To take your garden from existing to thriving, you'll want to consider companion planting. These are plant pairings that have a symbiotic relationship in some way, helping the other one grow successfully. Good pairings include plants with shared water and light preferences, pest control, and space efficiency. Bad pairings can happen, too. This often comes down to plants that have contrasting growth and care needs, or plants that attract pests or release growth-inhibiting chemicals. Here's what to know about the best companion plants for your herbs specifically. Meet the Expert Mary Jane Duford is a certified master gardener and founder of the website Home for the Harvest. Basil and Tomatoes Basil and tomatoes may be a dreamy combination on the plate, but they also make the best of friends in the garden. For starters, the scent of basil keeps hornworms away from tomato plants and tomatoes can offer shade for basil plants while they're leafy. Master gardener Mary Jane Duford notes that other great companion plants for basil include chives (and other onion family plants) and oregano, both of which can keep pests at bay. In terms of similar care needs, cilantro ticks the boxes. "Cilantro has similar soil and moisture preferences, and basil can take the spot of cilantro in the garden when cilantro bolts as temperatures warm in the summer," Duford says. As for plants to avoid, Duford says to skip planting dill and mint near basil as they can be competitive growers. Sage also isn't a great choice as it needs drier soil. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! Rosemary and Sage When you're looking for garden bed pals for rosemary, consider sage, or make it a trio and throw lavender into the mix, too. All together they can thrive in dry, well-drained soil and won't get too competitive, Duford says. Outside of these two plants, think about adding thyme to keep weeds away and monitor soil moisture. For pest control, Duford says that rosemary and carrots or cabbage family plants will ward off pests for one another, such as moths and carrot flies. There are also some plants to avoid planting nearby rosemary. Basil is one as their moisture needs don't align, but mint could be even worse. "Mint spreads aggressively and can compete with rosemary’s shallow root system," says Duford, adding that "fennel can inhibit rosemary’s growth through chemical interactions in the soil." Thyme and Lavender Lavender, rosemary, and sage are wonderful companions for thyme as they all do best in the same dry, well-drained soil and get pollinators to head their way, according to Duford. Another plant to consider is chamomile, which has the potential to boost the essential oils in thyme, giving it a stronger aroma and helping it grow. Thyme also excels at keeping pests away from the likes of broccoli, kohlrabi, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. Strawberries will experience the same perks as thyme will bring pollinators along and mask the scent of the fruit. Try passing on basil and cilantro, at least in the same area as thyme since they require much more water in their soil. Mint is also too aggressive for thyme. Dill and Onions Keep annoying pests from attacking your dill plants by planting onions within their vicinity. These and other onion family plants produce a scent that mites and aphids dislike, allowing your dill to stay intact. Dill can also provide the same pest-warding properties for a variety of other plants. Brassicas like kale, broccoli, and cabbage can resist cabbage moths and various other pests when they're planted next to dill, says Duford. When you're considering the types of plants to steer clear of, you'll want to keep tomatoes and fennel away from dill. "Tomatoes can be stunted by mature dill plants due to root competition and potential negative chemical interaction," says Duford. "Fennel and dill negatively affect each other’s growth when planted too close together." Parsley and Carrots Cilantro works well with parsley and has similar needs and habits, but it's not the only one. "Carrots grow well with parsley, as they share similar needs and aren’t overly competitive with one another," says Duford. When it comes to pest repellent properties, lean on chives and onions to keep aphids and other bugs from munching on your parsley. Options that won't benefit parsley's growth include mint, which Duford notes will overpower the plant. Lettuce is a no-go as well due to root competition, since parsley's taproot is much longer.

Wonderful' is one of the most popular pomegranate varieties, known for its resilience and large fruits. Gardening expert Madison Moulton explains how to plant and care for this impressive fruit tree. When you’re looking for pomegranates to plant in your garden, ‘Wonderful’ is bound to pop up a few times. This popular variety is one of the most widely grown in home gardens, with a high yield and wonderfully sweet fruits. But the fruits aren’t the only benefit. Pomegranate trees are also great ornamental plants, ideal for growing in the ground or in containers. And their resilience and adaptability means even beginners won’t have trouble growing these trees. Follow these steps to plant and care for the popular ‘Wonderful’ pomegranate in your garden. What Is It? ‘Wonderful’ is one of the most widely grown pomegranates for home gardens, and it’s easy to see why. These trees are tough and resilient, adapting to harsh environments where other fruit trees may struggle. ‘Wonderful’ is a prolific producer of large fruits, but also comes with tons of ornamental value – truly the full package. ‘Wonderful’, like other pomegranates, is usually grown as a shrub, perfect for borders, hedging, or espalier. However, its versatility means it can be shaped into a small tree, generally reaching heights of 6 to 20 feet. Its interesting bark, glossy leaves, and structural shape mean it will stand out, no matter where it’s planted. This variety thrives in warm climates and demonstrates drought tolerance once established. It’s not ideal for gardeners in cooler regions (USDA Zones 6 or below) but will thrive in hot summers and sandy soil. Whether you’re growing them for their health benefits or year-round visual interest, the ‘Wonderful’ pomegranate will not disappoint. Planting Once you’ve purchased a ‘Wonderful’ pomegranate tree, it’s time to get planting. Choosing the right location is key to a successful harvest, so it’s vital to plant in a prime spot that matches their native habitats as closely as possible. This variety, while hardy, will produce more prolifically when given the proper foundation. Choose a sunny spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, preferably more. If the summer sun is quite intense, pick a location that provides some light afternoon shade to avoid scalding that can impact production. The site should also be well-draining in any area where water does not pool after rain, as this can lead to rot. Spring is the best time for planting, allowing the pomegranate to establish its roots before the heat of summer kicks in. Ensure the threat of frost has passed in cooler zones before getting your tree in the ground. You may want to allow it to acclimate to your garden environment for a couple of days before planting to prevent shock. When you’re ready to plant, prepare a hole a little wider than the container the tree came in. Gently remove it from its container and lightly tease the roots if they are circling around each other. Place the tree in the hole, ensuring it sits at the same depth it did in its container. Fill the hole with the soil, firming it around the base of the tree to eliminate air pockets. After planting, water the tree deeply to settle the soil around the roots and avoid transplant shock. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree, keeping the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent moisture retention, which can lead to fungal disease. Planting in Containers For those who don’t have the space to plant in the ground, live in colder climates, or want to keep the pomegranate tree compact, try growing in containers. The plants won’t grow as large as they would when left to spread, but you can still harvest plenty of fruits and save space at the same time. Select a pot large enough to accommodate the tree’s root system (start with one a few inches wider and deeper than the container or bag the tree is currently in). The pot should also have drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess moisture to leave the pot. Use a high-quality potting mix, preferably one formulated for fruit trees. As when choosing a container, drainage should be a primary consideration. If the mix is a little too dense, add some extra perlite or sand to recreate the soil conditions the trees are accustomed to. Test the drainage of the mix before you plant—you don’t want to have to repot any time soon. Remove the pomegranate tree from its current home, gently loosening any tightly bound roots at the base to encourage them to grow outwards. Place it in the container, ensuring it sits at the same level it did in its original container. Fill the gaps around the tree with potting mix, gently firming down to eliminate air pockets. After planting, water thoroughly and deeply. Place the container in a location in a sunny spot, like a south-facing patio or balcony. Check the soil’s moisture level often, watering when the top few inches feel dry. How To Grow Pomegranates are easygoing trees. Follow these care guidelines to keep them happy and productive season after season.

Wondering what all the fuss is about heirloom tomatoes? There’s something special about their flavor, distinct shapes, and colors, but there’s also a history that doesn’t compare to hybrids on the market. In this article, organic farmer Jenna Rich shares why heirloom tomatoes have sentimental value to families across the globe and how best to plant, grow, and care for them. I’ll be the first to tell you how much I love hybrid tomatoes, created in labs to help growers produce these delicious fruits in an ever-changing climate, fight disease, and ward off pests. However, I’m also a sucker for the old-timey look and flavor of heirloom tomatoes. Nothing compares to these beauties on a Caprese salad with basil fresh from the garden and local mozzarella cheese. But what makes them so different, and why do some growers consider them special and valuable? This article will explore all of that. Let’s discuss how to plant, grow, and care for heirloom tomatoes. What is a Heirloom Tomato? Experts have defined heirloom tomato varieties by production, age, and tradition. They are not hybrids and are open-pollinated, meaning you can plant a seed from the mother plant, resulting in a clone. Experts have differing opinions on how old a seed must be before receiving heirloom classification, ranging from 25 years to pre-WWII. Heirloom seeds were passed down family lines for over a hundred years. Individuals have reported family members taking heirloom tomato seeds with them as they fled their countries years ago, passing down seeds each generation. Heirloom tomatoes offer unique marbling, both externally and internally. Shapes, colors, and sizes differ across varieties and are typically inconsistent throughout the growing season or year to year. They may look a little different each time they’re grown and have a shorter shelf-life, which is why they’re not usually found in grocery stores. They are typically sweeter and contain fewer seeds than hybrids. What’s So Special About Heirloom Tomatoes? While some of us have only ever experienced classic, red, round tomatoes from the grocery store, past generations experienced bold flavors, exciting colors and textures, and unique family stories from their garden crops. We adore heirloom tomatoes for their unique flavors, funky shapes, and, most importantly, the extraordinary familial stories you can’t find at the grocery store—the ‘Amish Paste’ plum tomato dates back to the 1870s, originating from Wisconsinite Amish farmers. And ‘Mexico Midget,’ whose seeds we believe to be collected from wild tomato plants in Mexico by a truck driver headed to California. Each heirloom tomato seed has an equally fun and exciting story attached to it. How to Grow Let’s discuss the basics and a few differences to help you produce the best heirlooms this season. Planting Plant your tomatoes out after the risk of frost has passed or into a protected space with optional covering if needed. Spacing will depend on the variety, growing zone, and setup.