If you look closely at the natural landscape, you’ll
never see a large area populated by a single species. Why then would
it make sense to plant a single crop in a field or in a section of
your garden? It doesn’t. Companion planting makes a lot of sense.
Single crops may be easier to harvest, especially for commercial
purposes, but the plants and the land both suffer for it. Farmers
have learned that rotating their crops and allowing fields to “rest”
with plants that can be turned back into the soil can lessen their
dependence on fertilizers. That is only part of the solution to a
healthy ecosystem and successful crop production.
In nature plants constantly seek out symbiotic relationships with
other plants and animals around them. We are only beginning to
understand the workings of these relationships. Companion planting
attempts to provide a more natural environment that will help your
plants thrive.
Native Americans throughout the western hemisphere were practicing
companion planting when the Europeans landed. Maize (corn), squash
and beans were referred to as “The Three Sisters” among many of the
eastern nations when the first colonists arrived. In this situation
the corn provides support for the beans and the squash suppresses
weeds and keeps the soil cool and moist by virtue of it’s large
leaves. This was the elementary school explanation and probably the
first and last time most people gave companion planting much
thought.
Besides shade and structure companion planting provides much more
remarkable benefits. My experience has found companion planting to
be an effective means of organic pest control as well. Combining
vegetables with herbs and flowers in the same growing vicinity
accomplishes a few things, which I can attest to with relative
certainty.
By always having something in bloom in your garden you have a better
chance of attracting beneficial insects into your garden. Herbs,
flowers and even some weeds can deter some pests or act as trap
plants to give pest insects something else to eat besides your
vegetables. In some cases, companion plants are even thought to
improve the flavor of their neighbors.
Some companion plants that we have had good luck with in our gardens
Radishes: Whether or not you like the taste of radishes they
make good companions for many vegetables. They are a deterrent to
most pest insects. We have had particular luck growing radishes with
beans, cucumbers and members of the squash family. They seem to
deter the various beetles that can decimate these crops. Radishes do
not do well with members of the cabbage family.
Onions: Members of the onion family also tend to benefit a
variety plants. Carrots, beets, members of the cabbage family,
lettuce and tomatoes all do well with onions. Peas and beans however
are not so compatible with onions.
Annual Herbs: Dill and basil seem to help our tomatoes. Basil
is said to repel white fly and aphids. Dill seems to be one of many
herbs and flowers to attract parasitic wasps. Parasitic wasps help
control tomato hornworms by laying their eggs in the hornworms. The
wasp larvae feed on the hornworms and kill them before they can do
much damage.
In general the more diversity in your garden, the more successful
your efforts will be. By creating a garden in harmony with the
natural environment you will benefit all the inhabitants living
nearby, including yourself and your family. Try companion planting
this season and watch your garden grow.
Chip Phelan, a contributing editor for Organic Gardening Review, is
an organic gardener living in Rhode Island. Organic Gardening Review
is a resource center for organic gardening enthusiast. Find us on
the web:
http://www.organic-gardening-review.com |
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