Companion planting is part of the
folklore of gardening and orcharding in many cultures. Most
of the information is still anecdotal but more research is
being done as growers look to alternatives to dangerous
pesticides and fertilizers. Companion planting is a
complicated field of study and every plant seems to have its
likes and dislikes as to neighbors. Here are some of the
ways that they can work for you:
By repelling or confusing pests.
By providing food and shelter for helpers such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps.
By providing material for natural sprays that discourage pests and provide nutrients.
By providing material for compost piles: adding nutrients.
By increasing the vigor and flavor of the companion plant.
By adding beauty and variety to your
garden, farm and orchard.
By adding spice and variety to your diet.
Below is a sampling of companion plants for you to try. We also list some of the ways that these plants are reputed to help their companions. Much of this information is scientifically unproven but it does point a direction for you to go in your initial experiments. There is no guarantee that these will work for you in your particular growing conditions. Companion planting is an experiment, and you will gain knowledge that could be a valuable help in increasing organic growing skills. GOOD LUCK!
All seeds are
$2.50 per packet. Packet sizes vary.
Chives are one of those multipurpose plants that require
little care yet produce edible flowers and leaves and it is
a beautiful long-blooming plant. When planted among apple
trees it helps prevent apple scab. A tea of chives can also
be sprayed on apple trees as a prevention of apple scab and
against downy and powdery mildew on gooseberries. Chives
are used as a companion plant with carrots and tomatoes
improving the flavor and vigor. They are used to repel
aphids and Japanese beetles. Chives are a dynamic
accumulator for sodium and magnesium.
Chives is a 12" clumping perennial herb and a very showy
plant when in full bloom with ball shaped lavender flowers. They
add a mild onion flavor to foods and young blossoms may
be used as an edible garnish.
Dill is reputed to help cabbages, carrots, lettuce,
cucumbers and onions. Among brassica it repels cabbage worms
and improves growth and flavor. Among cabbage dill is used for
spider mites and caterpillars. In the orchard it repels
codling moth and tent caterpillars. It is often pulled
before it flowers. It has a deep tap root. It is also a good
bee plant.
Mammoth dill: 80 days, annual, large plants to 5' or more
producing an abundance of feathery greens and seed. Use the
fresh or dried leaves in soups, salads and breads and the
seeds with pickling and cooking. Annual
Nasturtium fights white flies in greenhouse conditions. I
have two greenhouses and in one I have had nasturtiums
growing and in the other did not . The greenhouse with the
nasturtiums has had much less of a white fly problem. Nasturtiums act as a trap plant for aphids.
They have
reduced Colorado potato beetle when inter-planted with
potatoes. Inter-planted with peppers, they have reduced
green peach aphid problems. They are also reputed to keep
away wholly aphids when planted with apple trees. They are
also reputed to be effective against squash bugs and striped
cucumber beetles.
Jewel mix is 16" tall. Both its leaves and flowers are
edible with a peppery flavor; two inch blooms are a mixture
of red, pink, orange and yellow, easy to grow. Annual
Marigolds are the most well known companion plant yet most
of the results are unproven. They do excrete a material from
the roots which kills soil nematodes. When inter-planted
with roses they will control nematodes and increase the
vigor of the roses. Tomatoes are reportedly more vigorous
and bear more fruit when near marigolds. They may also repel
the Mexican bean beetle. In orchards it is suggested that
the marigolds be plowed under. They are especially useful
when planted around nursery stock used for grafting and
budding. They are also a dynamic accumulator for
phosphorus.
Caraway is reputed to attract beneficial insects when grown
in the orchard. In gardens, it is useful in loosening the
soil. When grown with onions it helps against thrips and
improves growth. It is a dynamic accumulator of
potassium.
Caraway is a 24" plant producing carrot leaf like foliage
the first Summer. It over-winters and blooms the following
spring. Seeds are used in rye breads, cheese and German
sauerkraut; leaves can be used in soups and salads, and a tea
from the leaves is suggested to help digestion. Biennial.
Parsley is reputed to improve growth and vigor when used as
a companion to asparagus and tomatoes. It aids roses as a
deterrent against the rose beetle and when planted near
carrots, repels carrot flies. It is listed as a dynamic
accumulator of magnesium, calcium, potassium and iron. It is
certainly one of the more nutritious plants in the
garden.
Moss curled parsley is a curled variety, bright green,
deeply cut with finely divided leaves. 75 to 85 days. Biennial.
Summer savory is often associated with beans. It is not only
a spice in the bean pot but helps the growth and flavor of
beans as a companion plant. It also repels the Mexican bean
beetle. Savory improves the flavor and growth when grown
with onions. It is listed as a dynamic accumulator for
phosphorous.
Summer savory is an 18" tall aromatic herb with an upright
growth, great as a spice in meat, vegetable and bean dishes. Annual.
Thyme has the reputation of helping many plants in the
garden. It is very popular with honey bees. It has been used
against cabbage worms and white flies with mixed results. German
Winter Thyme grows 12" tall and very hardy, this is the best thyme
for culinary use, both fresh and dried. This Thyme is an
upright, bushy plant producing many small leaves and lilac
colored blossoms that are plentiful in June and July. Perennial.
Coriander is another of those multiple use plants. Both the
seed and leaf of cilantro are culinary spices. Coriander
can reduce Colorado potato beetles when planted with
eggplants, potatoes and tomatoes. It is reputed to reduce
aphids, spider mites and carrot rust fly. In the orchard, it
attracts beneficial insects.
Coriander-cilantro grows 14" or more tall and is also known
as Chinese parsley. Much appreciated in many cultures; the fresh
leaves are an essential ingredient in tomato salsas and
other hot and spicy dishes. Annual.
