Companions
Herb Companion Chart The idea that herbs make good companion plants is not new. Some of
the earliest written documents on gardening discuss these
relationships. When selecting your companion plants you will need to
consider more than which pests are deterred. Think about what each
plant adds or takes away from the soil and what effect the proximity
of strong herbs may have on the flavor of your vegetables. Try to
avoid placing two heavy feeders or two shallow rooted plant types
near each other.
Herb Companions Pests Repelled
Angelica Avoid Dill
Basil Tomatoes Dislikes Rue Flies, Mosquitoes
Borage Tomatoes, Squash, Strawberries Tomato Worm
Caraway Plant throughout the garden to loosen the soil. Avoid Dill
Catnip Eggplant Flea Beetle, Ants
Chamomile Cabbage, Onion
Coriander Aphids
Chervil Radish
Chives Carrots
Dead Nettle Potatoes Potato Bug
Dill Cabbage Dislikes Carrots and Caraway
Fennel Most plants dislike this herb
Feverfew roses attracts aphids away from roses
Flax Carrots, Potatoes Potato Bug
Garlic Roses, Raspberries Japanese Beetle, Aphids
Horseradish Potatoes Potato Bug
Henbit General Insect Repellent
Hyssop Cabbage, Grapes Dislikes Radishes Cabbage Moth
Lavender Moths -- combine with southernwood, wormwood and rosemary
in an anti-moth sachet
Marigolds Plant throughout the garden Mexican Bean Beetles,
Nematodes, others
Mint Cabbage, Tomatoes White Cabbage Moth, aphids, flea beetles
Mole Plant Moles and Mice
Nasturtium Radishes, Cabbage, Cucurbits, fruit trees Aphids, Squash
Bugs, Striped Pumpkin Beetle
Pennyroyal Roses Flies, Mosquitoes, Fleas, others
Petunia Beans
Pot Marigold Tomatoes Tomato Worm, Asparagus Beetles, others
Pyrethrums Use dried flower heads as a general insect repellent.
Rosemary Cabbage, Beans Carrots, Sage Cabbage Moth, Bean Beetle,
Carrot Fly
Rue Roses and Raspberries Dislikes Sweet Basil Japanese Beetles
Sage Rosemary, Cabbage, Carrots Dislikes Cucumbers Cabbage Moth,
Carrot Fly, Flea Beetle, Slugs
Southernwood Cabbages Cabbage Moth
Sowthistle Tomatoes, Onion, Corn Plant in moderation
Summer Savory Beans Bean Beetles
Tansy Fruit Trees, Roses, Raspberries Flying Insects, Japanese
Beetles, Striped Cucumber Beetles, Squash Bugs, Ants, Flies
Thyme Cabbage Cabbage Worm
Wormwood Plant as a border to keep animals out of the garden.
Yarrow Plant near aromatic herbs to enhance production of essential
oils.
Companion Planting
Most of us have heard the words Companion Planting, but whatÕs it
all about anyway? Well, companion planting is the process of
interplanting different kinds of plants; herbs, vegetables, even
flowers together in a way which results in healthier bigger and
better producing plants.
If you plant an informal garden that includes herbs and flowers or
herbs and vegetables you may find you have the best looking and
healthiest plants yet. Herbs are very beneficial to other plants.
Their aromatic scent which we find so inviting actually repels many
pests. Some herbs planted among certain vegetables are believed to
actually increase the flavor of the vegetable. And, herbs such as
dill, make a great home for beneficial insects that prey on other
bad insects causing damage in the garden.
The scent of nasturtium repels the whitefly and aphids. Around here
in zone 6 we sometimes have a Japanese beetle problem. Planting
catnip, chives, garlic or tansy may help to repel these pesky bugs.
Some pests use their sense of smell to find the plant they want to
infest. A few carefully placed aromatic herbs can confuse the pests
and send them on their way.
Herbs that combine well in cooking also grow well together. Dill
enhances the growth of cabbage and many good cooks will swear by
planting basil with tomatoes.
Use herbs to attract beneficial insects to your garden. Ladybugs and
parasitic wasps enjoy the delicate structure of dillÕs flower and
will live there. Plant them with roses and they will feed on the
tiny white bugs called aphids that cause a lot of damage to roses.
Finally, herbs can also have a negative effect when planted near
some plants. If you are having trouble with a plant and have ruled
out all the normal problems consider whether itÕs the bunkmate which
may be the culprit.
Herbs that enhance other plants
anise coriander
basil pepper, tomato - dislikes rue
beebalm tomato
borage bean, strawberry, tomato, chamomile cucumber, most herbs
chervil radish
chives carrot, rose, dill cabbage, onion, lettuce -
garlic rose
horseradish potato
lovage bean
mint cabbage, tomato
oregano bean
rosemary bean
sage cabbage, carrot, marjoram - dislike cucumbers
tansy blackberry, raspberry
tarragon most vegetables
thyme eggplant, potato, tomato
yarrow most aromatic herbs
Safety
Do not take essential oils internally.
Always use sparingly. Lavender and Tea Tree (Melaleuca) are
generally safe for direct skin application. Oils that should be
applied to the skin with caution, and always diluted, are: Aniseed,
West Indian Bay, White Camphor, Clove Bud, Coriander, Eucalyptus
Blue Gum, Hyssop, Nutmeg, Sweet Fennel, Parsley Seed, Spanish Sage,
Tagetes (only well diluted .05%), Bergamot (well diluted), Verbena,
and Thyme. Pennyroyal, Mustard, Sassafras, Rue, Wormseed, Tansy,
Benzoin, and Mugwort should not be used at all.
For most applications, a good rule of thumb is 1 drop per 5ml of
carrier oil. Use no more than 5-10 drops per full bathtub of water.
Neat (undiluted application). As mentioned above, Lavender and Tea
Tree are fine for direct application, although some people are
sensitive and may develop irritation. If you have sensitive skin,
apply a small amount and wait 1 hour. If irritation develops, rub
well with pure carrier oil, then wash with soap and water. For
future use, try further diluting the oils.
Oils such as Jasmine, Ylang Ylang and Sandalwood may be applied neat
as in a perfume.
Oils that are known to irritate are: Aniseed, Sweet Basil, Black
Pepper, Cajeput, White Camphor, Virginian Cedarwood, Cinnamon Leaf,
Clove Bud, Eucalyptus Blue Gum, Ginger, Juniper, Lemon, Lemongrass,
Parsley Seed, Peppermint, Pine Needle, Cinnamon Bark, and Thyme.
Always use diluted and in small quantities.
Avoid the following oils before exposure to sunlight or tanning
beds: Angelica Root, Bergamot, Lime, Bitter Orange, Lemon,
Grapefruit, Sweet Orange, and Tangerine.
For children and babies, always reduce the recommended amount by
half, or more. Definitely avoid any oils that are known to be an
irritant. Even Lavender and Tea Tree should be diluted to 1
drop/teaspoon base oil.
During Pregnancy, only use in half the regular dilution. Totally
avoid: Basil, Virginian Cedarwood, Celery Seed, Clary Sage, Clove,
Cinnamon Leaf, Citronella, Hyssop, Juniper, Marjoram, Myrrh, Nutmeg,
Spanish Sage, and Thyme. During the first four months, avoid
Angelica Root, Atlas Cedarwood, Sweet Fennel, Rose, and Rosemary.
High Blood Pressure. Do not use Rosemary, Spanish Sage, or Thyme.
Epilepsy. Do not use Fennel, Hyssop, Rosemary, and Spanish Sage.
Alcohol. Clary Sage can cause nausea and exaggerated drunkenness
when used within a few hours before or after drinking alcohol.
Carcinogenic oils: Calamus, Sassafras.
Hypoglycemia. Avoid Geranium.
Kidney problems. Use Juniper, Sandalwood and Coriander with caution.
As with anything, use caution. Buy a quality book, and learn as much
as you can about Essential Oils. They have been known to have many
medicinal uses and can greatly benefit anyone.
Sources - These safety tips were compiled from various sources
including:
The Complete Illustrated Guide To Aromatherapy, Lawless
The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, Worwood
and read the following)
· · · Vegetables
Small salad green such as oak leaf lettuce and mustard cress, or
vegetables such as silver beet, which have a quick maturing period
are ideal. You may be able to get several crops of a quick maturing
vegetable from your container. Cherry tomatoes and other fruiting
vegetables, including peppers or eggplant can be easily grown in
containers, as can root vegetables such as baby carrots, radishes or
spring onions. Try planting quick-growing small herbs and leaf
lettuces around you larger fruiting vegetables.
VEGETABLE TYPE OF CONTAINER RECOMMENDED VARIETIES
Beans, Snap <../Vegetables/beans.htm> 5 gal. Windowbox Bush Romano,
Bush Blue Lake, Tender Crop, Royal Burgundy
Beans, Lima 5 gal. Windowbox Henderson Bush, Jackson, Wonder Bush
Beets <../Vegetables/beets.htm> 5 gal. Windowbox Little Egypt, Early
Red Ball, Early Wonder, Detroit Dark Red, Boltardy, Burpee Golden
Broccoli <../Vegetables/broccoli.htm> 1 plant/5 gal. pot 3 plants/15
gal. tub Green Comet, DeCicco, Spartan, Italian Green Sprouting
Brussels Sprouts <../Vegetables/brussels.htm> 1 plant/5 gal. pot 2
plants/15 gal. tub Jade Cross, Long Island Improved
Cabbage <../Vegetables/cabbage.htm> 1 plant/5 gal. pot 3 plants/15
gal. tub Dwarf Modern, Red Ace, Early Jersey Wakefield, Little
Leaguer, Earliana, Copenhagen Market, Ruby Ball Hybrid, Red Head
Hybrid
Chinese Cabbage <../Vegetables/chinesecabbage.htm> 1 plant/5 gal.
pot 3 plants/15 gal. tub Michihili, Burpee Hybrid
Carrot <../Vegetables/carrots.htm> 5 gal. Windowbox at least 12"
deep Short & Sweet, Danvers Half Long, Tiny Sweet, Baby Finger
Nantes, Goldenhart, Little Finger, Royal or Red Cored Chantenay, Ox
Hart, Baby Finger
Cucumber <../Vegetables/vines.htm> 1 plant/gal. pot Patio Pik,
Spacemaster, Pot Luck, Bush Whopper, Bush Champion, Burpee Hybrid,
Salad Bush, Parks Burpless Bush, Burpless Early Pik
Eggplant <../Vegetables/eggplant.htm> 3 gal. pot Slim Jim, Ichiban,
Black Beauty, Modern Midget, Mission Bell, Small Ruffled Red, Thai
Green, Bambino
Garlic <../herbs/garlic.htm> 8-inch deep container Most Varieties
Lettuce <../Vegetables/greens.htm> 5 gal. Windowbox Salad Bowl,
Ruby, Grand Rapids, Oak Leaf, Buttercrunch, Dark Green Boston,
Little Gem, Bibb
Onion <../Vegetables/onions.htm> 5 gal. Windowbox White Sweet
Spanish, Yellow Sweet Spanish
Pepper <../Vegetables/peppers.htm> 1 plant/2 gal. pot 5 plants/15
gal. tub Sweet Banana, Yolo Wonder, Long Red Cayenne, Bell Boy,
Keystone Resistant, California Wonder, New Ace, Red Cherry, Long Red
Cayenne, Jalapeno, Thai Hot
Radish 5 gal. Windowbox Cherry Belle, Icicle, Champion, Scarlet
Globe
Spinach <../Vegetables/greens.htm> 5 gal. Windowbox Dark Green
Bloomsdale, Melody, America, Avon Hybrid
Squash <../Vegetables/vines.htm> 2 gal. pot Scallopini, Baby
Crookneck, Creamy, Golden Nugget, Gold Rush, Zucchini (most
varieties)
Tomatoes <../Vegetables/tomatoes.htm> Bushel baskets 5 gal. pots
Tiny Tim, Small Fry, Sweet 100, Patio, Burpee's Pixie, Toy Boy,
Early Girl, Better Boy VFN, Pixie, Red Robin, Sugar Lump, Tumblin'
Tom (hanging baskets)
Herb Companion ChartCompanion plants, repellents,
container plants and what goes with what
Container Garden
Annuals
Annuals suitable for containers include:
Alyssum -- Carpet of Snow, Royal Carpet, Rosie O'Day
Begonia (Wax) -- Glamour, White Christmas, Othello
Browallia -- Blue Bells
Coleus - Red Monarch, Fashion Parade, Magic Lace
Cuphea -- Firefly
Geraniums -- Most varieties
Impatiens - Tangeglow, Elfin Hybrids, Imp Hybrids, Blitz
Latana -- Yellow Compacta, White Compacta
Lobelia -- Blue Cascade, Sapphire
Marigolds -- Dwarf French, Panther, Queen Sophia, Boy Series
Periwinkle (Vinca rosea) -- Little Bright Eyes, Little Blanche,
Little Pinkie
Nasturtiums -- Gleam Series
Pansies -- Mammoth Giants
Petunias -- Cascade Hybrids, Comanche, Bernese Hybrids
Salvia -- Carabiniere Hybrids, Saint John's Fire, Victoria
Sanvitalia -- Gold Braid
Snapdragons -- Floral Carpet
Thunbergia -- Susie Mix
Torenia -- Mixed colors
Verbena -- Amethyst, Blaze, Sparkle Mixed Colors
Zinnias -- Button Series, Chippendale
· · Japanese Beetle Affected Plants: Grubs feed on grass roots, adults feed on a variety of plants.
Damage:
Adults s skeletonize leaves and chew flowers. Grubs feed on grass
roots leaving brown patches of lawn. Predator Insects :
Milky spore, beneficial nematodes
Natural Insecticides:
Sabadilla, liquid rotenone or pyrethrum controls adults.
Other Methods of Control:
Hand pick adult beetles.
Keep the garden clean.
Raise the pH of the soil.
Larkspur is toxic to the beetles, so plant some nearby.
Geraniums and smartweed repel the insects.
Use commercial traps.
· · Spider Mite Affected Plants:
Wide range of plants.
Damage:
Insects suck plant sap causing blotchy yellow leaves and leaf drops.
Predator Insects :
Ladybugs, lacewings.
Natural Insecticides:
Liquid rotenone % or pyrethrum, Safer's Soap, summer horticultural
oil spray.
Other Methods of Control:
Spray with cold water or soap solution.
Spray with a solution of wheat flour, buttermilk and water.
Spray with dormant oil spray.
· · Weevils Affected Plants:
Many vegetables .
Damage:
Punches holes in leaves, stems and fruit, sometimes defoliating
plants. Predator Insects :
Beneficial Nematodes
Natural Insecticides:
Diatomaceous earth, rotenone
Other Methods of Control:
Rotate crops.
Keep the garden clean and free of debris. · · Slugs Affected Plants:
Wide range of plants.
Damage:
Eats foliage and fruits.
Natural Insecticides:
Diatomaceous earth.
Other Methods of Control:
Hand pick slugs, or sprinkle them with salt.
Create a protective border with sand, lime, or ashes.
Mulch with wood shavings or oak leaves.
Place saucers of beer around the garden as traps.
Lay boards on the ground as a trap. Remove slugs that collect under
the boards.
Use copper bands or plastic traps.
· ·