Chemical Warfare in the Garden: Plants That Poison Their Neighbors

Sometimes plants wilt for no apparent reason. The culprit might be allelopathy — a process where plants release toxins to eliminate competition.

The Main Aggressors in Your Garden

1. Walnut Tree

Its roots release juglone, which is fatal to tomatoes, eggplants, and potatoes. Never plant these vegetables within 10 meters of a walnut tree.

2. Fennel

This "egotist" inhibits the growth of almost all neighbors, especially beans and tomatoes. It belongs in a separate bed.

3. Sunflower

Sunflowers release compounds that prevent seeds around them from germinating. Potatoes suffer the most from this neighborhood.

AgroPlanner Tip: Memorizing allelopathy tables is nearly impossible. Use our Virtual Garden Bed. Our planner automatically checks compatibility and warns you if you're trying to plant an "aggressor" near a vulnerable crop.

---

Important: Some plants only become "toxic" when their leaves decompose in the soil, so make sure to clear plant debris from your beds on time.