Best Companion Planting for Jocondo Smart Garden: Summer Sowing & Tips

Maximize your Jocondo balcony garden's yield! Discover ideal companion planting for 40x60 cm this summer with our smart gardening guide.

• Space Optimization: It allows you to grow more varieties in a limited area, increasing horticultural production.
• Pest Repulsion: Some plants emit substances that deter harmful insects, reducing the need for treatments.
• Pollinator Attraction: Other plants attract beneficial insects, crucial for fruiting.
• Soil Improvement: Certain species enrich the soil with specific nutrients (e.g., legumes fix nitrogen).
• Efficient Light Utilization: Plants of different heights and shapes can share sunlight more efficiently.

1. Dwarf/Determinate Cherry Tomatoes + Basil:
   • Why: Basil is a classic companion for tomatoes; it enhances their flavor and seems to deter whiteflies and mosquitoes. Dwarf cherry tomatoes or determinate varieties are perfect for small spaces and produce delicious fruits.
   • Growth Time: Cherry tomatoes about 60-80 days from seedling for first fruits; Basil continuous harvest in 30-40 days.
   • How many in 40x60 cm: 1 tomato plant (in the center or at one end) with 2-3 basil plants around it.
2. Cut-and-Come-Again Lettuce + Radishes + Dwarf Carrots:
   • Why: Radishes grow very quickly (freeing up space), and cut-and-come-again lettuce can be harvested continuously. Dwarf carrots grow deep without disturbing the shallow roots of others. This combination utilizes different soil layers.
   • Growth Time: Radishes 25-30 days; Lettuce 30-40 days (harvest outer leaves); Dwarf Carrots 60-70 days.
   • How many in 40x60 cm: Sow in zones. One row of radishes, one of lettuce, and an area for carrots. You can do multiple cycles of radishes and lettuce.
3. Spinach + Garlic (bulbs for planting) / Chives:
   • Why: Spinach benefits from partial shade and grows quickly. Garlic and chives are known for their repellent properties against aphids and other common pests.
   • Growth Time: Spinach 30-45 days; Garlic (green leaf harvest) 30-40 days.
   • How many in 40x60 cm: One zone for spinach, and a small area for 2-3 garlic bulbs or a clump of chives.
4. Dwarf Chili Pepper + Marigolds:
   • Why: Marigolds are beautiful flowers that attract pollinators and can deter nematodes and other soil pests, protecting the dwarf chili pepper. Chili peppers love summer heat.
   • Growth Time: Chili pepper about 90-120 days from seedling for fruits; Marigolds continuous flowering.
   • How many in 40x60 cm: 1 chili pepper plant and 1-2 marigold plants.

• Space Planning: Even with Jocondo, it's essential to visualize where plants will go. Taller ones in the center or back (if against a wall), shorter and wider ones at the edges.
• Miniature Crop Rotation: When one harvest cycle ends (e.g., radishes), don't leave the space empty! Reseed with another companion plant or the same species for a new cycle, to maximize continuous production.
• Jocondo Monitoring: Even though Jocondo handles the essentials, always keep an eye on your plants. Check their growth, any signs of stress or pests, and ensure sensors are working correctly.
• Soil Quality: Use a high-quality, light, and well-draining potting mix. Jocondo will optimize water and nutrient delivery, but the foundation must be excellent.
• Frequent Harvesting: Harvest your vegetables regularly. This encourages the plant to produce more and extends the productive life of your smart garden.