interplanted

Interplanted is a horticultural and agricultural practice in which different crops are planted in close proximity within the same field, bed, or container. It can involve simultaneous sowing or staggered timing and is commonly regarded as a form of intercropping or companion planting. The aim is to maximize use of space and resources, improve soil health, and reduce pests and weeds through biodiversity.

Common approaches include mixed interplanting, where species are grown together throughout the area; row intercropping, with alternating or closely spaced rows of different crops; and strip or alley cropping, where crops are grown in designated strips within a larger landscape. Relay interplanting and relay cropping describe sequential planting of a different crop into a space after harvest or during a growth stage of the first crop, respectively.

Benefits of interplanting include more efficient use of light, water, and nutrients; improved soil structure and fertility, often through legumes that fix nitrogen; pest and disease suppression via diverse habitats and trap crops; and greater resilience to adverse weather. Drawbacks can include competition for light, water, and nutrients between crops, increased management complexity, and potential negative interactions if species are incompatible.

Suitability varies by scale and context, but interplanting is widely used in small-scale gardens, sustainable agriculture, and agroforestry systems. Success depends on selecting compatible species, aligning planting and harvest times, and matching growth habits and resource needs to minimize adverse competition while preserving benefits.