yolks
Culinary Benefits
- Petals used for garnishing
- Leaves can be used in salads, although a little bitter
How to use?
Calendula petals are often dried and infused in oil, balm, and alcohol to create healing ointments and creams.
LAVENDER
Lavandula
Usable parts // Flowers, Leaves
Medicinal Benefits
- Eases tension and reduces stress
- Relieves headaches and migraines
- Aids in sleep
- Supports healthy hair and skin
- Fights acne
- Relieves pain
- May aid in respiratory problems
Garden Companion Benefits
- Attracting pollinators
- Habitat for beneficial insects
- Living mulch to protect the soil
Culinary Benefits
- Petals used for garnishing and infusing
How to use?
Dried flowers can be infused in oils. Brew flowers in teas. Hydrosols.
ECHINACEA
Echinacea purpurea
Usable parts // Flowers, Leaves, Roots
Medicinal Benefits
- Treats and helps prevent urinary tract infections
- May strengthen the immune system
- Relieves upper respiratory issues
- Fights infections
- Alleviates symptoms of the common cold
Garden Companion Benefits
- Attracting pollinators
- Habitat for beneficial insects
Culinary Benefits
- Petals used for garnishing
- Roots used in teas
How to use?
Dried flowers can be infused in oils. Brew leaves, flowers, and roots in teas.
COMFREY
Symphytum
Usable parts // Flowers, Leaves, Roots
Medicinal Benefits
- Wound healing
- Reduces inflammation
- May soothe sprains and broken bones
- Decrease bruising
Garden Companion Benefits
- Attracting Pollinators
- Habitat for beneficial insects
- Natural Fertiliser
- Soil improvement
- Living ground cover
- Chop and drop mulch
How to use?
Apply as a topical skin treatment using creams, salves, and tinctures.
ROSEMARY
Rosmarinus officinalis
Usable parts // Flowers, Leaves
Medicinal Benefits
- Reduces inflammation
- Improves blood circulation
- Can improve memory and enhances overall brain function
- Treats bad breath
- Supports liver health
- Supports hair growth
Garden Companion Benefits
- Attracting pollinators
- Habitat for beneficial insects
Culinary Benefits
- Brew dried leaves for tea
- Sprinkle leaves and flowers as a garnish for dishes
How to use?
Infuse in oils to make soothing skin care.
GARLIC
Allium sativum
Usable parts // Flowers, Roots
Medicinal Benefits
- Can helps prevent heart disease
- Can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure
- Improves digestive health
- Anti-microbial
- Anti-fungal
- Anti-viral
- Cold and Flu
- Boost immunity
- Balance blood sugar
Garden Companion Benefits
- Deters pests
- Provides sulfur which is a natural fungicide
Garlic can be interplanted with many other plants but it is best to avoid:
- Beans
- Peas
- Sage
- Parsley
- Asparagus
Culinary Benefits
- Flavour for meals
- Raw garlic and honey for medicinal uses
How to use?
Ferment honey and garlic to reduce cold and flu symptoms. Raw garlic can reduce bad bacteria in the gut or intestinal worms.
Salvia officinalis
Usable parts // Flowers, Leaves
Medicinal Benefits
- Improves memory and enhances overall brain function
- Supports digestive health
- Strengthens the immune system
- Treats and helps manage diabetes
- Rich in antioxidants
- Improves skin health
Garden Companion Benefits
- Deters pests
- Edible ground cover
Culinary Benefits
- Brew fresh leaves for tea
- Used in roasts
How to use?
If you have a toothache, a cold sore or a sore throat, you can pick a few leaves and chew them up, then place them near the affected area.
ALOE VERA
Usable parts // Leaves
Medicinal Benefits
- Sunburn
- Minor Burns and cuts
- Cold sores
- Skin Abrasions
- Strengthens Hair
- Digestive health
Garden Companion Benefits
- Help heal surrounding plants
- Attracts beneficial insects
Culinary Benefits
- Aloe vera juice
How to use?
Pick off the outer leaves and rub flesh on cuts and burns.
