Companion planting story...

[lesa]

I became very interested in companion planting this season. I made the mistake of not starting the veggies and companion plants at the same time. So, when I transplanted my veggies, I just direct seeded the companions (nasturtium, marigolds, mustard, etc.)
Needless to say, my summer crops have come and gone. Every time I look at my veggie garden, I start smiling...I have the most beautiful rows of nasturtium and marigolds!! Planted way to late to be companions, but lovely nonetheless!
Another gardening lesson learned!

 

[Collector]

This might seem like an odd question, what is the basic idea of companion planting.

 

[lesa]

The idea is that certain plants keep pests away. Those nasturtium were going to keep the cucumber beetles away. Since most bugs don't like the smell of onions, they recommend that you plant them throughout your garden to discourage infestation.
Some say if you plant borage with your tomatoes they will be sweeter tasting, etc. Since planting calendula under my climbing rose bush, I have seen a lot fewer aphids. There are tons of combination's.

 

[hoodat]

There are a lot of reasons for companion planting. I find that a large Copper Canyon daisy keeps bugs confused over a wide area. It puts out such a strong odor every time it's disturbed that they can't detect the odor of the plant they are looking for. Some have flowers that are favorites with small predator wasps and syrphid flies so it helps keep your predators close to nearby plants where they can do the most good.
There are also plants that just get along well together even though the reason isn't quite clear. They seem to help each other along somehow.
Other plants are like cats and dogs and just don't like each others company.
There are still a lot of things to be discovered along that line but most of the tales passed from one gardener to another are true. They have been tested over time and found to work.

 

[digitS']

. . . or, one plant benefits and the other isn't seriously inconvenienced.

That may be the case with basil set out around a tomato plant.

Also, a little chopped basil close at hand for your sliced, ripe tomato is a good thing.

Steve

 

[Collector]

Well that sounds really logical, I had not thought of anything like that before. I'm tlling you I will learn something around here, or come dangerously close lol.