Companion Gardening
|
Companion planting or interplanting means growing two or more plants in the same area to achieve a specific effect. It is mainly done to keep bugs and pests away from plants. Some plants grow better with specific plants growing near them. Specific plants will attract bees which will help in pollination. Companion gardening works really well for tomato plants. Basil repels white fly and makes a good companion to tomatoes. Borage is also good to plant with tomatoes and squash. It deters tomato worms, attracts bees, and helps growth and flavour. Bee or lemon balm also enhance the growth and flavour of tomatoes. Plant tomatoes by your asparagus plants. A substance called asparagin in asparagus helps repels tomato pests. Don’t plant fennel close to tomato plants, give it a spot all by itself. Marigolds make fantastic companion plants - plant them everywhere throughout your garden to deter many insects and slugs. There is a myth that marigolds will keep rabbits out of your garden. |
|
Nasturtiums act like insect repellent. Plant around broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage family, radishes, tomatoes, cucumbers and fruit trees. Deters white flies, squash bugs, and are a trap crop for aphids. Ladybugs love to eat aphids. |
|
|
Chives planted around the base of fruit trees will discourage insects from climbing the trunk. Garlic improves the growth and health of roses and raspberries ...deters Japanese beetles. Carrots and onions are great to plant together as they help deter pesky flys that are attracted to those veggies. Onions should be planted near carrots and beets. They help protect against Japanese beetles, carrot flies and aphids. Make a natural insecticide by adding onions and garlic to a jar of water. Let stand for about a week and then spray onto your plants. Planting chamomile with onions improves the flavour of the onions. Plant thyme around your cabbage to deters Cabbage worms. Many herbs such as mint, parsley, sage, and garlic will repel certain pests and are wonderful companion plants to add all through your garden. Mint can be very invasive, so it is best to keep it contained in its own area. Some herbs such as balm, dill and thyme attract bees and this will help to pollinate other plants. To protect cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and brussell sprouts from the cabbage moth, plant some mint, sage, dill and thyme nearby. Plant horseradish near potatoes as potato beetles don't like it. Dill helps to improve the flavour of potatoes, so plant it close by. Fast maturing veggies can be planted among the slower growing ones. Radishes sprout quickly and when planted beside carrots will help mark the rows. Leaf lettuce is quick growing and can be planted by slower veggies.
|
