Plant Guilds & Companion Systems

Time-tested companion planting systems that work together to create productive, self-sustaining garden ecosystems. Learn from ancient wisdom and modern permaculture.

What Are Plant Guilds?

Plant guilds are carefully designed communities of plants that support each other's growth and health. Unlike monoculture gardens, guilds mimic natural ecosystems where different species work together for mutual benefit.

🌱

Mutual Support

Plants provide nutrients, shade, support, or pest protection for their companions.

πŸ›‘οΈ

Natural Protection

Diverse plantings confuse pests and attract beneficial insects.

πŸ“ˆ

Higher Yields

Guilds often produce more food per square foot than single crops.

Explore Plant Guilds

Three Sisters Guild

beginner

An ancient Native American companion planting system combining corn, beans, and squash for mutual benefit and maximum yield.

3 companion plants
Zones 3-9
Minimum 4x4 feet per mound

Key Benefits:

Maximizes space through vertical growing
Provides complete protein when eaten together
Improves soil fertility naturally
+2 more
πŸŒ½πŸ«˜πŸŽƒ
Corn β€’Beans (Pole) β€’Winter Squash

Mediterranean Tomato Guild

beginner

A classic companion planting combination that enhances flavor, repels pests, and creates a productive mini-ecosystem.

6 companion plants
Zones 3-10
4x8 foot bed accommodates 6-8 tomato plants with companions

Key Benefits:

Natural pest deterrence
Improved pollination
Enhanced flavor in tomatoes and basil
+2 more
πŸ…πŸŒΏπŸŒ»
Tomatoes β€’Basil β€’Marigolds β€’Nasturtiums β€’Carrots β€’Chives

Perennial Food Forest Guild

advanced

A diverse, self-sustaining ecosystem that mimics natural forest layers to produce food with minimal maintenance.

6 companion plants
Zones 4-8
Minimum 15x15 feet for small tree guild

Key Benefits:

Long-term food production
Builds soil fertility naturally
Creates wildlife habitat
+2 more
πŸŒ³πŸ«πŸ“
Fruit Tree (Apple/Pear) β€’Berry Bushes β€’Comfrey β€’Chives β€’Strawberries β€’Clover

Salad Garden Guild

beginner

A cool-season guild designed for continuous salad harvests with complementary plants that deter pests and improve flavor.

6 companion plants
Zones 2-9
4x4 foot bed provides salads for 2-4 people

Key Benefits:

Quick harvests in 30-60 days
Natural pest deterrence
Succession planting opportunities
+2 more
πŸ₯¬πŸ₯—πŸŒΈ
Lettuce β€’Spinach β€’Radishes β€’Chives β€’Calendula β€’Arugula

Herb Spiral Guild

intermediate

A permaculture design that creates multiple microclimates in a small space, perfect for growing diverse herbs with different needs.

8 companion plants
Zones 3-10
6x6 foot area including path access

Key Benefits:

Multiple microclimates in minimal space
Excellent drainage for Mediterranean herbs
Easy harvesting access
+2 more
πŸŒΏπŸŒ€πŸŒ±
Rosemary β€’Thyme β€’Sage β€’Oregano β€’Parsley β€’Cilantro β€’Mint β€’Chives

Guild Implementation Path

1

Start with
Beginner Guilds

2

Master the
Basics

3

Expand to
Complex Guilds

4

Design Your
Own Guilds

Ready to Build Your First Guild?

Start with the Three Sisters guild - it's beginner-friendly, highly productive, and teaches fundamental companion planting principles.

Start with Three Sisters