Permaculture companion plants for Spinach

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Name	Data	Description	Actions
Apricot	USDA Hardiness zone 4-8 Life cycle Perennial Light requirement Full sun, Partial sun/shade Water requirement Moist Soil type Light (sandy), Medium Leaves Deciduous Height 9.0 Layer Trees Utility Animal feed, Attracts insects Edible true Edible parts Fruit, Seed Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prunus_armeniaca Growth Medium Family Rosaceae German name true Habitat true Edible uses Oil Plants For A Future https://pfaf.org/User/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Prunus armeniaca	The apricot is a tree native to China and Central Asia. It typically grows to be about 20-30 feet tall and has a spreading, round canopy. The leaves are oval-shaped and about 2-4 inches long, with a serrated edge and a glossy green surface. The flowers are white or pink and have five petals. The fruit is a drupe, similar in appearance to a peach, with a smooth, orange skin and a fleshy interior. Apricots are known for their sweet flavor and are often used in jams, jellies, and other preserves. The fruit can also be eaten fresh or dried. The seed, or pit, of the apricot contains a small amount of cyanide and should not be eaten. Apricots prefer a warm, sunny climate and well-draining soil. They are sensitive to frost and can be damaged by cold temperatures. To successfully grow apricots, they should be planted in an area with full sun exposure and watered regularly. Apricots have a number of uses beyond their delicious fruit. The wood of the tree is often used for smoking meats, and the leaves can be used as a natural insecticide. In traditional medicine, apricot oil has been used to treat a variety of ailments.	Show Edit
Broad Bean	USDA Hardiness zone 4-8 Life cycle Annual Light requirement Full sun, Partial sun/shade Water requirement Moist Soil type Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay) Height 1.0 Utility Nitrogen fixer Edible parts Leaves, Seed Propagation method Seed - direct sow, Seed - transplant When to plant (outdoors) 6 weeks after sowing them in pots When to plant (transplant) 6 weeks after sowing them in pots Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vicia_faba Growth Fast Alternate name fava bean, faba bean, Broad bean, or faba bean Varieties with smaller, harder seeds that are fed to horses or other animals are called field bean, tic bean or tick bean Horse bean Family Fabaceae or Leguminosae German name Ackerbohne Plants For A Future https://pfaf.org/User/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Vicia faba major Spacing 20cm Propagation - Direct sowing Feb-April; Oct-Nov Germination time 21 days Propagation - Transplanting sow in deep pots in cool, frost-free place Soil pH 6.0-6.8	Broad bean (Vicia faba), also known as fava bean or faba bean, is a type of legume that is native to North Africa and the Middle East. It is a popular garden plant, known for its edible beans and attractive purple or white flowers. Broad bean plants have a upright, bushy growth habit and can reach a height of up to 3 feet. The leaves are large and composed of three oval-shaped leaflets, and the flowers are small and clustered in groups of two or three. The beans are produced in long, slender pods that contain two or three beans each. To grow broad beans successfully, it is important to choose a location with well-drained, fertile soil and full sun. The plants should be spaced about 8-12 inches apart, and watered regularly to ensure that the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Broad beans are generally easy to grow and require little maintenance, but they can be susceptible to pests and diseases, such as aphids and fungal infections. Grows best in temperatures ranging from 60° to 65°F (15-18°C) but will tolerate a range from 40°F (4.4°C) - 75°F (24°C). Broad beans are edible, and the beans can be eaten fresh or frozen, canned or dried for storage. To harvest the beans, the pods should be picked when they are plump and before the beans inside begin to harden. The beans can be removed from the pods by gently squeezing them out. Fresh beans can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, while dried beans can be stored in an airtight container for several months. In addition to their culinary uses, broad beans also have a number of medicinal properties, and have been used to treat a variety of ailments, including asthma, bronchitis, and anemia. Broad beans are also a valuable food source for many types of wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals. The plants provide nectar for bees and other pollinators, and the beans are a popular food for many species of birds.	Show Edit
Sweet cherry	USDA Hardiness zone 3-7 Life cycle Perennial Light requirement Full sun, Partial sun/shade Water requirement Moist Soil type Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay) Leaves Deciduous Height 18.0 Layer Trees Utility Animal feed, Attracts insects, Hedgerow Edible true Edible parts Fruit, Seed Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prunus_avium Growth Fast Alternate name Sweet cherry Family Rosaceae German name Süßkirsche Habitat true Plants For A Future https://pfaf.org/User/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Prunus avium 1000 Seed Weight (g) 183	The sweet cherry, Prunus avium, is a fruit-bearing tree that is native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. It typically grows to a height of 15-30 feet, with a spread of 20-25 feet, and has a rounded crown. The leaves are oblong-shaped, with serrated edges and a glossy dark green color. The flowers are white or pale pink, with five petals, and appear in clusters in the spring before the leaves. The fruit, which is the sweet cherry, is a small, round drupe, with a smooth, dark red or black skin and a juicy, sweet flesh. In terms of growing conditions, the sweet cherry prefers well-drained, fertile soil and full sun exposure. It can be grown in a variety of climates, but may require protection from frost in harsh climates. To cultivate the sweet cherry successfully, a grower may need to prune the tree to maintain its shape, provide adequate water and fertilizer, and protect the tree from pests and diseases. The sweet cherry is edible and can be eaten fresh or used in a variety of culinary dishes. The fruit can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days or preserved by freezing or canning. The sweet cherry is also valued for its medicinal properties, as the fruit and leaves have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. In terms of its value for wildlife, the sweet cherry provides food for a variety of animals, including birds, squirrels, and other small mammals. It also provides shelter and habitat for these animals.	Show Edit
Sour cherry	Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prunus_cerasus Edible true Water requirement Moist Light requirement Full sun, Partial sun/shade USDA Hardiness zone 3-7 Layer Trees Soil type Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay) Family Rosaceae Height 6.0 German name Sauerkirsche Habitat true Edible uses Oil, tea Edible parts Fruit, Seed Utility Animal feed, Attracts insects, Hedgerow, Wind breaker Life cycle Perennial Leaves Deciduous Plants For A Future https://pfaf.org/User/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Prunus cerasus		Show Edit
Nectarine	USDA Hardiness zone 4-8 Life cycle Perennial Light requirement Full sun Water requirement Moist Soil type Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay) Leaves Deciduous Height 6.0 Layer Trees Utility Animal feed, Attracts insects, Hedgerow Edible True Edible parts Flowers, Fruit, Seed Family Rosaceae German name Nektarine Habitat True Edible uses Oil Plants For A Future https://pfaf.org/User/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Prunus persica nucipersica Dutch name Nectarine Danish name Nektarin	Nectarine (Prunus persica nucipersica) is a plant that is a type of stone fruit. It is native to China and is closely related to the peach. Nectarines are similar in appearance to peaches, but have smooth skin rather than fuzzy skin. They can range in size from small to large and are typically round or oval in shape. Nectarines have green or red leaves and white or pink flowers. The stems of the plant are generally thin and have thorns. Nectarines can grow to be quite large, reaching heights of up to 8 meters. They grow best in warm, sunny climates and well-drained soil. To cultivate nectarines successfully, a grower will need to provide the plant with plenty of sunlight and water. They may also need to prune the plant to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Nectarines are edible and the fruit can be eaten fresh or cooked. The edible parts of the fruit can be stored in a cool, dry place after harvest. Nectarines have several uses. In addition to being eaten fresh or cooked, they can also be used to make jams, jellies, and other preserves. They can also be dried and used as a snack. In addition to their culinary uses, nectarines have been used medicinally for their high vitamin and mineral content. They are also valued for their ability to attract wildlife, such as birds and bees, to the garden.	Show Edit
Peach	USDA Hardiness zone 5-9 Life cycle Perennial Light requirement Full sun Water requirement Moist Soil type Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay) Height 6 Layer Trees Edible true Edible parts Flowers, Fruit, Seed Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peach Growth Fast Alternate name Flowering peach, ornamental peach, common peach Family Rosaceae German name Pfirsich, bergpfirsich, tellerpfirsich, saturnpfirsich, weinbergpfirsich Edible uses Oil Plants For A Future https://pfaf.org/User/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Prunus persica	The peach, scientifically known as Prunus persica, is a deciduous tree native to northwest China. It typically grows to be about 10-30 feet tall, with a short trunk and a rounded crown. The leaves are oval-shaped, with serrated edges and a glossy, dark green color. The flowers are pink and white, with five petals each. Peaches are known for their fuzzy, peach-colored skin and juicy, sweet flesh. They can be eaten fresh, canned, or cooked into dishes such as pies and cobblers. The edible parts of the peach include the flesh and the seed, which contains a small kernel that can be ground into flour. Peaches can be stored after harvest by keeping them in a cool, dry place. Peaches prefer well-draining, loamy soil and full sun. They can be grown in a variety of climates, but do best in warm, temperate regions. To cultivate peaches successfully, growers may need to provide support for the trees, prune them regularly, and protect them from pests and diseases. Peaches are generally winter hardy, but can be damaged by frost. In addition to being eaten fresh, peaches have a variety of uses. The flowers can be used in herbal teas, and the leaves can be used to make a yellow dye. The wood of the tree can be used for smoking meat, and the kernels can be used to make oil. Peaches are also a valuable food source for wildlife, attracting birds, squirrels, and other animals.	Show Edit
Marjoram	USDA Hardiness zone 6-9 Life cycle Perennial Light requirement Full sun, Partial sun/shade Water requirement Dry, Moist Soil type Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay) Height 0.6 Layer Herbs Edible true Edible parts Leaves Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marjoram Family Lamiaceae or labiatae German name Majoran Plants For A Future https://pfaf.org/User/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Origanum majorana	Marjoram (Origanum majorana) is a herbaceous plant that is native to the Mediterranean region. It has delicate, oval-shaped leaves that are pale green in color, and small white or pink flowers that grow in clusters. The plant grows to a height of about 30 cm and has a woody stem. In terms of growing conditions, marjoram prefers well-drained, light soil and full sun to partial shade. It can be grown from seeds or cuttings, and should be spaced about 30 cm apart. Marjoram is winter hardy in mild climates, but may need to be protected or brought indoors in colder regions. Marjoram has a number of culinary uses. It is often used as a flavoring in soups, stews, and sauces, and can be added to salads and other dishes as a garnish. The leaves and flowers of the plant are edible and can be used fresh or dried. When harvesting marjoram, it is best to pick the leaves early in the morning when they are at their most flavorful. The leaves can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to six months. In addition to its culinary uses, marjoram has also been used medicinally as an antiseptic and as a remedy for digestive problems. It is also sometimes used in perfumes and soaps. Marjoram is not particularly attractive to wildlife, but it can provide habitat for some beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies.	Show Edit
Strawberry	USDA Hardiness zone 4-8 Life cycle Perennial Light requirement Full sun, Partial sun/shade Water requirement Moist Soil type Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay) Height 0.3 Layer Herbs Utility Ground cover Edible True Edible parts Fruit, Leaves Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strawberry Family Rosaceae German name Erdbeere Plants For A Future https://pfaf.org/User/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Fragaria x ananassa Dutch name Aardbei Danish name Jordbær	Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is a popular fruit-bearing plant that is native to parts of the Americas, Europe, and Asia. It is a member of the Rosaceae family and is closely related to other fruit-bearing plants such as raspberries and blackberries. The plant has a low-growing, spreading habit, with leaves that are typically green and glossy, and white flowers that give way to red, juicy berries. The fruits are edible and are often eaten fresh, used in jams and jellies, or baked in desserts. Strawberry plants prefer well-draining, moist soil and plenty of sunlight. They can be grown in a variety of climates, but they tend to thrive in temperate regions with cool summers and mild winters. To cultivate the plants successfully, a grower may need to provide adequate irrigation, fertilizer, and pest control. One of the distinctive features of strawberry plants is their runners, which are long, slender stems that grow horizontally along the ground. These runners can be used to propagate new plants, which can be grown in rows or beds to form a dense, ground-covering mat. In addition to their value as a food source, strawberry plants are also prized for their attractiveness to pollinators and other beneficial insects. They are often used in home gardens and on small farms as a way to attract bees, butterflies, and other insects that help to pollinate other plants. Overall, strawberries are a versatile and valuable plant that is prized by gardeners and farmers alike for their delicious fruit and their ability to attract wildlife.	Show Edit
Cauliflower	Edible true Water requirement Moist Light requirement Full sun, Partial sun/shade USDA Hardiness zone 3-10 Soil type Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay) Family Brassicaceae or cruciferae Height 0.8 German name Blumenkohl Edible parts Flowers, Leaves Life cycle Annual, Biennial Plants For A Future https://pfaf.org/User/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Brassica oleracea botrytis	Annual plant reproduced by seed.	Show Edit
Kale	USDA Hardiness zone 5-10 Life cycle Biennial, Perennial Light requirement Full sun, Partial sun/shade Water requirement Moist Soil type Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay) Leaves Deciduous Height 0.9 Layer Herbs Edible True Edible parts Leaves Propagation method Seed - direct sow, Seed - transplant When to plant (outdoors) At last frost date When to plant (indoors) 4-6 weeks before last frost Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kale Family Brassicaceae, Cruciferae Plants For A Future https://pfaf.org/User/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Brassica oleracea acephala Soil pH 6.0-6.8 Root depth Shallow Spacing 45cm Germination time 7-10 days Seed planting depth 0.5 cm Drought resistant True Growth Fast Days to harvest 60	Kale (/keɪl/) is a hardy, leafy green vegetable that is a member of the Brassica oleracea species. It is native to the eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor, and has been cultivated for food for over 2000 years. Kale plants typically have green or purple leaves that are deeply lobed and can grow up to 2 feet in length. The leaves are attached to a central stem and don't make a head, and the plant produces small, yellow flowers. Kales are considered to be closer to wild cabbage than most of the many domesticated forms of Brassica oleracea. In terms of growing conditions, kale prefers cool weather and does well in full sun to partial shade. It can be grown year-round in mild climates, but in colder climates it is best grown in the fall and early spring. To cultivate kale successfully, it is important to provide the plants with plenty of moisture and to regularly fertilize them. Kale is also a good companion plant for other vegetables, as it can help to deter pests and improve the health of the soil. In terms of edibility, kale is highly nutritious and can be eaten raw or cooked. The leaves and stems are both edible, and the plant can be stored in the refrigerator for several days after harvest. Kale can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, salads, and smoothies. It can also be cooked and served as a side dish, or used as a garnish. In addition to its culinary uses, kale has a number of other uses. It is often used as a cover crop, as it can help to improve the fertility of the soil. Kale leaves can also be used as a mulch, as they break down readily and release nutrients into the soil. Additionally, kale plants can be used for wind protection, as their large leaves and sturdy stems can provide a barrier to wind. ### Links [Kale @ West Coast Seeds](https://www.westcoastseeds.com/blogs/how-to-grow/grow-kale-collards)	Show Edit
Apple	USDA Hardiness zone 3-8 Life cycle Perennial Light requirement Full sun, Partial sun/shade Water requirement Moist Soil type Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay) Leaves Deciduous Height 10.0 Layer Trees Utility Animal feed, Attracts insects, Hedgerow Edible True Edible parts Fruit Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple Edible uses Oil Plants For A Future https://pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Malus+domestica Genus Malus Dutch name Appel Danish name Æble Family Rosaceae	An apple is an edible fruit produced by an apple tree (Malus domestica). Apple trees are cultivated worldwide and are the most widely grown species in the genus Malus. The tree originated in Central Asia, where its wild ancestor, Malus sieversii, is still found today. Apples have been grown for thousands of years in Asia and Europe and were brought to North America by European colonists. Apples have religious and mythological significance in many cultures, including Norse, Greek, and European Christian tradition. Apples grown from seed tend to be very different from those of their parents, and the resultant fruit frequently lacks desired characteristics. Generally, apple cultivars are propagated by clonal grafting onto rootstocks. Apple trees grown without rootstocks tend to be larger and much slower to fruit after planting. Rootstocks are used to control the speed of growth and the size of the resulting tree, allowing for easier harvesting. There are more than 7,500 known cultivars of apples. Different cultivars are bred for various tastes and uses, including cooking, eating raw, and cider production. Trees and fruit are prone to a number of fungal, bacterial, and pest problems, which can be controlled by a number of organic and non-organic means. In 2010, the fruit's genome was sequenced as part of research on disease control and selective breeding in apple production. Worldwide production of apples in 2018 was 86 million tonnes, with China accounting for nearly half of the total. From [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple)	Show Edit
Black mulberry	USDA Hardiness zone 5-9 Life cycle Perennial Light requirement Full sun, Partial sun/shade Water requirement Moist Soil type Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay) Leaves Deciduous Height 10.0 Layer Trees Utility Animal feed, Poultry forage Edible true Edible parts Fruit Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morus_nigra Growth Slow Family Moraceae German name Schwarze maulbeere Habitat true Plants For A Future https://pfaf.org/User/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Morus nigra	The black mulberry (Morus nigra) is a species of mulberry native to southwestern Asia, including Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. It is a small to medium-sized tree that grows to be about 20-30 feet tall and has a round, dense canopy. The leaves of the black mulberry are dark green and glossy on the top, and paler and slightly hairy on the bottom. The tree produces small, white flowers in the spring, which are followed by black, juicy fruits in the summer. The black mulberry is relatively fast-growing and can reach its full size in about 10-15 years. It prefers well-drained, fertile soil and full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. It is also winter hardy and can withstand temperatures down to about -10°F. The fruits of the black mulberry are edible and can be eaten fresh or used in jams, jellies, and other preserves. They can also be dried and stored for later use. The leaves of the black mulberry can be fed to silkworms, and the wood of the tree is strong and durable, making it suitable for a variety of uses. In addition to its edible fruits, the black mulberry has several other uses. Its leaves can be used as a natural fertilizer, and the tree can provide shade and wind protection in gardens and farms. The black mulberry is also a popular food source for birds and other wildlife.	Show Edit
White mulberry	USDA Hardiness zone 3-9 Life cycle Perennial Light requirement Full sun, Partial sun/shade Water requirement Moist Soil type Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay) Leaves Deciduous Height 18 Layer Trees Utility Animal feed, Fiber, Hedgerow, Poultry forage, Wind breaker, Dye Edible true Edible parts Fruit, Inner bark, Leaves Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morus_alba Growth Medium Alternate name Common mulberry Family Moraceae German name Weiße maulbeere Habitat true Warning Weed potential Plants For A Future https://pfaf.org/User/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Morus alba	The white mulberry is a deciduous tree native to northern China, Korea, and Japan. It has large, heart-shaped leaves and small, white or pale pink flowers that grow in clusters. The tree can grow to be quite large, up to 50 feet tall, and it is fast-growing. White mulberry trees can be differentiated from other mulberry trees by their white, rather than dark purple, fruit. White mulberry trees prefer well-draining soil and full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. They are drought-tolerant and can thrive in a variety of soil types. In colder climates, they may need to be protected from frost during the winter months. The fruit of the white mulberry tree is edible and is often used to make jams, jellies, and wines. The fruit can be stored by freezing or canning. Young leaves can also be eaten. White mulberry trees are valued for their fast growth and ability to provide shade. They can be used for wind protection and as a ground cover. The leaves of the tree are sometimes used as animal feed. In some cultures, the bark of the white mulberry tree is used medicinally.	Show Edit
Red mulberry	USDA Hardiness zone 4-9 Life cycle Perennial Light requirement Full sun, Partial sun/shade Water requirement Moist Soil type Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay) Height 15.0 Layer Trees Edible true Edible parts Fruit, Leaves Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morus_rubra Alternate name Common mulberry, white mulberry Family Moraceae German name Rote maulbeere Plants For A Future https://pfaf.org/User/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Morus rubra 1000 Seed Weight (g) 1.5	The Red mulberry, Morus rubra, is native to the eastern United States and Canada. It is a deciduous tree that can grow to a height of up to 80 feet. The leaves are dark green and have a rough texture. The tree produces small, greenish-white flowers in the spring, which develop into clusters of red berries in the summer. The Red mulberry is often differentiated from other mulberry species by its smaller leaves and red berries. It prefers well-drained, moist soil and partial to full sun exposure. It is winter hardy and does not require any special care or maintenance. The fruit of the Red mulberry is edible and can be eaten fresh or used in cooking and baking. The berries can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. The tree also has a number of medicinal uses, including as a laxative and for treating sore throat and bronchitis. In terms of wildlife, the Red mulberry is a valuable food source for a variety of birds and mammals. Its fruit is a popular food source for birds such as robins, mockingbirds, and blue jays. The tree also provides habitat for birds and small mammals.	Show Edit
Leek	USDA Hardiness zone 5-9 Light requirement Full sun Water requirement Moist Soil type Light (sandy), Medium Height 0.9 Layer Herbs Utility Pest control, Repels carrot rust flies Edible parts Bulb, Flowers, Leaves, Root Propagation method Seed - transplant When to plant (outdoors) May - July Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leek Alternate name Garden leek Family Alliaceae, Liliaceae Plants For A Future https://pfaf.org/User/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Allium porrum Propagation - Transplanting sow indoors in containers from Feb., transplant early summer Spacing 15cm Propagation - Direct sowing Feb. - April Soil pH 6.0-6.5 Germination temperature < 65°F	The leek is a member of the onion family. It is native to the eastern Mediterranean and parts of Asia. The plant has long, flat, glossy leaves that are typically green in color. It has a white stem that widens into a bulb at the bottom. The plant has a distinctive, onion-like aroma and flavor. Leek plants grow to a height of around one to two feet and have a spread of six to eight inches. They grow relatively slowly, taking around three to four months to reach maturity. Leeks can be distinguished from other members of the onion family by their larger size and more elongated shape. Leek plants prefer moist, well-drained soil and full sun. They can be grown in a variety of soil types but prefer a slightly alkaline pH. To cultivate leeks successfully, a grower should plant them in trenches or hills and keep the soil moist throughout the growing season. Leeks are winter hardy and can be grown in most climates. Usually sown in containers or seed beds first and then moved to their final place a few months later. Leeks are edible and can be used in a variety of dishes. The edible parts of the plant are the white stem and the tender inner leaves. Leeks can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks after harvest. In addition to their use in cooking, leeks have a number of other uses. They can be used medicinally to treat a variety of conditions, including coughs and respiratory problems.	Show Edit