by conor mc keown
It is important to know your companion plants in an organic garden.
Organic is a fast growing trend these days,many people are growing in their own plots others like the small farmer on a couple of acres and then theres the larger scale farmer going full heartly at it having hundreds of acres.
As a gardener, you must have noticed that certain plants thrive better when grown near certain other plants. Some plants have been found to be averse to specific plants. Keeping this in mind, organic gardeners always grow their plants near to the ones they prefer.
Companion planting improves the general health of your plants and reduces stress on them. If you want to benefit from natural plant alliance read on.
Companion Plants
Tomatoes thrive better when grown near basil and parsley plants. Peppers prefer to be grown near basil plants. Basil plants retain moisture in the air near their surroundings and pepper plants benefit from this humid condition.
You can also plant lettuce amongst pepper plants.If you are planting cabbage, broccoli, or other brassicas plants, you can plant onions in between them. This would ensure that your cabbage is not infested by cabbage worms.
Similarly, planting tomatoes near cabbage will deter loopers, flea beetles, and whiteflies. Beet, beans, and dill thrive well near cabbage. Melons and pumpkins grow exceedingly well near corn. Broccoli and cucumber planted together deter striped cucumber beetle.
Leek plants deter carrot flies, so it makes sense to grow them near each other too. Some flowers are also very helpful for vegetables. Marigold can deter Mexican bean beetles, cabbage pests, and promote growth in rose plants. They attract hoverflies, which in turn kill aphids.
Marigold and chrysanthemums reduce nematodes in the soil, thus making it healthier. Mint is helpful for the growth of squash and brassicas plants. Wonder herb, tansy has been found very efficient against cabbage worms, Colorado beetles, Japanese beetles, ants, aphids, and squash bugs. Garlic planted near roses helps reduce blackspot, mildew, aphids, and Japanese beetles.
Alyssums add to the organic content of the soil. They reseed frequently and this helps to breakdown the soil.
What Not To Do, When Planting Companion Plants
Never grow plants near the ones they are averse to. Carrots, cauliflower, and potatoes should never be planted near tomatoes. Asparagus should not be planted close to onions and potatoes. Beans do not go with chives, fennel, and garlic.
Potatoes are averse to pumpkin and summer squash. Carrots hate to be grown with dill. Peas cannot stand onion, garlic, and shallots. Make your plants happy by giving them ideal companions. A happy garden will definitely put a smile on your face and a spring in your step.
It is critical to your organic garden to match the right plants, so go here to get your FREE book on the little known secrets of really effective organic gardening http://www.Organic-GardeningToday.com
Conor McKeown
Article Source: Article Junction Network