Use Companion Planting To Repel Pests, Attract Good Insects

Companion planting is a natural way to enhance your garden, control pests, and attract beneficial insects (like butterflies). By arranging “friendly” or synergistic plants near each other, you can keep bugs at bay and possibly avoid having to use pesticides.

Photo by Chris Fannin.

There a great many plant combinations you can try for companion planting. Basil and tomatoes are great not just in an Italian dish, but planted together in the garden. Basil is said to improve both the growth and flavour of tomatoes and repel flies and mosquitoes. (Some plants are also best not grown together, like basil and rue or sage, however.)

Other plants that repel mosquitoes, include Citronella grass, Rosemary, catnip and marigolds.

The marigold, shown in the photo above, is actually a great overall pest deterrent, according to Golden Harvest Organics. Look for the scented variety and plant freely throughout your garden. Mexican marigolds are even said to repel wild bunnies! However, marigolds may attract slugs — so you perhaps you should also plant chervil near the marigolds.

Hit up the link below for a great big list of companion plants and more on this holistic and age-old method of gardening.

Companion Planting [Golden Harvest Organics via DIY Life]


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