- Basil planted among tomatoes may repel tomato hornworms.
- Marigolds, mint, thyme, or chamomile may repel cabbage moths.
- Radishes make excellent trap crops for cucumber beetles among squash and cucumbers. Radishes also attract flea beetles when planted near cole crops.
Companion crops being evaluated at the seed bank
include cosmos, calendula, hyssop, allysum, peppermint and marigold.
Jen says that the companion crops are definitely attracting lots of
pollinating bees at the seed bank as well as lady bugs and lacewings
that eat pests such as aphids. And she sees trap crops, such as
allysum, attracting aphids. However, the current cool-dry season
doesn't have as much insect pressure as the upcoming hot and rainy
seasons. So the coming months will offer a critical time to evaluate
the overall effectiveness of the companion crops on in pest management at
the seed bank.
For persons who delight in pure, orderly,
organized stands of crops, companion planting be too messy for them.
But for those who appreciate the positive effects that crop
biodiversity might bring, not to mention patches of color in a sea of
green, then companion planting should definitely be considered and
evaluated.
This is a very rich article about companion plants and was so looking to it. thanks!
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