Why I Love Companion Planting
One of my favorite ways to garden is by using companion plants. Instead of relying solely on sprays or chemicals, companion planting pairs vegetables with herbs and flowers that may help attract pollinators, confuse insect pests, and create a healthier garden environment.
Although companion planting isn't a magic solution for every garden problem, many gardeners have found it to be a simple and natural way to encourage healthy plants while adding beauty and variety to the garden.
My purchase:
1 PACK, CATNIP
1 PACK, MARIGOLD, FRENCH BROCADE
1 PACK, MINT, LICORICE (ANISE HYSSOP)
1 PACK, BASIL, LEMON
1 PACK, BASIL, GENOVESE SWEET
1 PACK, SUNFLOWER, RUSSIAN MAMMOTH
These are the companion plants that are good for sharing pots with certain vegetables to help deter garden pests. The herbs are especially good for household pests, rodents, and ants.
Why I Chose These Companion Plants
Each of these plants serves a purpose beyond looking pretty.
- Marigolds are popular for attracting beneficial insects and may help discourage certain garden pests.
- Basil is commonly planted near tomatoes and peppers, and many gardeners believe it helps attract pollinators while adding wonderful flavor to the kitchen.
- Catnip can attract pollinators and may help discourage some insect pests, although neighborhood cats may also find it irresistible.
- Anise Hyssop (Licorice Mint) attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators that help vegetable gardens thrive.
- Russian Mammoth Sunflowers provide food for birds and people, attract pollinators, and can even serve as natural supports for climbing beans, creating a classic "Three Sisters"-style growing space.
One lesson I've learned over the years is to give mint plenty of room—or better yet, grow it in a container. Mint spreads quickly through underground runners and can easily take over a garden bed if left unchecked.
While companion planting won't eliminate every insect problem, combining flowers, herbs, and vegetables has helped make my garden more diverse, productive, and enjoyable each season.
4 comments:
Catnip for the cat?
Catnip for the cats, AND to make bugs and pests very unhappy! =)
I ALWAYS plant Marigolds around my garden plants.. they really do help and at the same time make things look prettier.
Yes, mint will definately take over a yard but it smells pretty when you mow :)
That's interesting about letting your beans vine up the sunflowers but it wouldn't work for me because the wind always blows my sunflowers over.
Oh wow! How exciting! I can't wait until I can start thinking about planting again! I've heard the same thing about the merigolds but I haven't tried it .. I should! That'll be neat to see the beans grow up the sunflowers!
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