Columnist Companion planting is a technique that utilizes attributes of one plant (such as an aromatic type plant) placed near another plant to bring a balance into the ecosystem of the garden. Companion plants are placed to help prevent pest problems by attracting beneficial insects or repelling insects from a particular crop. Getty Images Things that are closely connected, or accompany those in similar categories describe the term “companion.” In the plant world, companion planting is a technique that utilizes attributes of one plant (such as an aromatic type plant) placed near another plant to bring a balance into the ecosystem of the garden. Companion plants are placed to help prevent pest problems by attracting beneficial insects or repelling insects from a particular crop. For example, marigolds may be planted to deter root nematodes; nasturtiums attract aphids away from edible plants. Companion planting can also help make the most of garden space – plant carrots, onions and lettuce together for instance. The concept has longevity although there are few scientific studies to support the technique. Companion planting is tied to organic gardening, and is documented anecdotally or according to gardener’s experience. In making plans for vegetable gardens, companion planting is a technique to consider.