Vertically grown vining crops can be positioned closer together than if allowed to sprawl. Place tall and trellised crops on the north side of the garden to avoid shading other crops. Plants tolerant of shade, like lettuce and other greens, can be grown on the north side of these tall crops to take advantage of shade provided during the hottest part of the summer. Interplanting involves growing two different vegetables in an area at the same time. This method of planting is another way to save space.
Some gardeners believe that certain plants perform better when grown together.
However, no proven beneficial relationship of this type of interplanting, called companion planting, has been demonstrated under research conditions. Interplanting flowers and herbs among vegetables can add interest to a backyard vegetable garden that often looks too plain. Furthermore, the planting of flowers and herbs in the vegetable garden may attract beneficial insects that will help control pests. To successfully interplant, consider plants with similar nutrient and moisture requirements. A common example is to plant radish and carrot seeds at the same time.