Companion Planting
WHAT IS COMPANION PLANTING?
Companion planting is a time-tested gardening method that enriches and protects vulnerable crops. Farmers and gardeners plant specific crops near each other in order to deter pests, attract beneficial insects and stimulate growth.
Step back in time to embrace some gardening wisdom your grandparents may have practiced: The concept of companion planting, or planting combinations of specific plants for their mutual benefit. "The theory behind companion planting is that certain plants may help each other take up nutrients, improve pest management, or attract pollinators.
While you're planning your companion garden, consider making your yard more inviting to some other friends by including flowers that attract hummingbirds or flowers that attract butterflies. Make the space appealing to the younger members of your family by including the best plants for kids or even a whimsical fairy garden. Don't forget to make space for some of the best flowers that bloom in summer. But be sure to set aside an area, whether it's a small plot or a raised bed, to try out these common-sense companion combinations in your garden. Then sit back and reap the benefits
Let's Talk Veggies!
This year I’m happy to offer an added service of helping you plan your veggie garden. Just tell me what types of veggies you would like to grow and I’ll create a custom layout for you. I look at the size of your raised bed, the type of veggies you like and create the optimal companion planting plan. My years of experience will help you get the most out of your vegetable garden.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COMPANION PLANTING?
Companion plants will either help a specific crop grow or will grow better beside a specific crop, and can do many support jobs in the garden
REPEL INSECT PESTS
Cabbage worms, cucumber beetles, and carrot flies can plague vegetable gardens. Companion plants (like marigold flowers and rue) repel pests and should be planted near by to keep them pest-free.
ENCOURAGE GROWTH & BETTER TASTE
Companion plants release specific chemicals that encourage faster growth or better taste in the plants around them, leading to quicker and better harvests.
ATTRACT BENEFICIAL INSECTS
Pollinators like bees and ladybugs can use a little encouragement to visit vegetable gardens and pollinate the crops. Gardeners often plant attractive plants flowers to encourage pollinators to visit.
PROVIDE NECESSARY SHADE
Plants that grow tall and leafy (like zucchini and asparagus) can provide welcome shade for sun-sensitive plants beneath them.
IMPROVE SOIL NUTRIENTS
When crops grow, they take up valuable nutrients, However, there are many companion plants that add nutrients like nitrogen back into the soil, keeping other plants healthy and well-fed.
PROVIDE GROUND COVER
Plants that spread low across the ground (like oregano) serve as a blanket over the soil, protecting it from the sun and keeping it cooler for plants that need it.
Let's Connect
(647) 963-8840
marniepettle@yahoo.ca