Shiso Companion Planting: The Ultimate Guide

Shiso Companion Planting: The Ultimate Guide

Shiso, also known as perilla, is a member of the mint family that is native to East Asia. It is a versatile herb that can be used in both culinary and medicinal applications. Shiso has a distinctive flavor that is often described as a combination of mint, basil, and citrus. It is also a natural insect repellent, making it a good choice for companion planting.

In this guide, we will discuss the benefits of companion planting with shiso. We will also provide a list of companion plants that are compatible with shiso, as well as a list of plants that should be avoided.

Benefits of Companion Planting with Shiso

There are many benefits to companion planting with shiso. Some of the key benefits include:

• Attracts pollinators: Shiso flowers are highly attractive to pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. This can help to improve the pollination of other plants in your garden, which can lead to increased yields.
• Repels pests: Shiso has insect-repelling properties, making it a good choice for deterring pests such as aphids, mosquitoes, and cabbage moths.
• Improves soil health: Shiso can help to improve the soil health in your garden by adding nitrogen and other nutrients. It can also help to suppress weeds and improve drainage.
• Increases diversity: Companion planting with shiso can help to increase the diversity of plants in your garden. This can help to create a more balanced and resilient ecosystem.

Compatible Companion Plants

The following are some of the plants that are compatible with shiso:

• Tomatoes: Shiso and tomatoes are a classic companion plant combination. Shiso can help to repel tomato pests, such as hornworms and whiteflies.
• Carrots: Shiso can help to improve the flavor of carrots. It can also help to repel carrot flies.
• Broccoli: Shiso can help to repel broccoli aphids.
• Peas: Shiso can help to improve the growth of peas. It can also help to repel pea moths.
• Lettuce: Shiso can help to repel lettuce pests, such as slugs and snails.
• Basil: Basil and shiso are both members of the mint family, so they can benefit from being planted together. They can help to repel each other's pests and improve each other's flavor.
• Kale: Shiso can help to repel cabbage moths, which are a common pest of kale.
• Cucumbers: Shiso can help to repel cucumber beetles, which are another common pest of cucumbers.

Incompatible Companion Plants

The following are some of the plants that should be avoided when companion planting with shiso:

• Potatoes: Shiso can stunt the growth of potatoes.
• Cabbage: Shiso can attract cabbage moths, which are a common pest of cabbage.
• Eggplant: Shiso can attract flea beetles, which are a common pest of eggplant.
• Melons: Shiso can attract cucumber beetles, which are a common pest of melons.

Conclusion

Shiso is a versatile and beneficial herb that can be used in both culinary and medicinal applications. It is also a good choice for companion planting, as it can attract pollinators, repel pests, and improve soil health. When choosing companion plants for shiso, it is important to avoid plants that can stunt its growth or attract pests. By following these tips, you can create a thriving garden with shiso as a key player.

Shiso is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to stir-fries. It is also a popular companion plant, meaning that it can be grown near other plants to benefit both of them.

Some of the best companion plants for shiso include tomatoes, basil, and parsley. Tomatoes and shiso both attract pollinators, which can help to increase the yield of both plants. Basil and parsley help to deter pests, such as aphids and spider mites, which can damage shiso plants.

If you are interested in learning more about shiso companion planting, I recommend visiting Gardenia Inspiration. This website provides a wealth of information on the topic, including a list of recommended companion plants, as well as tips on how to plant and care for shiso plants.

FAQ of shiso companion planting

1. What are good companion plants for shiso?

Shiso is a relatively versatile plant that can be companion planted with a variety of other plants. Some good companion plants for shiso include:

* Tomatoes: Shiso can help to deter tomato hornworms and other pests.
* Cucumbers: Shiso can help to repel cucumber beetles.
* Beans: Shiso can help to attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and hoverflies.
* Lettuce: Shiso can help to improve the flavor of lettuce.
* Carrots: Shiso can help to repel carrot fly.

2. What are bad companion plants for shiso?

There are a few plants that should not be planted near shiso, as they can compete for nutrients or water, or attract pests. These plants include:

* Basil: Basil and shiso are both members of the mint family, and they can compete for resources.
* Eggplant: Eggplant can attract the same pests as shiso, such as tomato hornworms.
* Melons: Melons can attract cucumber beetles, which can also damage shiso plants.
* Radishes: Radishes can release chemicals that can stunt the growth of shiso plants.
* Potatoes: Potatoes can attract the same pests as shiso, such as potato beetles.

3. How far apart should shiso plants be planted?

Shiso plants should be spaced about 12-18 inches apart. This will give them enough room to grow and develop properly.

4. When should shiso plants be planted?

Shiso plants can be planted in the spring or fall. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

5. How do I care for shiso plants?

Shiso plants are relatively easy to care for. They need regular watering, especially during hot weather. They also benefit from being fertilized once a month with a balanced fertilizer.

Image of shiso companion planting

Here are 5 different images of "shiso companion planting" from Pinterest:

• Shiso and tomatoes. Shiso can help to deter pests from tomatoes, such as whiteflies and aphids.
• Shiso and cucumbers. Shiso can help to repel cucumber beetles, which can damage cucumbers.
• Shiso and beans. Shiso can help to attract pollinators, which are important for beans to set fruit.
• Shiso and basil. Shiso and basil are both herbs that can be grown together in the same garden. They can help to improve each other's flavor.
• Shiso and lettuce. Shiso and lettuce are both cool-season crops that can be planted together in the spring or fall.