Gardening and Companion Planting

Early spring is the time to start planning your garden and with all the new seed catalogs coming out, you'll have lots to choose from for doing some Companion Planting this year. You can also plant lettuce and spinach throughout the summer to have this available regularly.
Experience shows that using Companion Planting through out your garden is an important part of pest management. Companion planting helps bring a balanced eco-system to your landscape, and nature 'does its job'.

By using companion planting, many gardeners find that they can discourage harmful pests without losing the beneficial insects. There are many varieties of herbs, flowers, etc. that can be used for companion plants.

Experiment and find what works for you.

You might use certain plants as a border or backdrop, or plant them in your 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 and use your imagination. There are many ways you can find to incorporate these useful plants in your vegetable garden, orchard, and flower beds.

The following is a basic plant guide (with some tips) to help you "work in harmony with nature." Below are many plants that can be used for pest control, enhancing flavor in other plants, or improving soil conditions.I have added some of these companions to my garden and have had some good results avoiding pests.Many of these attract beneficial insects as well.