Companion Planting For Your Garden

Before the invention of harmful pesticides, I believe that farmers around the world figured out that nature provides its own weapons and tools to eliminate harmful bugs, worms and parasites.
Since we are aiming to have an organic vegetable garden, I will be apply techniques and tips from experienced gardeners to get rid of natural enemies for my veggies.

All praise be to Allah SWT, I found this useful article about planting beneficial flowers and veggies for a good harvest from a truly organic garden.


COMPANION PLANTING

Many plants have natural substances in their roots, flowers, leaves etc. that can alternately repel (anti-feedants) and/or attract insects depending on your needs. In some situations they can also help enhance the growth rate and flavor of other varieties. Experience shows us that using companion planting through out the landscape is an important part of integrated pest management. In essence companion planting helps bring a balanced eco-system to your landscape, allowing nature to do its' job. Nature integrates a diversity of plants, insects, animals, and other organisms into every ecosystem so there is no waste. The death of one organism can create food for another, meaning symbiotic relationships all around. We consider companion planting to be a holistic concept due to the many intricate levels in which it works with the ecology.

By using companion planting, many gardeners find that they can discourage harmful pests without losing the beneficial allies. There are many varieties of herbs, flowers, etc. that can be used for companion plants. Be open to experimenting and find what works for you. Some possibilities would be using certain plants as a border, backdrop or interplanting in your flower or vegetable beds where you have specific needs. Use plants that are native to your area so the insects you want to attract already know what to look for! Plants with open cup shaped flowers are the most popular with beneficial insects.

Companion planting can combine beauty and purpose to give you an enjoyable, healthy environment. Have fun, let your imagination soar. There are many ways you can find to incorporate these useful plants in your garden, orchard, flower beds etc.

Read the rest here.

There is also a book 'Carrots Love Tomatoes: secrets of companion planting for successful gardening' by Louise Riotte that can be purchased from Amazon.com.