I’ve been reading and researching about companion planting this year. Now that I’m feeling confident in the garden, I knew it was time to amp it up as far as learning more about what kinds of plants will attract beneficial insects and also repel harmful insects (Integrated Pest Management). Being an organic gardener, it’s wise to utilize annuals, perennials and herbs alongside your veggies to help them produce and deter harmful insects that will destroy your crop that you have worked so hard for. Companion planting helps your garden become a balanced ecosystem, in which nature keeps itself in balance. It will attract more bees to pollinate and birds to munch on harmful insects. So far in my garden I’ve planted Zinnias, Geraniums, Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Chamomile and still need to add a variety of herbs. Not only was I thinking about Integrated Pest Management but the beautiful array of colors that my annuals will produce. I can’t wait to see what it will finally look like come mid/late June.
I thought it would be helpful to share what I have learned by providing a list of the best plants and herbs to help you on your way to Companion Planting.
Asters
Deters most insects
Basil
Basil repels white fly and makes a good companion to tomatoes, in the garden & the kitchen. Use 3 basil plants to each tomato plant. Basil also repels flies and mosquitoes, so useful in kitchen, outdoor barbecues. Don’t plant near rue. Deters tomato hornworm, aphids, flies and mosquitoes. Slows growth of milkweed bugs and acts as a fungicide.Borage – Deters tomato worm – improves growth and flavor of tomatoes
Borage
Plant with strawberries to increase crop. Also good with tomatoes and squash. Attracts bees to the garden. Deters tomato worms, attracts bees, helps growth and flavor.
Calendula (Pot Marigold)
Deters asparagus beetles, tomato worms and general garden pests
Catnip
Deters flea beetle
Celery
White cabbage butterfly
Chamomile
Improves growth and flavor of onions and cabbages.
Chrysanthemum
Deters most insects
Dead Nettle
Deters potato bug – improves growth and flavor of potatoes
Eggplant
Deters Colorado potato beetle
Fennel
Repels fleas, so grow it around dog kennel.
Flax
Deters potato bug
Garlic
Deters Japanese beetle – other insects and blight
Geranium
Deters most insects. Plant near roses, grapes and corn. Repels cabbage worm. Oil of geranium prevents red spider mite.
Horseradish
Plant at corners of potato patch to deter potato bug
Henbit
General insect repellant
Hyssop
Deters cabbage moth, white butterflies, good insect repellant
Lavendar
Lavender bags repel mice, ticks and moths.
Marigold
The workhouse of the pest deterrents. Plant throughout garden to discourage Mexican bean beetles, nematodes and other insects.
Mint
Deters white cabbage moth and ants
Nasturtium
Good insect repellent. Deters aphids, squash bugs, striped pumpkin beetles
Onion Family
Deters most pests
Oregano
Plant near broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower to repel cabbage butterfly and near cucumbers to repel cucumber beetle. Also benefits grapes.
Petunia
Protects beans
Peppermint
Planted among cabbages, it repels the white cabbage butterfly
Radish
Especially deters cucumber beetle
Rosemary
Deters cabbage moth, bean beetle and carrot fly
Rue
Deters Japanese Beetle
Sage
Deters cabbage moth, carrot fly
Salsify
Repels carrot fly
Southernwood
Deters cabbage moth
Summer Savory
Deters bean beetles
Tansy
Deters flying insects, Japanese beetles, striped cucumber beetles, squash bugs, ants
Tomato
Asparagus beetle
Thyme
Deters cabbage worm
Wormwood
Carrot fly, white cabbage butterfly, black flea beetle
I’ve been researching Companion Planting non stop. Everytime I think about putting something in the ground I look up what to companion plant it with. You planted Geraniums from seed? Where did you purchase most of your seeds from?