Companion planting is a fantastic gardening technique that involves growing certain plants together to benefit each other. Here are some popular companion planting strategies:

1. **Tomatoes and Basil**: Basil repels pests like aphids and whiteflies, while enhancing the flavor of tomatoes.

2. **Carrots and Onions**: Onions deter carrot flies, and carrots help aerate the soil for onions.

3. **Corn, Beans, and Squash (Three Sisters)**: Corn provides a structure for beans to climb, beans fix nitrogen in the soil, and squash shades the ground to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

4. **Marigolds and Almost Anything**: Marigolds repel nematodes and other pests, making them great companions for many vegetables.

5. **Cucumbers and Nasturtiums**: Nasturtiums deter cucumber beetles and aphids, protecting your cucumbers.

6. **Lettuce and Tall Flowers (like Sunflowers)**: Tall flowers provide shade for lettuce, which prefers cooler conditions.

7. **Radishes and Spinach**: Radishes grow quickly and loosen the soil, benefiting slower-growing spinach.

These techniques not only improve plant health and yield but also create a more diverse and resilient garden ecosystem. Do you have a garden or are you planning one? 🌱

That’s great! For raised beds, make sure to use a good soil mix (compost, topsoil, organic matter), ensure plenty of sunlight, and water regularly. Mulching helps retain moisture, and crop rotation keeps the soil healthy.