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In these tough economic times, it is important to get the most bang for your buck. Many people think that you need to have a lot of space to grow a garden when in fact you can mix your vegetables and flowers together. Not only does this give you the benefits of beautiful color and fresh vegetables, but certain combinations of plants help each other grow well. This concept is called companion gardening.
Companion gardening has been around for hundreds of years but lately is gaining more popularity. A lot of people are now considering the idea since it not only benefits your plants but cuts down on your maintenance of weeding and caring for a garden. Another benefit is that you know where your food is grown and what chemicals or pesticides, if any, are used on them.
When considering companion planting, take into perspective the following:
1 - What vegetables/herbs would I like to grow?
2 - What flowers do I like?
3 - Where would I like to grow the plants…pot? Window box? Garden area?
4 - What is the sun exposure that the plants will receive?
5 - How much time do I have to maintain the plants?
All of these questions will help you determine your needs and start to point you in the right direction. One of your best resources would be to visit your local greenhouse. Some have programs that give you free vegetable seeds for planting. They also should be able to assist you in your selection of companion vegetables and flowers.
To help you get started, here are a few simple ideas:
Marigolds: Marigolds not only keep the rabbits away, but also help repel many insects. They work in harmony with most vegetables but especially tomatoes. A great combination would be to plant tomatoes, borage, and marigolds in the same area or pot.
Petunias: Petunias add beautiful color to the garden and the scent of their flower helps protect beans by keeping bugs like aphids away.
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Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums have a strong scent and grow well with radishes, cabbages, and zucchini plants. They secrete an oil that has been known to attract beneficial bugs like the cabbage white moth and helps repel harmful bugs like aphids and squash bugs.
Roses: Remember the saying, “opposites do attract.” I think that roses and garlic would be the perfect example. Garlic is known to help keep away Japanese beetles and aid the production of the roses’ essential oils.
This summer, you will be able to enjoy not only fresh vegetables/herbs, but the beautiful blossoms on your plants. Take the time to enjoy not only what you taste, but what you see and smell.
Karl Eckert is the owner of Eckert’s Greenhouse, Sterling Heights, Michigan. He is a fourth generation distributor and grower of vegetable plants in the metro Detroit area. He is also proud of his many programs, such as SEED to FEED and loves educating children on recycling and gardening. He proudly uses recyclable biodegradable pots for his plants, uses beneficial bugs, and carries and uses earth friendly products.
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