Friday, April 19, 2019

Companion plants

 

 


The method of planting certain plants as a Companion will help the whole garden "family" to ward off pests and diseases using safe organic technology. Using some plants to keep the bugs away allows you to grow healthy fruits and veggies with very little spraying of pesticides. Some herbs have a strong smell from the oils they contain and the bugs don't like. Chives, Oregano and Mint are good examples. These can be used in between rows of food crops to ward off and confuse the pests.

 


Marigold, Yarrow, Milkweed and Camomile also attract beneficial predator bugs to eat the pests. Try planting low growing crops in among other tall plants to give weeds very little room and protect the soil from drying out quickly. The taller plants help shelter the low ones from hot sun and wind damage. Cottage gardeners have used this method for many centuries, happily growing their veggies, fruits, flowers, herbs, trees and shrubs all mixed together. Onions and garlic will help deter many beetles and flies that attack crops like cabbage, carrots, lettuce, spinach, beets, potato and tomato. Tansy is another strong smelling native plant that deters many insects like ants, aphids, cabbage worms, beetles and white fly. Chives and Catnip also are good for fruits and vegetables as well as roses. Basil, parsley, Lavender, Dill, Sage, Mint, Oregano, Rosemary, Thyme, Tarragon, Hyssop and Garlic are herbs that will benefit many of the vegetables and fruits in your garden. They can be potted up and moved to where you need them most. If fruit trees are something you want or already have in your yard then consider a few companions that attract bees. Thyme, Pulmonaria, Forget me not, Chives, Mint, Heather, Lavender and Lamium all are helpful with bringing the pollinators to the garden.

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