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The practice of companion planting dates back
centuries to the ancient Romans. Here on this continent Native Americans planted corn
with squash and beans. They passed along this technique to the pilgrims. The
pilgrims where known to grow asparagus and carrots around grape vines. So
everything old is new again.
I like to say that when you carefully select
the right neighborhood for plants, you will reap the benefits in a greater harvest and
better flavor. Through careful selects you can attract good insects to help in
pollination and deter bad ones that devour your plants. One such example is planting
the commonly call "three sisters" together: beans, corn and squash. The pole
bean climb up the corn stalks. In return for the support, the beans add nitrogen to
the soil. Both provide shade for the squash.
Root crops can be selected to benefit each
other. In the same bed or row, you can sow seeds for plants that grow to
different depths. You can plant deep-rooted plants near shallow-rooted ones.
Getting interested in companion
gardening? Did you know that onion plants will deter slugs and aphids?
That's why some gardeners plant onions near rose bushes. Did you know that carrots &
basil will improve the flavor of tomatoes? Yep, plant them near your tomato vines.
Did you know that potatoes will be protected from disease if you plant horseradish in their
neighborhood? Did you know that marigolds repel greenfly and blackfly? Also plant near
your tomatoes.
Giving companion gardening a try is certainly
worth the effort. Companion Vegetable and
Companion Herb chart are a good place to begin your
vegetable garden plan. The Internet is full of information - search away. You'll
find information like: (1) The benefit of companion planting can be one-sided. For
example, carrots are beneficial to beans, but beans are not beneficial to carrots.
(2) The benefit of companion plants can be to keep plants apart. For example, beans &
onion do better at opposite ends of the garden. (3) You can plant mint to
repel ant and basil to repel flies & mosquitoes. (4) Companion planting can act as a
natural insect repellant.
The more beneficial bugs that go from
flower to flower, the more productive your garden will be.
Can't wait to get my hand into Texas soil!
Companion
Herb Planting Chart
Companion Vegetable Planting
Chart
Practicing what I Preach
Critter Trouble
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