I didn’t expect one flower to change how I grow food—but that’s exactly what happened. Tucked beside my tomatoes, a single marigold did more than add color—it reshaped my approach to gardening. In this beginner-friendly guide, I’ll break down the basics of companion planting, share how certain pairings can improve plant health, boost pollination, and keep pests in check, and show you how to build your own symbiotic garden—even if you’re just starting out.