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A friend in need is a friend indeed (Companion planting)

Back when your supper table depended on what you grew yourself, those who tended the land knew that planting certain plants next to each other would not only make them grow better but, in some instances, actually made them taste better.

Some plants help each other by improving the soil with minerals and nutrients, others attract birds and other natural predators that eat harmful insects. Some plants even repel specific insects. This symbiotic relationship is called “companion planting”. For novice organic gardeners, companion planting is one of the easiest and safest ways to garden.

It’s no coincidence that tomatoes and basil are a great dinner combination, they’re also great garden companions. Plus, basil repels flies and mosquitoes. Chives will also improve the taste of both tomatoes and carrots. Lettuce grows especially well with onion, another great pest repeller. They’re also both compatible with strawberries, tomatoes, carrots, radishes, parsley and cucumbers. Basil and bee balm improve both the growth and flavour of these salad veggies and bee balm has the added benefit of attracting beneficial insects and bees. Now, not only are your flowers and vegetables protected from destructive pests, but without even realizing it, you’ve also grown yourself a ready-made salad.

Plant a little garlic around your roses and raspberries to repel Japanese beetles as well as aphids. Garlic accumulates sulphur, a naturally occurring fungicide which will help prevent diseases in your garden. It also helps to kill black spot on roses, a notoriously difficult disease to control.

Marigolds, an old standby in the garden, are one of the most effective pest repellers of all, especially the smelly types like Mexican, African and French. Plant them throughout the garden for both colour and protection. Marigolds repel insects with their odour. In fact, dried and crushed up marigolds are used in many insecticidal powders and sprays making them an effective and natural way to keep insects from destroying your plants, especially tomato plants.

Mint is very effective for keeping aphids, flea beetles and white cabbage moth away from cabbage and tomatoes. But, be careful with mint as it can be very invasive. Plant it in the ground in pots that can be removed if necessary.

Catnip is not only a healthy treat for your cats, it also repels a large variety of garden pests including aphids, Japanese beetles, flea beetles, squash bugs, ants and weevils. It’s also a safe, pleasant smelling deterrent for mice and ants both indoor and out.

Not only do these pretty herbs help your garden grow naturally and beautifully, they’re also a bonus harvest that you can put on your table secure in the knowledge that they’re safe to eat.