Spring is in the air and thoughts are turning to outdoor activities and that includes gardening.

As you begin to plan your garden, consider companion plantings. Just as friendships can make us happier and healthier, growing your plants with good companions can benefit their health and growth.

Many plants help each other grow by providing insect control, enhancing flavor and controlling disease.

This diversity will also limit crop-damaging pests from spreading to your entire garden.

However, it is important to know which plants are compatible. Some plants will cause damage or impede growth of their neighbors.

Many flowers repel insects and should be planted with vegetables. Marigolds release thiophene, a nematode repellent that will protect vegetables, roses, and strawberries.

Nasturtiums repel cucumber beetles, aphids and white flies. They should be planted near cabbage, squash, zucchini, and fruit trees. Petunias will keep squash potato and bean beetles away.

The strongly scented leaves of the geranium repel white flies and cabbage butterflies while the leaves of the white geranium are potent to Japanese beetles.

Lavender attracts bees and butterflies that pollinate other flowers in your garden while repelling moths, silverfish, mosquitoes and ants. Rabbits and mice dislike this strongly scented plant.

Roses produce a stronger scent when they are planted near onions or chop some onions with the peels and gently work them into the soil.

Besides being useful for seasoning our food, herbs are also great companions. Basil repels white flies; it also helps tomatoes grow larger and with more flavor. Basil should not be planted near berries since it is thought to diminish fruiting.

A bay plant repels grubs and caterpillars. Dill attracts bees to pollinate nearby plants and it also repels the white cabbage butterfly and should be planted near cabbage.

Dill is also said to improve the flavor of many vegetables and should be planted near corn, lettuce, carrots, tomatoes and cucumbers.

Mint is a great companion for cabbage and tomatoes since it also repels white flies, aphids and white cabbage butterfly.

Mint attracts beneficial insects to your garden such as wasps and hoverflies which are predators to many insect pests.

Mint is a fast grower and can spread quickly so keep it controlled by planting it in a container.

Asparagus and tomatoes grow well together. After harvesting asparagus in the spring, plant tomatoes, parsley and basil between the rows. I tried this and found that it worked well.

Broccoli does well planted with dill, peppermint, sage and rosemary as they are great flavor enhancers.

Broccoli should not be planted near tomatoes, strawberries or climbing beans.

Farmers have been planting corn with cucumbers for many years. Raccoons do not like the smell or the prickly vines of cucumber plants and will stay away from the corn.

Potatoes are healthier planted with marigolds, lettuce, and peas. The nitrogen that is produced from the roots of the peas promotes healthy growth. Marigolds improve the flavor and control disease.

These are just a few plants that work well together and the list includes varieties that we all grow.

As you are drawing up plans for your vegetable garden, leave room for some herbs and flowers. Companion planting is a great way to reduce chemicals and add some beauty.

This column was submitted by Diane Walczak, a Penn State Master Gardener of Butler County.