Many gardeners are discovering that by using companion planting they can discourage garden pests with the additional benefit of not harming helpful insects such as bees and ladybugs. Through their odours or root secretions some herbs and flowers are able to deter pests naturally as well as improving growth and flavour.
Companion Planting
Many herbs and flowers are natural insect repellents that can keep your garden pest free and eliminate or reduce the need for potentially harmful pesticides.
Companion planting is the ultimate way to bring the balance of nature into your garden. When choosing what to grow in your garden, just do your best to match the suitable herb with the suitable plant when planting and the results will follow.
Companion Plants That Grow Well Together
BASIL: Plant with tomatoes to improve growth and flavour and to repel flies and mosquitoes. Do not plant near rue.
BEE BALM (Oswego): Plant with tomatoes to improve growth and flavour.
BORAGE: Companion plant for tomatoes, squash and strawberries. Deters tomato worms.
CARAWAY: Good for loosening compacted soil
CATNIP: Deters flea beetles.
CAMOMILE: Improves the flavour of cabbages and onions.
CHERVIL: Companion to radishes for improved growth and flavour.
CHIVES: Improves growth and flavour of carrots.
DILL: Improves growth and health of cabbage. Do not plant near carrots.
FENNEL: Most plants dislike it. Plant by itself.
FLAX: Plant with carrots, and potatoes.
GARLIC: Plant near roses to repel aphids.
HORSERADISH: Plant in the potato patch to keep away potato bugs.
HYSSOP: Companion plant to cabbage and grapes, deters cabbage moths. Do not plant near radishes.
MARIGOLDS (Calendula): The workhorse of pest deterrents. Keeps the soil free of nematodes; discourages many insects. Plant freely throughout the garden.
MARJORAM: Improves the flavour of all vegetables.
MINT: Deters white cabbage moths and improves the health of cabbage and tomatoes.
NASTURTIUMS: Plant with tomatoes, radishes, cabbage, cucumbers, and under fruit trees. Deters aphids and pests of the curcurbit family.
PARSLEY: Plant with tomatoes and asparagus.
PEPPERMINT: Repels white cabbage moths.
PETUNIAS: They repel the asparagus beetle, tomato worm and general garden pests. Also, a good companion to tomatoes, but plant everywhere.
PURSLANE: This edible weed makes good ground cover in the corn.
ROSEMARY: Companion plant to cabbage, beans, carrots and sage. Deters cabbage moths, bean beetles, and carrot flies.
RUE: Deters Japanese beetles in roses and raspberries.
SAGE: Companion plant with rosemary, cabbage and carrots to deter cabbage moths, beetles, carrot flies. Do not plant near cucumbers.
SOUTHERNWOOD: Plant with cabbage, and here and there in the garden.
SUMMER SAVORY: Plant with beans and onions to improve growth and flavour. Discourages cabbage moths.
TANSY: Plant with fruit trees, roses and raspberries. Deters flying insects, Japanese beetles, striped cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and ants.
TARRAGON: Plant throughout the garden as not many pests like this one.
THYME: Deters cabbage worms.
WORMWOOD: Keeps animals out of the garden when planted as a border.
If you need some help in determining the right plants for your garden, or assistance in maintaining your gardens just contact the team at Perth Landscaping and Gardening for a free quote.