Companion plantings are a key method for reducing garden pests. The companion plants repel pests (e.g., marigolds and onions), attract beneficial insects and birds that dine on the pests (e.g., marigolds and sunflowers), or attract the pests themselves so the vegetable plants are spared (e.g., nasturtiums and borage). Samantha Burns compiled her top ten companion plants for organic gardening. A synopsis of her list follows. Definitely check out her gardening blog for more specific planting information.
- Marigold – entire plant deters pests, particularly nematodes when planted with tomatoes, also attracts beneficial insects and pollinators; flowers are edible
- Basil – deters pests and is good for pesto too (sorry, couldn’t resist)
- Radish – potent pest deterrent useful for planting at the base of vining plants
- Oregano – deters pests; when planted with vines it repels squash borer and flea beetles
- Geranium – attracts cabbage moths, keeping them from laying eggs on broccoli, brussels sprouts, and cabbages
- Borage – edible herb which attracts beneficial insects and pollinators (pictured above)
- Sunflowers – attracts birds and provides sun protection for sun-sensitive crops
- Dill – flowers attract beneficial insects and pollinators; repels pests
- Sweet Alyssum – attracts predatory wasps that prey on pests
- Chives – like the rest of the onion family, chives repel pests
Honorable Mention: Nasturtium – attracts pests so that vegetables are spared; flowers are edible.
CW Lofts Community Garden 