Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Ummmm, if you check companion planting lists they say that Tomato/Basil as companions are not about keeping pests away, it improves growth and flavour.... It's not surprising you didn't see any difference in pests..

That's one aspect of it, but basil is also supposed to protect the tomatoes from Aphids and fruit flies. If I remember correctly, it's on a 4:1 ratio basil to tomatoes for small bushes to make any difference though.

Another aspect is the utilization of space and resources. The Native Americans developed a method called "The three sisters". Basically, you plant corn in the center of a mound and get it growing for a couple weeks. Then plant a climbing bean (typically pole beans now) around that. As the corn grows tall, the beans climb up and use the corn as a natural trellis and further anchors the corn from winds. A couple weeks later, plant some vining squash (typically sugar pumpkins now), and it fills in a circles around it. Squash tends to like 'some' shade which it now gets from the corn and beans. The thick squash vines shade the soil and retain moisture as well as keep weeds down by blocking out the sun. Additionally, the corn feeds heavy on nitrogen while the beans fix nitrogen in the soil. The squash causes spacing between the corn plants which aids in wind pollination.

I don't think companion planting is an old wives tale.

Here is an article that gives you a rundown on certain plants:
http://www.motherearthnews.com/print-ar ... x?id=71426

Many of the reasons given for the benefit/detriment offers scientific explanations.

It seems like the pest control aspect of companion planting would be best suited for aquaponics because, as others have mentioned, perhaps some restrictions/benefits are due to nature of soil.

Anyway hope this helps and would love to hear from anyone else that has experimented with companion planting.

Here is another link:
http://www.seedsofchange.com/enewslette ... nting.aspx