Companion Plants.
Plants, like people, sometimes do better when close to others that nurture and support them. The classic example of such a beneficial relationship is the Three Sisters--corn, beans, and squash--grown together by Native Americans. The corn plant shoots up and provides a trellis for beans to climb, while the squash spreads out at the base, its huge leaves blocking weed growth and keeping moisture in the soil.
While some plants promote growth, others may inhibit it. Invasive garden plants crowd out and may even smother those around them. Rosemary and mint are notorious for taking over gardens.
But more often in the edible garden, companion plants are used to repel or distract destructive insects and mammals.
http://www.permaculturenews.org/resources_files/Poster_GDN_Com_Plant.pdf
While some plants promote growth, others may inhibit it. Invasive garden plants crowd out and may even smother those around them. Rosemary and mint are notorious for taking over gardens.
But more often in the edible garden, companion plants are used to repel or distract destructive insects and mammals.
http://www.permaculturenews.org/resources_files/Poster_GDN_Com_Plant.pdf