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Companion Planting
by Hope Bell
Much of today’s companion planting is based on a combination of both fact and folklore, but scientific studies have shown the following:
· Plants with strong odours do confuse, deter, and often stop certain pests.
· Certain plants, especially herbs, are considered nursery plants for the good insects providing shelter, nectar, pollen, and even dark, cool moist spots for lacewings, lady beetles, parasitic flies, and wasps.
· Certain plants serve as a “trap” crop, which push insects away from other essential plants (rue’s bad odour and disagreeable taste will keep even the most persistent of pests away).
· Certain plants create habitats which attract more beneficial insects (such as lady beetles, praying mantis, and ambush bugs).
Ideal planting crops are plants whose odours ward off unwanted insects. French marigolds are the best example. Among the most popular of repellent plants are garlic and chives because of their powerful ability to repel aphids and beetles. Similarly, savory, chamomile, and thyme are ideal planting crops. These three herbs will attract more beneficial insects than most flowers.
Virtually all herbs benefit the garden in some way, whether to attract good insects, enhance the flavour of nearby plants, or to confuse those insects we simply don’t want around.
Certain flowers also attract beneficial insects: asters, zinnias, and sunflowers all work together to keep the good company coming to our yards.
Sometimes, the toxins of one plant totally destroy the health or growth of certain other plants. A Black Walnut tree, planted within 60 feet of your garden, can inhibit the growth and/or development of vegetables and flowers. It gives off a toxin called juglone which can do some serious damage to other plants. This chemical reaction is known as allelopathy.
A brief listing of some beneficial companion plantings is below.
|
Plant |
Where / With what |
Why |
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Basil |
throughout garden |
Enhances the flavour and growth of everything around it |
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Chamomile |
throughout garden |
Brings overall health to the garden. Attracts good insects. |
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Chives |
Carrots, grapes, roses, and tomatoes |
Curbs Japanese Beetles, and black spot. |
|
Cosmos |
throughout garden |
Bad insects won’t come near it, but it will attract pollinating wasps. |
|
French Marigolds |
throughout garden |
Strong odour confuses pests looking for their favorite plant. |
|
Garlic |
throughout garden |
Repels aphids and beetles. |
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Nasturtiums |
throughout garden |
Repels aphids and white flies. |
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Onions |
Carrots |
The two combined help to control rust flies and some nematodes. |
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Potatoes |
Horseradish and/or tansy |
Plant plenty for maximum benefits in attempt to ward off Colorado Potato Beetles. |
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Radishes |
Squash, cucumbers, and/or Carrots |
Great deterrent against Cucumber Beetles and Rust flies. Also eliminates diseases spread by these plants. |
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Savory |
throughout garden |
Ideal planting crop. Attracts good insects. | (2005-12-23) |
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