Companion Planting

Imagine a dozen of your closest friends chatting in the veggie patch, a glass of champagne in one hand and a trowel in the other. Sadly, though I’m sure organic gardeners do indulge from time to time, this is not companion planting.

As grateful as they may be for your care and attention, plants need friends of the green variety - kindred spirits who delight in each other’s company.

But beware, not all plants are sociable and some are downright aggressive. It’s best, then, to learn who can be trusted under the buddy system and who may be armed and dangerous.

Traditional knowledge of plant combinations has come about through historical observation, horticultural science and a few less conventional sources. Here are a few examples of the way it works.
• A plant may be selected as a neighbour because it is more attractive to pests and serves to distract them from the vulnerable plant.

• Legumes (peas, beans, clover, etc) are able to fix atmospheric nitrogen for their own use and for the benefit of neighbouring plants, thus reducing the need for nitrogen fertilizer.

• Some plants exude chemicals from roots or aerial parts that suppress or repel pests and protect their neighbours at the same time – such as the African marigold that releases thiopene, a nematode repellent.

• Some plants that attract beneficial insects to your garden are Plumbago, Salvia and Sweet William to draw bees and butterflies. Bees are attracted to Sage, while mints invite an array of useful creepy crawlies.

• While herbs have their own particular friends and enemies, they are generally a good deterrent for insects and bugs, they also provide shelter for insect predators, they smell wonderful and taste even better.

• Most organic growers have their own favourite social groupings for their veggie crops. As one garden can have vastly different conditions to another – rainfall, climate conditions - you may have to experiment a little to see what works for you, but here are a few basics to get you started.

• Grow plants that need good pollination close to aromatic plants that attract pollinating creatures.

• If your fruit trees dislike the feel of creepy crawlies, chives planted around the base will discourage insects from climbing the trunk.

• Plant tomatoes along with asparagus which contains asparagin that repels tomato pests. Tomatoes also enjoy the company of basil, carrots, parsley and onions but they will NOT tolerate the presence of cabbage, cauliflower, corn or fennel.

• Fennel is disliked by most plants and is best kept out of the garden or under guard in isolation.

• Garlic improves the growth and health of roses and raspberries, but is not so friendly towards beans.

• Carrots and dill hate each other and there will be no end to the carnage if you put them together. Parsnips are not a great favourite either.

• Marigolds are ideal companions throughout the garden. They are said to attract hoverflies which prey on aphids, as well as reduce the number of nematodes in the soil.

• Basil improves the flavour of many garden vegetables. It also repels flies and mosquitoes.

• Marjoram is sweet and kind to all vegetables.

If you still think that your garden plants are your best companions, feel free to spend time talking to them. I once unburdened myself on an unsuspecting tomato and I can vouch for the fact that plants are good listeners. It may be diplomatic, however, not to discuss your favourite recipes.

For more information visit:
www.organicdownunder.com
www.attra.org/attra-pub/complant.html
colleenscorner.com/Cplants.html