by countess Trottier/Trotzier
Eco-conscious Earth Stewards who plant organic gardens do not need synthetic herbicides, insecticides, fertilizers. Because of the wisdoms passed on by our wise ancestors who for thousands of centuries have succeeded to produce plant crops to feed themselves, they have learned that companion planting promises a good harvest. The following list of which plant grows well with a companion plant can be very helpfull. It is also advisable to keep a garden diary.
Tomatoes, one of the most planted in a family garden, loves to have basil growing next to it. Due to its strong scent, basil helps to deter fruit flies and disease from attacking the tomato plants. Both enjoy a moist soil in the growing season. Avoid watering from above as this causes black spots on the leaves. Also, tomatoes do not tolerate smokers due to the high poisonous content of nicotine and carbon monoxide. p.s.: The geranium plants are known to actually begin to wilt when smokers are too often around them.
Carrots are a favorite for those who have eyes and want to see the truths! Is this why so many people plant carrots? And to keep the carrots safe from the carrot rust fly, plant some onions who is going to protect its companion.
Broccoli is so special and full of oxygen which we all need. To ensure a healthy crop, plant rosemary beside it. The rosemary can actually be planted in a clay pot so it can be taken inside during the winter and decorated as a tiny Christmas tree. The rosemary helps to repel the cabbage moth which is an arch enemy of broccoli.
Lettuce which is easy to grow and enjoys a moist soil can thrive when radishes are planted alongside of it. They like growing in partial shade with some cosmos, sunflowers, zinnias close to them.
Cabbage – the gorgeous giant buds of sulphur and health-producing nutrients …. is perfectly matched when dill is growing next to it. While cabbage is stalked by worms and loopers, the dill scent can actually prevent these stalkers from showing up. In case they do, an effective home-spray can be used. Crush 1 garlic bulb and combine with 1 minced medium onion. Add 1 quart water and 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper. Allow to “stew” one hour and then add 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, and your non-toxic spray is ready to use. Store in the refrigerator.
Beets – absolutely necessary for one’s health and to purify the blood … enjoy growing with mint around. Both tolerate some shade and a cool corner, with water often served. Mint wards of flea beetles and: rats and mice!
Kale – the talk of the town since a couple of years. About 10 years ago when I was feeding my pet Bunny, Galaxy, some kale, it was rare that you heard people exclaiming what a great veggie kale was! Could Galaxy telepathically reminded all you people that kale is truly great for the eyes and for one’s health?! And one of my favorite herb is dandelion which grows very protectively near kale. When this dandelion is free of toxic sprays, the leaves are perfect for your salads or cut up finely in an omelette. Meanwhile, since kale can be hounded by aphids, beetles, loopers, worms … the dandelion can protect its companion, the kale. The above-noted home-spray can be used once a week when aphids and the other pests make their appearance.
Roses – Plant heirloom only and they should be highly fragrant – these are the two traits to look for before investing in roses. Many are sold these days that have the look of roses but have no fragrance and how disappointing that can be! Roses love to eat and feeding them bananas, coffee grind, broken egg shells, and other natural kitchen wastes is going to give them such feelings of happiness. They enjoy such companions as garlic and parsley. The garlic helps to keep the aphids away. Then when they bloom, take a few and sprinkle their edible petals on your salads, deserts or just nibble them and take in all that greatly needed vitamin C. Back to Galaxy, my Bunny, he just loved nibbling away on the rose petals … and was he ever healthy! The parsley contains lots of zinc which was transferred to the roses.
When planting an organic garden, you are claiming your Divine Right to enjoy pure, healthy foods. The more knowledge you can acquire about doing what is natural as opposed to synthetic, the better you are going to feel and so will Planet Earth and all the creations in Nature. Become a Companion to Planet Earth!
Suggested web site:
www.rodalesorganiclife.com/garden/companions
www.burpee.com (enter in Search: companion planting)