Did you know that many plants have substances in their flowers, leaves and roots that can repel insects and/or attract insects depending what you plant them with? Some of these natural chemicals can also help enhance growth, flavor and other positive growing traits.
When I first began gardening, I just planted a bunch of seeds and watered everything. I noticed that some crops did really well while others were struggling just to come out of the ground. Then I read an article on Companion Planting, a permaculture concept that intercrops plants that offer mutual benefit while avoiding mixing crops that inhibit growth or attract unwanted insects. I found that by using this simple concept, my garden began to flourish!
There are many articles and charts available online about Companion planting and if you are serious about it, I'd recommend finding one you like and printing it up so you have the chart readily available when planting. You will find, like I did, that companion planting is an important part of pest management for organic farmers and gardeners. It helps keep a balanced eco-system so that nature can do its job, thriving in diversity. When I have an issue with a crop, the first thing I do is look up the companion plants and add them to the area. I have found it offers amazing results! Of course, starting these plants together at the same time offers more benefits and protection. If you are struggling with a particular pest, you can research which plants protect against and add them to your garden bed!
Companion Plants I group together:
Lettuce, Beets, Onions
Tomatoes, Basil, Chives
Asparagus, Dill
Potatoes, Beans
Pumpkin, Turnips, Borage
Apple, Strawberry
Blueberry, Strawberry
Herbs and flowers I use to divert pests away from my crops:
Calendula
Catnip
Dill
Nasturtium
Chickweed
Tomatoes and Potatoes
Potatoes and Sunflowers
Many culinary herbs provide benefits for the garden and attract pollinators as well. These include peppermint, spearmint, lemon balm, catnip, comfrey, borage, sage, lovage and tarragon. By adding a variety of plants, your garden will build up a natural immunity through helpful insects and natural deterrents.
I have found that by growing catnip on the outside of my greenhouse, I avoid many pests every getting on my food. For those that get inside the greenhouse, nasturtiums are interspersed to lure away bugs from the food crops! (of course, there are plenty untouched nasturtiums for our own eating pleasure). I also allow chickweed to grow on the outside of my garden beds and it helps keep pests at bay. Soil health is important for keeping plants healthy also. If you are having pest problems, make sure the soil you are growing in is nutrient rich and free of chemicals.
A Green Thumb is gained by experience. The more you grow, the more you know. And yet, there is always more to learn so allow yourself to stay open to the possibility that there is something you may not know, the knowing of which could change everything!
Happy Growing!
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