Intercropping Ideas For Success in The Garden

Intercropping can provide you with not only more food in less space but also increased pest resistance and plant health. Check out our new clothing line! http:www.freshpickedapparel.com

[@MIgardener]

Thank you for 800K subs! We are on the road to 1 Million!

[@kimiyemlsmallgardendream8115]

MIgardener will always follow❤️

[@thegreatoutdoors959]

I really dig how you are so detailed with your videos. You don’t just say what you should do, you give explanations for everything. I’m a very detail oriented person so I can appreciate it. Thanks for the advice!

[@thegreatoutdoors959]

I really dig how you are so detailed with your videos. You don’t just say what you should do, you give explanations for everything. I’m a very detail oriented person so I can appreciate it. Thanks for the advice!

[@meldavis7016]

@@alexbones5173 what zone are you in? When ordering some items they are not shipped until it is time for planting. It should have said if there was a certain date to ship if it wasn't time to plant yet. Several seed companies do this. Unless you are in Alaska, you should be okay for another month or so before planting garlic.

[@MIgardener]

Frederick Cores sorry that you didn’t see “pre-order” on the website and the note that garlic would be shipping the second week in September. I can’t hold everyone’s hand. 🤚

[@cheribenfield5967]

Basil and tomatoes Cucumber and spinach Regional groupings Arugula w Swiss chard Brassicas and herbs Herbs w squash and tomatoes to deter bugs Pineapple sage Cinnamon Thai basil Lemongrass Dill, etc Carrots w onions spec, bunching onions for rapid maturity Tomato, cantaloupe, cucumber with basil and beans. Vining crops shade the soil. Lettuces, etc under vining crops

[@blackcoffee2002]

Thanks for posting!

[@hopeking3588]

Have this is cool! Love the list. I grow in pots cause I dont have yard,just a patio

[@SickWheyfu]

Epic.

[@Tinyteacher1111]

Thank you!!!!

[@derekarmstrong1408]

Huh. Kinda looks like a list of companions... Semantics.

[@dianeallred9288]

I am not sure why subtitles are not available, but I really rely on them. If there is anything you can do about it I would appreciate it. Great info on what I could pick up.

[@tabbiealdrich6623]

Yes indeed. Closed captions would be very helpful

[@TM.BECK14]

I also need them as well! I'm surprised even the crappy autogenerated CC isn't available like on most videos - would have been at least better than nothing.

[@b.p3469]

I rely on them also. They are endlessly helpful for me.

[@stingfragile5717]

Really guys cc

[@wdfamily_027]

@@stingfragile5717 what, if you need, a lot of videos have them. I really depend on the cc. If you don’t, scroll on by! Have a nice day 😊

[@kayceenewell9883]

Such an important distinction you’re making between “companion planting” vs intercropping! Thanks for the videos!

[@bartmol05]

Fun thing: at Wageningen University they are currently researching the effect of growing hazelnut trees together with potatoes. The idea being that the trees will pull nutrients up and provide a habitat for natural enemies for pests and diseases of potato.

[@PaleGhost69]

Learning the food forest layers really helped my intercropping, especially in pots. I used to devote one plant to each pot but now I don't have any bare soil/mulch and it surprisingly lowered the watering needs. Blocking the growing medium from evaporation is a huge boon from intercropping food forest style for me since I have to haul water.

[@Tinyteacher1111]

Can you explain the forest layering to me? I’m learning.

[@PaleGhost69]

@@Tinyteacher1111 Canopy, understory, bush, herbaceous, root, ground cover and vertical (vines). Geoff Lawton has a good video on it called "what is a food forest" I'll try to link it but if you don't see a second comment, you have to find it yourself.

[@PaleGhost69]

@@Tinyteacher1111 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnStl4aPj9aNZrs here you go

[@ashleymcdonald2239]

I've been watching all your videos soaking up like a sponge your wealth of information. I take notes, every video and put them in a binder. With the uncertainty in this world, we need to know how to grow our own food. Thank you. ✝️🌍❤️

[@carriekassick7311]

This may be the first time I’m taking notes on a gardening video! You’re right about companion planting stealing joy. As a new gardener I’m just trying to grow, feed, watch for pests and enjoy my garden. But this video is perfect, it makes me feel like I can experiment when planting without worry and also keep pests away which is great! Thank you! 🌸

[@laurenholladay]

I'm taking notes too! Have a wonderful season!

[@mikeus69]

Potatoes and peas. Peas have shallow roots. When your potatoes are ready, harvest your whole pea plant as well. The stalks are great stir fried with butter and garlic!

[@roxannevilla3174]

Hold on, hold on, hold on!. Theres good stuff I need to write down and I am barely at :41... "Arugula and swiss chard" "Basil and tomatoes" "Cucumbers and lettuce" CHECK! Now I can continue watching! 😆😆

[@kele1264]

I'm definitely going to replay this a time or three. With my notebook in front of me, pen in hand, and frequent use of the pause feature.

[@roxannevilla3174]

Yes!!! Hahaha! Just a tad! 😆😆😆

[@ooohhitskaren63]

I am trying herbs near my brasicas next season...my brasicas were desimated this season by the cabbage moth

[@conniegraham7416]

Thank you, learned something new as always.....and CONGRATS on the 800K!!!!! All YOUR hard work has helped many!!

[@AnneGoggansQHHT]

I’m so happy to see your success over these years. You deserve it.

[@readwisetoo5207]

Your companion planting is SO packed w/great info! Thanks.

[@SpiceyKy]

I just started doing this last week. Thx for the tips. I literally took notes.

[@MidwayGuy]

I was just thinking about this. How did google know? Man the recommendations sometimes... One of my favorite videos you've ever done. Such good practical advice on many levels here. Thank you!

[@irenepeek3211]

Thanks Luke, I always learn something new from you. Much appreciation and Blessings to you and yours 🙏❣️

[@notarobot8105]

Thanks for the bit about inter cropping vs companion planting. I found myself worrying and stressing about where to plant everything in my garden. Companion planting was a bit stressful but I’ll take this info for next season.

[@danniellaboling3890]

That makes so much sense as to why my kale didn't get rain until we harvested the dill grown with it! Saving this info. We love intercropping in our small garden space

[@heritagejoy]

Thank you for this i spend quite a bit of time planning prior ! Just got some seeds from you guys this week ! So I'm so excited !

[@pd6569]

Luke, thank you very much; I learned several new ideas from this intercropping video. Because of the timeliness of this video, I will incorporate it into my fall plantings. I will make notes for the spring so that I add string beans next to my tomato plants. Thanks

[@jenniferdawson2536]

This was FANTASTIC!! Thank you so much! Next year I should be getting raised bed gardens- this year it has been containers only-- but this will be super helpful for next year!!! Thank you!

[@suegiesige8320]

The 2 pole beans between indeterminant tomato plants were the only ones bean beetle-free in my garden. I also noticed the pak choi thriving that are next to the bunching onions. I will be keeping notes and Interplanting more next year. Thank you for the information, enthusiasm, and beautiful seeds!

[@necymamaril3735]

That’s a lot of info. Thanks for sharing, you’re very generous! This would help me a lot in my garden, vegetable garden most specially!

[@besttimes2011]

Hello from California!! Love all of your videos, and the shirt!! 😉 Thanks for continuing to share your wealth of knowledge and beautiful garden with us.

[@LollysGarden]

Thank you so much for this video. Watched this video over the winter and was excited to try inter cropping. Had to come back and let you know how amazing it has worked. This is the first year we have been able to have our kale not be destroyed by cabbage moth. I planted rosemary, basil, dil and oregano in the same bed and have other herbs in the bed next to that one. We have not even seen a cabbage moth fly near our kale since planting the herbs. 👍🏼

[@theresadiaz7716]

I love the smell of Thai basil. Nice to know it also helps other plants besides being a pollinator.

[@Knusperflakes]

Thanks for the great video! Taking notes and making plans for my garden this year ☺️☺️

[@beltoftruth56]

Your garden is so beautiful ..all those herbs protecting the kale is so lovely

[@ViviTran29]

Thank you for this helpful information! I'm new to gardening, which I've just picked up about 1 month ago, and I've since been absorbing information as fast as swiss chard absorbs water! It helps very much that you sound good even on 2x speed.

[@kimiyemlsmallgardendream8115]

Luke, I think this is one of your best videos! You made the 💡 go off in I bet many heads!!! Companion vs interplanting. Best analogy ever! ❤️❤️taking notes saving to view over and over again!!

[@petekooshian5595]

We intercropped potatoes and garlic and they did really well :)

[@billsmith8206]

tomatoes and basil is an old favorite of mine. It is like you are almost growing chili, spaghetti, or salsa together.

[@s.leemccauley7302]

Thankyou. This is info that is Very useful. And will sure help when folks have limited garden Space.

[@stephanygates6491]

I sowed carrots in an onion bed and covered in plastic wrap over winter, also in SE Michigan. I unwrapped it Saturday, and thinned/transplanted the carrots when no carrot flies are about!

[@plamenapetrova9672]

I made a parsley and lettuce container last year and it worked great. Now only the parsley remains but it came back again on its own.

[@plants4ever48]

Really useful info, thanks so much!! This is really helping me get ready for Summer in Oz!👍

[@cg5071]

Wish I were just coming into summer again. Live in MI like the host.

[@marianne6697]

I had my horseradish in a bed that neighbored my potatoes. All of the potato beetles ended up going to the horseradish and not the potatoes and it didn't affect the roots at all. It might be a hog but semi close actually helped a ton. I'm working on moving the horseradish to containers so that I can move them with my potatoes around the garden as needed.

[@kele1264]

This is an extremely helpful video, thanks so much! The difference between companion planting and intercropping was my first question. I planted marigolds, and I believe they were helpful. But I absolutely love the idea of growing herbs or other veggies in certain combinations. A fragrant garden that helps thwart harmful insects. What could be better. I recently purchased a bunch of seeds from you for those very herbs. My next season garden is going to be very healthy.

[@garynorcal4269]

I just planted my 8 tomato varieties in my garden yesterday. I also started 6 kinds of beans under grow lights this week. I know exactly where to transplant them when they are ready.

[@87stesha]

Love your enthusiasm! Also, really dig your shirt. Thanks for your videos!

[@mekaremaurin8580]

That shirt is absolutely amazing! I love it!

[@Happyworldshark]

Just got my seeds! Thank you! Im soo excited!

[@christywright2188]

Very helpful information thank you. I've been racking my brain trying to figure out proper campaign planting, so stressful 😅. I'll watch you video on why not to campaign plant. I bought a lit of seeds from your shop and want to make the best out of my growing crops. Thank you again. Missouri Wrightchk

[@Jreichh]

This year I inter planted basil between the tomatoes without even knowing. I was just trying to utilize the space 😅

[@jessicacanfield5408]

I just found this in February 2021 so I hope you see this. How did your intercropping potted plants do. I used to have a medium size inground garden and it was exhausting so after years of not growing anythi g i am going to container gardening.

[@Jreichh]

@@jessicacanfield5408 they grew pretty well. I also grew lemon mint. It was a very poor garden mind you, it had like 4 hours of sun max so nothing produced very well, minus the cherry tomatoes that reached above the hedges haha

[@jessicacanfield5408]

@@Jreichh thank you for taking the time to answer. Wow that is healthy cherry tomatoes lol. Hope this year you have a better garden

[@Jreichh]

@@jessicacanfield5408 I moved and have a whole backyard with a bunch of trees hahah but well see 😆

[@jessicacanfield5408]

@@Jreichh i also have a lot of trees. I live in the country in a wooded area with just 8 trees in my front yard and more on the side and back yard. I am hoping to have a container garden and that the deer don't get to everything

[@TG-mx5wb]

Last year I did crowder peas on the trellis and a few underneath/at the edges of the potatoes, about the time the tater plants started to really get big. I had the best crop of potatoes I’ve had so far. I was careful where I planted the peas and didn’t have trouble damaging them when I harvested potatoes. And once the peas really started going I put sweet potatoes under them which also gave me a decent crop.

[@margaretdutkowski1761]

Helpful information as I finish planning my garden.

[@litaanderson1589]

Hi Luke, the Newagyonite i thank you for your input about using organic pest control i have been gardening for a longtime when it comes to tomato hornworm as much as i love to

[@Jreichh]

Great gardening tips!

[@ThePerimeters]

Love this video. I decided this year to intercrop. I knew about tomatoes, basil, and marigold. But was wondering about beans. Which beans did you grow with your tomatoes? The cantaloupe with cucumber was a total surprise.

[@Serendipity1160]

Valuable information! Thanks for the post....I appreciate you!

[@goodmorningcharlie1243]

I really enjoyed your style of gardening it gave me hope that I may do something similar

[@jekusinatv6958]

I love gardening. This is very nice content. Thank you for sharing tjis

[@suzyqakers2418]

Great ideas for this year's garden Ty

[@besthobbit]

That shirt is absolutely amazing.

[@lydiamakedalerigab5126]

Thank you so much!!! I’m learning a lot!🙌🏽🙌🏽✨✨😁

[@rickytorres9089]

Very interesting to intensifies the scents by using other plants in the area. Even if they are not DIRECTLY inter-cropped right after each other.

[@audiowavezofficial5910]

bro, you just saved my carrots and lettuce! what a legend

[@Ginger_McElfresh_Art]

Great info!!!!I am going to try this! Thanks!

[@danielaaidariveraaguirre5116]

Love your tshirt! Where can I buy one?

[@antoinettegainous4883]

Excellent video. Thanks.

[@natedizzy]

Very helpful video, thanks

[@melissabattiato232]

Super helpful, thank you. Taking notes for next year 😉 📝

[@ldg2655]

This came at a perfect time for me…. I just put out my carrots and was wondering where to put my onion seedlings…👍

[@t.m.button7229]

I enjoy your videos thank you so very much

[@michelecox5241]

Very good information and I agree. Good stuff.

[@nancyk7954]

I kept hanging on waiting for you to say "turnips". I had to leave the site and research. Please add turnips to your cold weather list of vegetables one can plant before the last frost. I live in Michigan (Kalamazoo), I'm new to gardening. I've already planted my lettuce, onions, snow peas, and radishes, the one veggie that is popping out of the ground with a vigor are those turnips. Loved the suggestions for corp aromatics and inter cropping.

[@kele1264]

CONGRATS ON 800K!!! Woo-hoo!!! 🎉 🎊 🥳 👏

[@smithy4121]

Thank you for your video I found it very interesting. I'd love some advice please on what to grow with French beans to deter black fly. I'm in the UK, I haven't grown much until last year but I have often grown tomato plants and every single time they have been attacked by greenfly or aphids except last year. Last year funnily enough I did some research on companion planting and while I didn't do it with everything I grew French marigolds and basil with my tomatoes I literally planted a marigold in front of every single tomato plant and basil in between some of them. The ones where I planted both never had any issues with pests at all and the ones where I planted just the marigolds with the tomatoes I had something on them in the first few weeks while the marigolds were getting established which I spayed with a mixture of water oil and eco washing up liquid but then nothing at all again. I also planted carrots and leeks together for the same reason you mention bunching onions and carrots. Unfortunately they weren't as successful due to the area I planted them being too shaded so the leeks didn't do very well and the carrots were only small however very few carrots were attacked and I had them uncovered for months. Thanks again I often watch your videos but I'd missed this one

[@petrag.4092]

Thank you for sharing!! 🙏🥬🪴

[@raptureangel5409]

Thank you for the advice!

[@svilponis]

Potatoes can be easily intercropped with broadbeans. This combination works well at least in the nordic countries, where these crops have similar planting and harvesting time. I usually don't increase distance between seed potatoes when planting onto the field, where I plan to use intercropping with broadbean. And sow 1 broadbean inbetween each pair of potatoes. The potato harvest per square metre will be maybe slightly smaller compared to pure potato field, but I'll get loads of broadbeans from the same area and broadbeans seem to have less pest damage than when planted into pure broadbean field.

[@verngib9041]

Have you tried any other beans using this method? I will be trying beans and potatoes this year. Excited to try these methods.

[@svilponis]

@@verngib9041 I haven't tried other beans, as they are not as hardy as broadbeans and I can't plant them together with potatoes. I sow green beans usually at least 3 weeks later than potatoes. And Borlotti beans and Lima beans at least 4 weeks later.

[@fancythat5136]

@@verngib9041 Hi, I just read your comment and I was thinking the same thing. I found a Bush Bean I really liked last year called Provider Bean from True Leaf Market. They are an early Bush, stringless, 55 days. I’m going to plant them around the spuds to see what happens. Happy Gardening!

[@erinmckim2267]

I planted tomatoe plans next to butternut squash and had no bugs all season

[@earthisflat]

Just harvested my first watermelon yesterday in zone 5 and surprisingly it grew and ripened in only about 3 months( it's super sweet and juicy) only problem is now I got another one on the way that I just noticed a week ago lol hopefully the weather holds out long enough for my to harvest it lol

[@jmas2312]

Yeah. Those little melons will sneak up on ya won't they. Good Luck.

[@xyzsame4081]

that's a good problem to have ;) Maybe you could opt for smaller melons. If the season is wet it will be enough for the smaller fruits and if it is wamr you get 2 harvests. I know that there are Canteloupe varieties that are smaller, so either they are ready earlier or they are also a god fit if the cooler areas.

[@GardeningwithBarchuckin]

I had five cabbages and four of the five were completely destroyed. Like you said just the veins of the leaves were left 🤦‍♂️I guess I will try this next year. Thanks

[@robinhazeslip1800]

Very informative! Thnk u for sharing!

[@exterminate1411]

Best garden channel:)

[@haleylehman2185]

So helpful! Thank you!

[@Sandra-nx3pl]

Thank you for the tip like always very good video.

[@bonniehoke-scedrov4906]

Fantastic content! Thanks!

[@mariannatodd7010]

Thanks for the very informative and pithy video!

[@ellensedge1898]

great info!!! thanks!!

[@KeikoBushnell]

Feel like throwing an invasive herb seeds and planting onions everywhere around your garden would be a good idea

[@Ladythyme]

Great info! Thank you!

[@bertspangenthal499]

Very useful information!

[@elizabethmorre8567]

I grow peanuts and sweet potatoes at the same space, kind of anticipating what harvest look like😊

[@freddieivory625]

Great info thank you for sharing

[@wandasinger7713]

Great video Thanks. I grow in containers only. Should I grow my herbs in the same containers or in a separate container next to them? Thank you for your knowledge. Blessings abound

[@kennethcole8370]

Congrats on 800,000!

[@smhollanshead]

In my community garden, I have tomato blight and potato blight. Over the years I’ve noticed my peppers and sweet potatoes are immune from the blight. This year a volunteer potato plant grew in my pepper patch. The potato was blight free. I also noticed a tomato plant in with my sweet potatoes was blight free. I believe this potato plant and this tomato plant received a benefit from interplanting. I now believe the blight is due to an insect. To confuse the insects, I liked your idea of using herbs. I call interplanting plant camouflage. To fight the blight, I’m thinking about interplanting sweet potatoes with my potatoes. I’m thinking about interplanting peppers and tomatoes. I’m think about interplanting peppers with potatoes. I’m thinking about interplanting bok choy, a chinese cabbage, with herbs, tomatoes with herbs, and potatoes with herbs. (I know you are aware that bok choy is a Chinese cabbage. I added this information for any new gardeners.) I’ve had no luck with cucumbers. Perhaps if I interplanted my cucumbers with pole beans I might have greater success. Interplanting camouflage may be a remedy for many of my garden problems. Thanks for your ideas and your video.

[@thebiologuy2543]

I alternate peppers and tomatoes and the blight just skips over the peppers and only ruins the tomatoes.

[@chronos401]

Blight is caused by a fungal infection not insects. It's a totally different problem with a different solution. If I remember correctly, Luke created at least one video addressing this issue. If not, just do a search for those who have.

[@jmas2312]

Not bad. I always inter-mix my tomatos and peppers and marigolds. I have very few problems with the tomatos. However, that freaking napa cabbage is gonna be the death of me. EVERYTHING gets cabbage out of my garden, from caterpillars, slugs to bunnies, except me. 😕 Oh well, at least the bunnies eat well.

[@smhollanshead]

@@chronos401 thank you for your feedback. I had my best garden results last year by intercropping my tomatoes with pole beans and bush beans. In my garden, the blight is deterred, if not prevented, by intercropping. While I have not been able to identify the pest that is causing the blight problem, I have been able to identify the remedy. While I remain open to the cause of the problem, an insect continues to be my best guess. I also see causation with 75 degree lows at night with high humidity. When the summer nights reach these temperatures, the blight explodes in the garden. Again, all of these factors point to an insect, not mold or fungus.

[@yoily2]

Hi Luke. For us new gardeners we would like a little more detail to understand the differences between intercropping and companion planning. Does it matter how far apart they are? Is planting 2 or more plants in 1 4x12' bed considered intercropping? If there is a plant like the radish you showed, how far away would be considered normal planting? Thank you for all your videos they are a great help...

[@annaraven]

Agree that closed captions/subtitles would be great. Good info. Thanks.

[@skatingcanuck9837]

Could you please do a video on high intensity gardening using grow bags? I don't have a backyard. My entire garden is made of grow bags. I want maximize my grow bag space.

[@TheSunRiseKid]

I absolutely love the pineapple sage! I am in Wisconsin so it doesn’t flower here unless I bring it indoors!

[@ST-tv4wt]

I was impressed at how big his pineapple sage is! Wondering if he takes it inside in the winter. I don’t think it can be a perineal in Michigan but if it can I sure want to try!

[@halo368]

This dude knows his stuff!

[@JohnHenrySheridan]

Love it!

[@bcjet86]

good vids bro keep em coming

[@michaelmarchione3408]

Great info I did not know.

[@Akasha303]

great video!

[@dianebateman6808]

great info!!

[@suegendron2260]

I'm curious as to the pest-preventative benefits of intercropping. Especially the brassicas - and I have read that marigolds are used for this purpose as well. Do you ever use marigolds, and/or do you feel herbs are more effective for pest control?