Grow Organic Companion Plants and Reap the Benefits

Certain plants, called companion plants, when grown near other plants, can benefit from being so close together. This method of planting is often used in organic gardening as pest control, and as a way to yield higher crops. Not only can this be a beneficial relationship but also can often create a beautiful view.

In organic gardening, there is a certain amount of planning needed. Figuring out what plant will benefit what other plant can take time, but it is well worth it. Companion plants can work in many ways. When you plant onions next to carrots, you reduce the chances of certain insects eating the carrots because of the onion smell repelling them. Growing certain types of plants near crops attracts insects and bugs away from the crops with the scent.

Iroquois Indians practiced companion planting. Using corn, squash and beans, they managed to provide pest control for the whole garden, provide vital nitrogen to the garden, and provide a natural trellis for the beans. In this way, they grew three different crops in one small space while keeping weeds from growing, deterring animals such as raccoons, and giving the beans something to climb.

Companion plants can also be used to shade other plants. Bushes or shrubs can be used to keep the sunlight off of flowers that do not like sunlight. They can also help to keep new plants from getting too much sunlight before they are ready to handle it.

Some plants attract insects such as ladybugs. These make wonderful companion plants. Ladybugs eat other insects that harm plants. Having plenty of them in your garden is a good thing. You can also plant to attract bees. They can help to pollinate plants, producing beautiful flowers and helping the flowers to reproduce. There are also other plants that flat out repel harmful insects.

Companion plants can also be used to prevent disease in plants, especially crops. Grape growers often plant roses around their vineyards. Roses are even more vulnerable to the same diseases that grapevines are. If the roses start to look sick, the grower just has to find out what is wrong with them and treat the grapes before they ever show any signs of sickness.

You can also use your companion plants as a beautiful border to your garden. Planting certain herbs like lavender or thyme can help to repel bad insects and attract beneficial insects. Just be sure the plants you are using for a border are beneficial to the plants you have inside the garden.

Organic gardening thrives off the use of companion plants. By using this method, you can not only eliminate the need to use harmful chemical fertilizers and pesticides, but you can also maximize your growing space and increase the yield of your crops. There are so many benefits to living organically that there is no reason not to.

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