In the quest for a healthy, vibrant garden, many gardeners are turning to natural, chemical-free methods to protect their plants. One of the most effective and time-tested techniques is companion planting – a method that uses plant partnerships to boost growth, deter pests, and improve overall garden health.
At Rosewood, we believe a beautiful garden starts with smart, sustainable practices. Here’s how companion planting works, and how it can help you keep pests at bay without reaching for the spray bottle.
What is Companion Planting?
Companion planting simply means growing certain plants together because they benefit each other. These benefits may include:
- Pest control
- Pollinator attraction
- Improved growth
- Soil enhancement
- Natural shade or support
In nature, plants coexist and interact in ways that support biodiversity and balance. Companion planting mimics this naturally in your own garden!
How Does Companion Planting Help Control Pests?
Companion plants can help to control pests by confusing them or by attracting predators. They can also act as sacrificial plants, luring pests away from a precious crop. They can also help each other by giving support, or by adding nutrients to the soil.
The main way companion planting repels pests is by confusing them with scent, making it harder for them to find their target crop.
Examples of Companion Planting
Mint and Brassicas: The strongly scented leaves of mint confuse flea beetles and can deter them from laying eggs on the leaves of brassicas such as cabbage, broccoli, radish and cauliflower. However, it’s best to grow mint in a pot, or it could smother your crop.
Marigolds and Tomatoes: The strong scent of French marigolds (Tagetes) is said to deter whitefly, which is particularly useful when planted alongside tomatoes in the greenhouse.
Carrots and Leeks: Strongly scented crops can work wonders on the vegetable patch. Alliums such as onions, garlic and leeks are often paired with root crops like carrots and parsnips. This combination seems particularly effective – the smell of carrots can deter leek moth from leeks, but the smell of leeks can deter carrot fly from carrots. If you don’t have room for leeks, try garlic chives as an alternative.
Lavender with Carrots and Leeks: Lavender attracts a range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies and hoverflies, so planting it close to crops such as tomatoes and beans could increase numbers of pollinators to your patch. However, its strong scent can also deter insect pests – plant with carrots and leeks for the best results.
Calendula and Beans: The marigold, Calendula officinalis, can lure aphids away from beans, and makes a great companion plant for runner beans and French beans. It also attracts beneficial insects, including ladybirds, lacewings and hoverflies, which prey on aphids.
A Few Tips for Success
Don’t overcrowd: Even good neighbours need space. Avoid planting too close.
Rotate crops each season: Prevent pest buildup by changing locations annually.
Observe and adjust: Watch how your plants interact and make changes each season.
Need a Helping Hand?
Here at Rosewood, we are all about natural ways to repel pests- the less chemicals used in the garden, the better! We can help you plan your companion planting, and create a lush garden full of biodiversity. Get in touch with us today to get started.