Plants are just like people. Some of them grow better in the company of particular varieties. Plants that grow well in the company of other plants are known as companion plants. The principle of growing such plants is to keep bugs and other pests from attacking the neighboring plants. Some of the companion plants even help other plants grow well.

The term companion planting was coined after years of experimenting and information passed on by experienced gardeners and also through some scientific case studies.

Overall it is all about plants helping other plants to grow better. Not all of the plants are good companions. Some plants flourish and others when planted together may even stunt growth.

Here are 16 points that explain how companion plants can help to ward off garden pests.

1.  If Mexican Bean Larvae infects your beans, plant Marigolds which contributes to control cabbage worms and aphids. Grow the flowers throughout your garden.

2. White cabbage flies will not attack cauliflowers if you interplant celery with it.

3. Cucumber and Corn jointly benefit from each other’s company. Cucumbers will keep away raccoons from corn whereas the corn will reduce wilt in cucumbers.

4. Radish will help to control cucumber beetles that attack cucumber plants. It will also fight against striped cucumber beetles that attack squash and melons. So whenever you plan to grow cucumbers, don’t forget to plant radish along with it.

5. To repel Colorado potato beetle that attacks eggplants, grow beans among them.

6. Mix Parsley among carrot rows to prevent carrot flies from attacking them.

7. Raise Nasturtiums with squash to keep away squash bugs.

8. Tomato plants should be grown in asparagus beds after their spears have been harvested to protect them from asparagus beetles. Plant tomatoes by the side while keeping the asparagus intact without cutting it off completely.

9. Tomato plants will not be affected by red spider mites if you plant garlic with them.

10. Basil can be grown along with tomatoes to increase flavor and control insects.

11. Plant Oregano with broccoli to keep away cabbage flies.

12. Brassicas can be protected from white cabbage flies if you grow sage. It can also be planted with carrots as Sage repels carrot flies.

13. Place thyme to prevent cabbage worms in broccoli, cabbage, kale, and other brassicas varieties. To know more about thyme and its benefits as a companion plant check out the NYCity Pest Control infographic.

14. Wormwood is one of the best plants that can be grown to repel moths, flea beetles, and cabbage moth. You must grow it as a border plant as other plants don’t do well when planted next to it. It also effectively repels pests that attack livestock. Wormwood is fed to goats that are not pregnant and chickens as it fights intestinal worms naturally.

15. Plant bush beans and potatoes in alternate rows because they benefit from each other. Potatoes keep away Mexican bean beetles and beans repel Colorado potato beetle.

16. Calendula can be grown with tomatoes and asparagus to discourage tomato hornworms and asparagus beetles.

If you had found success in repelling insects by growing, companion plants do share your experience.

How to Implement Companion Planting for Natural Pest Control, 5.0 out of 5 based on 1 rating

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