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June 2004 Newsletter
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He who plants a garden finds happiness - Chinese proverb
Companion PlantingCompanion Planting is akin to a botanical buddy system whereby placing growing plants together that will help each other defend against insects and disease you make for a healthier and more productive garden. It is a great way to eliminate or diminish the need for pesticides. Combined with green manure, composting, mulching and proper drainage, companion planting will round out your organic gardening practices. While insect control is most often touted as the reasoning behind companion planting, plants simply thrive better when they are grown among friends and companions. Your plants will have increased vigor and less stress, causing insects to pass them by looking for weak or sick plants. Plant rotation is also an important part of organic gardening. This is done both for soil protection and disease control. Rotating your crops helps to prevent disease because soil microorganisms that attack one crop will leave when a different crop is planted, thereby not allowing the harmful microorganisms to build up to destructive levels. Another important aspect of rotation is planting the same crop in the same spot year after year will deplete the soil of specific nutrients. But, if you rotate your crops, because different plants have different nutrient uptakes and exude different substances, your soil will be replenished. For instance, legumes restore nitrogen to soil; so leave their roots in the soil and as they rot they will release nitrogen. There are many factors determining which plants are compatible or incompatible. Some of those factors are: moisture, aeration, nutrients, sunlight and acidity. As we all know, some plants prefer full sun while others prefer shade. So planting a low-growing, shade-loving plant with a taller, bushy plant will meet the needs of both plants. The type root system a plant has will also help in choosing compatible plants. For instance, potatoes and beans are compatible because they spread their roots at different levels. You would not want to plant potatoes and carrots together because they both use the same soil strata. Same for peppers and eggplant. They would be competing for the same space. A good way to choose compatible plants is to pick plants that are opposites in some crucial way, such as their shape. Celery and leeks are compatible because the upright leek can still find light near the bushy celery plant and both are potassium lovers. Herbs are a very important part to a healthy organic garden. Herbs are really the guardians of the garden because they protect the health of the plants and soil. Their excretions - often antibiotic and fungicidal - protect against disease. Basil and borage, for instance, should be planted near tomatoes. They will guard against tomato worm and condition the soil with nutrients the tomatoes need. Marigolds can be planted throughout the garden to help guard against nematodes. Japanese beetles are repeled by rue, while tansy will keep ants out of the house and repel cucumber beetles and squash bugs from the garden. Summer savory improves the flavor of beans and makes an excellent companion for onions. Follow the links below for additional information on companion planting. ATTRA - Basic Concepts and Resources
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