– Christine Gelley, Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, OSU Extension Noble County
Basil seedling in the Gelley garden
Intercropping is a practice that has been used in many agricultural production systems to capitalize on growing space, reduce weed competition, and create a greater variety of crops available over a span of time. This can easily be accomplished in the home garden too. Essentially, you plant a late maturing, tall growing crop in rows and then seed quicker maturing and shade tolerant crops in the spaces between.
While sources vary greatly on recommendations for companion plantings, there is room for experimenting with low risk of actual damage if the interseeding fails. Much of the information shared about intercropping is based on individual experiences rather than scientific research. Seed like lettuce, spinach, carrots, radishes, and herbs are often successful and the seed is not very expensive or complicated to seed. Lightly rake the soil between rows of the primary crop and sprinkle the small seed evenly over the raked area. Gently water the seed into the soil and wait.
Arugula in the Gelley garden
Many people will worry as seeds begin to germinate on what seedlings are weeds and what are crops. There is no need to panic when the first seed leaves are emerging. Give the plants a little time to develop so you can look at the leaves and decide if they are friend or foe. You can weed at the same time you thin when plants are about three inches tall. In good conditions, you may have germination within 48 hours to a week.
Lettuce in the Gelley garden
The most popular plant grown in Ohio is tomatoes. Suggested crops to interseed between rows of tomatoes include carrots, basil, green onions, radishes, and lettuce. These crops will benefit fom the cooler growing temperatures beneath the main crop and can survive in partial shade. Given the speed of maturity, you may even be able to repeat the process two to three times in the time before you finish harvesting your crop of 2020 slicing tomatoes this fall.
Along with increasing yields per square foot, competition for weeds, and increased diversity, intercopping can also be beautiful. The additional colors, shapes, and textures add interest and eye appeal to the home garden.