Understand Plants

Posts Tagged ‘Companion’

• ISBN13: 9781580170277
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Product Description
This classic has now taught generations of gardeners how to use the natural benefits of plants to protect and support each other. Here is a reader’s complete reference to which plants nourish the soil, which keep away bugs and pests, and which plants just don’t get along. Here is a complete guide to using companion planting to grow a better garden. 555,000 copies in print.Amazon.com Review
This gardening classic was first published in 1975, and now a seco… More >>

Carrots Love Tomatoes: Secrets of Companion Planting for Successful Gardening

What are your thoughts on the subject?

• ISBN13: 9781933317939
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Product Description
Transform a messy, tangled garden into a lush, productive retreat with this simple yet thorough handbook. The basics of companion gardening can be easily integrated into one’s gardening style using the nurturing power of Mother Nature and taking fundamental principles into account. Not merely a seasonal occupation or hobby, companion planting is a natural way to restore balance to outdoor spaces. By planting certain plants in close proximity, each helps the others… More >>

Secrets of Companion Planting: Plants That Help, Plants That Hurt

I'm eager to hear your comments...

In years gone by, before the use of toxic chemical sprays, gardeners were still able to grow wonderful plants and healthy vegetables for their families.

Although many gardeners can give anecdotal evidence of the benefits of companion planting there are still those who consider it to be a myth; scientific information is very limited with regards to enlightening us on the actual merits of companion planting, even though gardeners throughout Europe steadfastly argue that if used correctly, the method is faultless, and a true way to be organic.

Regardless of the arguments for and against companion planting, it is safe to say that some combinations do work, and its worth looking at reasons given why this alternative to toxic sprays is successful.

Companion planting is essentially a method of growing the correct combination of plants together to help them fight off pests, improve growth and enhance flavor. If this is done correctly then you can also attract beneficial insects to improve your plants, but be warned that some plants can be detrimental to others, so make sure you choose good neighbors.

Whatever the outcome of trying this type of protection for your garden plants, you can be assured of a very interesting showcase of plants that can bring balance and harmony to your garden and just maybe, healthier organic plants without having to use toxic fertilizers. With the environment in mind this would be a huge benefit.

You can refer to lots of very comprehensive lists of companion planting that justify the use of this type of protection, and who can argue the fact that generations of gardeners who have never used modern day methods of protection have always provided very healthy vegetables for their family. Still, with very little scientific facts to back any of this up, I guess the majority of gardeners will still use the quick fix of toxic sprays and fertilizers, and so long as there is no sign of pests in their garden, bugger the planet.

Anyway, let’s have a look at some of the companion planting combinations that might just work for you. If you have cabbages, and broccoli in your vegetable patch, try growing rows of onions around them, the argument here is that the onions stronger scent will confuse and deter cabbage moths, so your cabbages and broccoli would be less prone to the caterpillar and larval infestation. Tansy is also very effective for protection against many caterpillars.

Try planting a few French marigolds and nasturtiums near your tomatoes or roses to reduce aphids. Flavor and yield are increased in strawberries if you plant them with or in a combination of borage, chives, marigold, lettuce, onion, sage, and spinach.

Various herbs have very strong reputations in protecting citrus, stone fruit, roses, and lettuce. Planting garlic, cloves, basil, lavender and sage will help deter aphids and fruit fly.

Strong claims have been made that if you plant chamomile alongside culinary herbs it encourages the flavor and increases the production of essential oils.

It’s been noted that many advocates of companion planting frequently plant heavy feeders such as sweet corn and squashes alongside nitrogen fixing legumes such as beans and peas, in doing so they give protection to the soils nutrient need. The corn provides a natural support for the climbing beans while the squash vines smother the weeds and help prevent soil moisture from evaporating, this is mutually beneficial for all plants.

If companion planting is something you would like to try to combat pests and diseases in your garden and move away from using chemical pesticides and fungicides, its best to make some sort of commitment to a few rules. Be prepared to experiment and do some reading on what to plant together, then keep written records on what combinations have been successful for you. Combinations of soil and locations and conditions can have varying results so success should be carefully noted.

With a little planning, your garden can become a very interesting place to observe how well plants can thrive and protect each other.

Companion planting is a fantasitic way to achieve biodiversity within your garden. Experiment to your heart’s desire and you will meet with success, after all, what have you to lose except maybe planet Earth; now there’s a reality.

What do you think? Please comment below to tell me.

If you are going to move to an organic way of gardening, one of the most frustrating factors you will face is handling diseases, pests and assorted problems that will be there no matter what method you use.

Many natural methods will solve those common garden problems and one of the most used methods is companion planting.  

Companion planting is the procedure of placing particular vegetables,flowers and herbs near by other types of plants that will help keep safe from pests, diseases and fungus. This method also helps each plant to produce maximum flavor of vegetables and its blooms on flowers. this comes about because the plants are not burdened fighting each of the predators trying to invade them. All their energy goes into production.

In your vegetable garden companion planting is quite important in keeping those nasty pests and bugs off your plants. When you plant two vegetables close together make sure they are compatible. Maximum taste is attained on both plants and will compliment in all aspects.

Lets say you put basil along side your tomato plants this will better the flavor of the tomatoes. Especially if plan on using them for your making of spaghetti sauce.

Chives have shown to improve the well-being of tomatoes and carrots. It will improve the taste as well as the growth of the plants. The aphids on tomatoes will stay awaay because of the chives and carrot rust is kept at a distance.
Roses will not get black spot as long as chives is there, the draw-back is that chives need to be located there for at least 2 years before they are compatible.
garlic will work a little faster and may be a better choice.

On the other hand some plants are not good for each other, for example, planting cabbage near strawberries and tomatoes may affect the production and growth in a bad way.

Using potatoes, celery and dill together will compliment each other in a postive way. Beans are a good companion for these plants also and they will add nitrogen fixed from the atmosphere.

Calendula, aka marigolds, are known to repel pests, rid bad nematodes in the soil. You may want to plant these throughout the garden or flower beds. Use only the ones with a hefty scent in order for them to work better. Some folks do not like the odor of marigolds. Mexican marigolds are said to be the best insect repellant of them all but keep away from cabbage and beans. For centuries people have used this plant for this reason.
 
Nasturtiums are best planted around radishes, tomatoes, cucumbers and under fruit trees. They will repel whiteflies, squash bugs, cucumber beetles and wooly aphids. And the leaves, seeds and flowers are edible and are used in salads.

By using companion planting, a lot of gardeners discover that they can reject damaging pests without losing the beneficial friends. Be open to trying out and see what does well for you. Use the plants that are native in your area though. Companion planting will help you work in agreement with nature.

What are your thoughts on the subject?