Creating a companion planting chart for outdoor plant boxes is a fantastic way to enhance your garden's productivity and health. Companion planting involves grouping plants that benefit each other by improving growth, repelling pests, or optimizing space. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting your own chart:

1. Research Plant Compatibility: Start by identifying which plants thrive together. For example, tomatoes pair well with basil and marigolds, while beans grow excellently near corn and squash.

2. Sketch Your Plant Box Layout: Draw a simple diagram of your plant box, marking sections for each plant group. Consider sunlight exposure and spacing requirements.

3. Assign Plants Based on Benefits: Place pest-repellent plants like garlic or nasturtiums near vulnerable crops. Tall plants (e.g., sunflowers) can provide shade for delicate greens.

4. Rotate Crops Seasonally: Update your chart to reflect seasonal changes, ensuring soil nutrients are balanced and pests don’t settle.

5. Test and Adjust: Observe your garden’s performance and tweak the chart as needed.

By following these steps, you’ll create a thriving, eco-friendly garden with minimal pests and maximum yield!