Some Plants Just Love Each Other

1. June 10, 2011
Tip of the Week
Some plants just love each other!
Have you got companion plants in your Learn more about companion
garden? If not, you might want to consider plants from ALCC's expert
it. during
the 4 pm segment today on
Many plants thrive on being planted in 9News, Denver.
proximity to one another. Take tomatoes
and basil, for example. They're a marriage
made in heaven even before they get to the
kitchen. Plant zinnias to
attract pollinataors.
Basil improves the growth and flavor of
tomatoes and will also repel thrips--a common Colorado garden
pest. Also add the typical Italian herbs to the mix by planting
parsley, oregano and thyme and you will enhance the winning
garden combo.
Many companion plants will bring in good insects for the benefit
of the whole garden--while still others drive the bad bugs away.
All you need to know is who loves who in the plant world.
Add flowering plants that do more than look pretty
Alyssum - Plant it alongside potatoes and broccoli. It attracts
delicate beneficial insects, such as predatory wasps and attracts
hoverflies whose larvae devour aphids.
Chrysanthemum - It has been used as botanical pesticides for
centuries. White flowering chrysanthemums repel Japanese
beetles.
Lavender - attracts butterflies and bees and repels fleas, whitefly
and moths.
Marigolds - Well known as a pest deterrent. They keep soil free
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of bad nematodes, beetles, and whiteflies and discourage many Suite 920
other insects. Plant freely throughout the garden but avoid bean Denver, CO 80222-4356
and cabbage plants. Marigolds must be a scented variety for them tele. 303 757-5611
to work. Downside: they can attract spider mites and slugs. fax 303 757-5636
Nasturtium - Great companion to radishes, cucumber, cabbage, www.alcc.com
cauliflower, broccoli and mustards. It deters aphids, squash bugs

2. and striped pumpkin beetles and improves growth and flavor.
Since it likes poor soil with low moisture and no fertilizer, set
potted nasturtium among garden beds. The leaves, flowers and
seeds of nasturtiums are all edible and great in salads.
Zinnias - Attract hummingbirds which eat whiteflies. Pastel
varieties can be used as a trap crop for Japanese beetles. All
zinnias attract bees and other insect pollinators.
Herbs and other flavorful plants make good companions
Catnip - Deters flea beetles, aphids, Japanese beetles, squash
bugs, ants and weevils. It also helps to repel mice.
Chamomile, peppermint, dill, sage and rosemary - Plant
these with broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. Chamomile is also
a host to hoverflies and wasps.
Chives - Improve growth and flavor of carrots and tomatoes and
also work well with carrots, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage and
mustard. Chives repel aphids from tomatoes and grapes. Avoid
planting near beans and peas.
Cilantro (coriander) - Repels aphids, spider mites and potato
beetle.
Dill - Plant with cucumbers to attract beneficial predators. Also
repels aphids, spider mites and squash bug. Dill improves growth
of cabbage and lettuce. Do not plant near carrots, caraway,
cauliflower, corn, potato or tomatoes.
Garlic - Plant with beets for flavor and pest control. Plant near
roses to repel aphids. It also benefits cukes, peas, lettuce and
celery. Garlic accumulates sulfur, a naturally occurring fungicide
which will help prevent disease.
Onions (Alliums) - Plant with carrot, chamomile, beets,
strawberries, broccoli, dill, lettuce, summer savory and tomatoes.
Onions planted with strawberries help the berries fight disease.
Keep onions away from peas and asparagus.
Sage - Plant with broccoli, cauliflower, rosemary, cabbage, and
carrots. It deters cabbage moths, beetles, black flea beetles and
carrot flies. Do not plant near cucumbers or onions. Allow sage
to flower so it will attract many beneficial insects.
Tarragon - Plant throughout the garden as few pests like it. It
also enhances growth and flavor of vegetables.
Need help designing a garden that brings companion plants
together? Go to Find a Pro to find a landscape contractor who
can help you create the garden or landscape of your dreams.
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