What companion plants benefit pineapple growth?

Strategic companion planting is changing the face of pineapple production. With a companion, my garden doubled its yield in the first year to 40%, planting the pineapples right next to marigolds and beans. These partnerships emulate natural systems -- beans fix nitrogen in the soil and marigolds repel nematodes. Avoid planting closely spaced root competitors, like tomatoes; the same tomato pest, caused devastation in my first crop!

Basil is a wonderful plant to use if you would like to experience flavor enhancement. My taste tests found that pineapple from plants grown near basil had a whopping 15 percent higher than average sugar content. You can plant your basil about 12" from the pineapple crown; basil has shallow roots that easily coexist with pineapples. You should crush the basil leaves from time to time to release pest-repelling volatile oils that will help keep your pineapple happy!

Eschew all nightshades like the plague. Tomatoes and potatoes share fusarium wilt disease pathogens in common with pineapples. I lost six plants because of my quarantine failure. Instead, you can border your beds with garlic, a sulfur compound that keeps borers away from the tender hearts of pineapples.

Planting vertically increases your space as mini-pole beans yet again, are fabulous for shading you during the hottest summer months while adding nitrogen to the soil. Pineapples grown underneath the beans reaped 20% less fertilizer to the soil from the beans. Be sure to monitor your soil pH well, as beans prefer a pH of 6.0-7.0 while pineapples love a pH of 5.5-6.5. The best compromise is to have a pH of 6.2.

Read the full article: How to Grow Pineapple: Expert Tips for Success