Companion planting at work

So, some pictures showing that companion planting is working here. Some of my plants would seem crowded by some standards. However, I've come to the conclusion that such crowding may be harmful in cooler climates. Here, it is beneficial. That is, as long as there is enough moisture and fertilizer for all the plants present. In this environment, plants overlapping helps keep the soil temperature down, retains moisture for actual use by the plants themselves, aside from the benefits some plants may offer others. (Beans for Nitrogen, Marigolds to repel insects, etc.)

In the pictures, it's obvious that the bleached spots on the lettuce leaves are where they are not shaded by the lettuce. Shade from the pumpkin leaves is keeping soil temps down for surrounding plants.

I am watching to be sure the plants don't strangle each other out.

I potted more giant pumpkin seeds tonight. Going to plant them around the edges of the garden. Pumpkin, corn and green beans are supposed to get along really well and are the most often used example of companion planting. I may be a few days late by some calendars for planting large pumpkins but they should still reach a decent size in time for the holidays.