Pole Beans and Beets
Beets can be grown throughout the U.S., and are a significant source of vitamins A and C. According the University of Illinois, recommended beet varieties for home gardens include the Sangria, which is dark red and globe-shaped, and the Sweetheart, which is very sweet. Beets grow successfully in warm weather, but are also slightly frost hardy. However, it’s not a good idea to grow beets with pole beans, since the two plants will retard each other’s growth. Pole beans can’t tolerate frost at all, and need soil with a pH of 6; it’s best to add nitrogen to the soil once the first pole beans begin to sprout.
Kohlrabi and Tomato
Kohlrabi is a member of the cabbage family and looks similar to a radish. The root vegetable grows in white and purple varieties; popular garden kohlrabi plants are the Early White Vienna, which takes about 55 days to harvest, and the Rapid, a purple kohlrabi that grows in 45 days. The vegetables should be planted in early spring, and need soil that is well moisturized. Tomatoes need well-watered soil as well, but can’t grow with kohlrabi, as the two plants with stunt one another’s growth; instead, an herb like basil is ideal, since it keeps flies and mosquitoes from damaging the tomatoes. Tomatoes are one of the most common home garden plants, and usually take between 50 and 70 days to mature. Tomatoes are a rich source of vitamins A and C, and contain lycopene, the red pigment in the vegetable that has been linked to cancer prevention, according the University of Missouri.
Dill and Carrots
Carrots are a biennial root vegetable that grows best in the cool seasons of the year; it is best to plant the vegetables in the early part of spring. The vegetables are high in sugar, but also have a high fiber content and are a rich source of vitamin A. Carrots need moist, warm soil to thrive, and the seeds should be planted between 1/2 and 1/4 of an inch into the ground. Herbs like chives are ideal for planting with carrots, as they improve the vegetable’s flavor. Dill, however, can’t be planted with carrots, since this herb retards the growth of the carrot root. Dill is actually in the carrot family and is an annual vegetable, but needs soil that is slightly acidic and well-drained for optimum growth.
Onion, Garlic, and Peas
Garlic and onions are both in the allium plant family, and can be grown in the same well-drained soil with organic matter. Both these vegetables are also frost tolerant, but will thrive well in warm temperatures as well. When onions and garlic are planted with peas, however, these allium vegetables stunt the growth of the peas. Peas are resistant to cold weather, but prefer dryer soil; ideally, peas should be planted in the home garden once the soil is at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The vegetables are a significant source of protein, as well as potassium and magnesium.
