When people live in accordance with Nature, the song of life becomes sweet.
– Mata “Amma” Amritanandamayi
What is companion planting
Companion planting is a gardening technique that involves planting different types of plants in close proximity to each other to increase the overall health and productivity of the garden. Companion planting can be used to naturally repel pests, increase yields, and improve soil quality. In addition, companion planting can be used to attract beneficial insects, such as pollinators, to the garden. Additionally, companion planting can create a more attractive landscape and can even be used to encourage biodiversity.
Examples of companion planting
Companion planting is a great way to increase the health of your garden and maximize the potential of your plants. Here are some examples of companion planting that you can try in your garden:
Planting tomatoes and basil together can help to increase the flavor of tomatoes.
Planting garlic and lettuce together can help to repel pests.
Planting squash and corn together can help to improve the growth of both plants.
Planting cucumber and beans together can help to increase nitrogen levels in the soil.
Planting marigolds and tomatoes together can help to repel harmful insects and improve the flavor of tomatoes.
Repel by smell
Companion planting is a form of organic pest control that uses the natural scents of plants to repel pests. Certain plants produce strong scents that act as a deterrent to pests, while other plants attract beneficial insects that feed on those pests. In addition, some plants produce scents that can interfere with a pest's ability to detect the presence of their preferred food sources. For example, marigolds release a pungent scent that repels many types of nematodes, and basil emits a strong scent that discourages aphids from attacking nearby plants. By strategically planting these types of companion plants together, you can create a pest-free environment without having to use toxic chemicals.
What is a trap crop?
A trap crop is a crop that is planted to attract pest insects away from the main crop. This type of crop is usually more attractive to the pest than the main crop, and it serves as a “trap” for the pests. This can help to reduce the need for chemical pesticides and increase the yield of the main crop. Some examples of trap crops and the insects they attract are:
Mustard: This trap crop attracts aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage loopers.
Marigold: This trap crop attracts whiteflies and nematodes.
Radish: This trap crop attracts wireworms, cucumber beetles, and flea beetles.
Buckwheat: This trap crop attracts aphids and thrips.
Cowpeas: This trap crop attracts aphids, mites, leafhoppers, and thrips.
Sunflower: This trap crop attracts aphids, cucumber beetles, and thrips.
By planting trap crops, farmers can reduce the amount of insecticides they need to use on their crops, helping to protect the environment and the health of their crops.
Try it and see
Companion planting is an incredibly useful and powerful tool for gardeners of all levels. It can be used to create healthier, more productive, and more beautiful gardens. It can also help to reduce pest problems and improve soil conditions. Through companion planting, gardeners can work in harmony with nature to create a healthier and more productive environment. With careful planning and a willingness to experiment, companion planting can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
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