Summer heatwaves don’t have to spell disaster for your vegetable garden. Companion planting is a smart way to help your plants thrive, even under scorching conditions.
In an article published on Health For Mzansi, Hamond Motsi, a PhD candidate at Stellenbosch University, shares why companion planting is like multi-cropping.
“If you have a companion plant with a higher canopy, it can help shield another plant from direct heat,” he says.
Pairing plants with different root depths is equally crucial, as deeper-rooted plants can access water unavailable to shallow-rooted neighbours. Examples include maize grown alongside pumpkins, butternuts, and African cucumbers – traditional combinations that excel in extreme heat.
Nature’s shield against heatwaves
Farmers in the Eastern Cape’s Imvotho Bubomi Learning Network highlight the role of heat-tolerant crops and mulching in combating heatwaves.
“Sweet potato, pumpkin, and butternut are excellent for soil coverage and moisture retention,” they share. Mulching with materials like straw, cardboard, or even seashells helps cool the soil and prevents evaporation.
Participants in the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) South Africa stress the importance of diverse companion plants to deter pests and improve resilience.
“Nasturtiums, wild garlic, and marigolds are great for warding off pests, while trap plants like dandelions attract harmful insects away from crops,” they explain.
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Maximising shade and space
Intercropping, such as cultivating fast-growing lettuce with slower-growing tomatoes, provides additional shade and optimises space.
Ultimately, soil health underpins success. “The more organic matter in the soil, the better it can retain water,” believe PGS farmers.
Well-mulched soil promotes earthworm activity, improving water absorption and reducing runoff.
By blending tradition with innovation, companion planting equips farmers to beat the summer heat while ensuring sustainable crop growth.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE.
This article was first published on Health For Mzansi and written by Vateka Halile.
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