Companion Planting
A guide to poison-free gardening
Did you know that tomatoes and basil do great together in the garden as well as in the
cooking pot? Many herbs are natural insect repellants that can help keep your garden bug-free and reduce or eliminate the need for potentially harmful pesticides. By using a technique called companion planting, many gardeners are discovering that they can discourage garden pests without harming helpful insects such as ladybugs and bees. Some herbs through their odors or root secretions will deter pests naturally. An added bonus are fragrant herbs that will season the fruits of your labors.
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Basil - Plant with tomatoes to improve growth and flavor and to repel flies and mosquitoes. Do not plant near rue. |
Chamomile - Improves flavor of cabbages and onions. |
Horseradish - Plant in potato patch to keep away potato bugs. |
Rue - Deters Japanese beetles in roses and raspberries. |
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Bay Leaf - A fresh bay leaf in each storage container of beans or grains will deter weevils and moths. |
Chervil - Companion to radishes for improved growth and flavor |
Hyssop - Companion plant to cabbage and grapes, deters cabbage moths. Do not plant near radishes. |
Sage - Companion plant with rosemary, cabbage, and carrots to deter cabbage moths, beetles, and carrot flies. Do not plant near cucumbers. |
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Bee Balm - Plant with tomatoes to improve growth and flavor |
Chives - Improves growth and flavor of carrots |
Lovage - Improves flavor and health of most plants. |
Summer Savory - Plant with beans and onions to improve growth and flavor. Discourages cabbage moths. |
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Borage - Companion plant for tomatoes, squash and strawberries. Deters tomato worms. |
Dill - Improves growth and health of cabbage. Do not plant near carrots. |
Marjoram - Improves flavor of all vegetables. |
Tansy - Plant with fruit trees, roses, and raspberries. Deters flying insects, Japanese beetles, striped cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and ants. |
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Caraway - Good for loosening compacted soil. |
Garlic - Plant near roses to repel aphids. |
Mint - Deters white cabbage moths, and improves the health of cabbages and tomatoes. |
Thyme - Deters cabbage worms. |
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Catnip - Deters flea beetles (and kitties LOVE it!) |
Gopher Purge - Deters gophers and moles. |
Rosemary - Companion plant to cabbage, beans, carrots, and sage. Deters cabbage moths, bean beetles and carrot flies. |
Wormwood - Keeps animals out of the garden when planted as a border. |
(Taken from Herbs for Your Kitchen by Taylor's Herb Gardens, Inc.)