Companion plants: 4 steps for savvy gardening to deter pests
One of the tactics savvy gardeners use to tackle pests in the garden without the use of pesticides is companion planting. Companion planting is placing two different plants next to each other for mutual benefit such as attracting beneficial pollinators or deterring pests from your plants or vegetable crops.
Whereas pesticides are a temporary solution that can quite easily damage your beloved plants if used incorrectly, companion planting can be a long-term solution. With a little bit of planning, and with the help of this guide, you will learn how to companion plant effectively to keep pests at bay.
Confuse pests by masking the scent of your vegetables
Pests are sensitive to certain smells, so planting the right companion plant can help keep them away from the plant or vegetable you’re trying to protect. For example, French marigolds will drive away whiteflies and aphids from the likes of tomatoes or beans. Plants from the allium family like garlic, onions, chives and leeks stop the carrot root fly in its tracks. Herbs such as sage will work effectively around anything in the brassica family, such as cabbages and sprouts.
2. Encourage natural predators
Birds, frogs, and other insects are natural predators that will eat common pests. Coriander and parsley will attract ladybirds who love the taste of aphids. Yarrow, dill, and marigolds not only attract lady birds but also hoverflies, lacewings, and parasitic wasps which are also predators to the destructive aphid. Lavender is great as it attracts pollinators, but the smell deters pests such as slugs and moth caterpillars.
3. Plants for the pests
Keep pests away from your plants and vegetables by providing alternative food sources for them nearby. Nasturtium can be used to attract a multitude of pests such as blackfly and cabbage white butterfly. French marigolds will attract slugs and snails towards them and away from your lettuces. Planting basil near tomatoes and cucumbers can be valuable protection from aphids.
4. Weed out pests
Weeds can steal valuable nutrients from plants and can kill their roots. Companion planting can help control an influx of weeds by taking up space that would otherwise be inhabited by the unwanted weeds. The practice of companion planting is great for suppressing weed growth and making use of any dead space where weeds may be eagerly awaiting.
