Raised beds make gardening wonderfully manageable. The soil warms quickly in spring, drainage is improved and the height of the beds makes tending and picking a breeze. Planting looks neat, contained and productive. But compatibility matters in a raised bed where roots are competing for nutrients and water in a limited volume of soil. The wrong choice of plants can lead to stressed plants, poor growth and ultimately a disappointing yield.
Companion planting is often referred to in helpful terms, but it is equally important to understand which plants should be kept apart. Some plants share pests and diseases, and in a container or raised bed, infestation could spread quickly. There are even plants that release natural chemicals from their roots that can stunt the growth of nearby plants.
