May 28, 2010, Newsletter Issue #446: Companion Herbs

Tip of the Week

Herbs make great companion plants, partly because they tend not to be bothered by pests. They're also aromatic and can make your time spent in the garden more enjoyable and therapeutic. Here is a list of some common herbs:

Garlic: This is one of the most potent herbs. A spray made from organic garlic can repel mosquitoes, aphids, and onion flies. Garlic sprays have also been found effective on light blight and can repel rabbits when mixed with fish emulsion. Do not plant garlic with peas or beans, but do plant it around fruit trees (to repel borers) and tomatoes (to repel red spiders).
Mint: This herb can be invasive, so it's best planted in pots (unless you want it to grow everywhere). It's great around fruit trees and is also a good companion for cabbage, as it repels the cabbage butterfly. Mint can also improve the health and flavor of tomatoes when grown next to them.
Lemon balm: Like mint, this herb can be invasive, so plant with caution. Because it attracts bees, it's great for vegetable and fruit gardens.
Dill: This fragrant herb also attracts bees. Good companions for dill are cabbage, lettuce, onions, and cucumbers. Avoid planting it near carrots, and be careful where you plant it, as it will reseed.
Basil: Basil is a great companion for tomatoes. Keep in mind that basil is a small plant in comparison to a tomato plant, so make sure to plant in front of tomatoes so it will get plenty of sunlight.
 

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