[PDF] Companion Planting and Insect Pest Control | Semantic Scholar (2024)

FAQs

What is the rule of three companion planting? ›

The tradition of the three sisters

One of the most well-known examples of companion planting is that of the "Three Sisters" method, used widely by Native American farming societies. Corn, pole beans, and squash are together for the mutual benefit of all three.

SAGE: Use as a companion plant with broccoli, cauliflower, rosemary, cabbage, and carrots to deter cabbage moths, beetles, black flea beetles and carrot flies. Do not plant near cucumbers, onions or rue. Sage repels cabbage moths and black flea beetles.

Strawberries and Tomatoes: Some studies have indicated that borage can inhibit the growth of certain plants when grown in close proximity, particularly tomatoes and strawberries.

However, because it prefers alkaline soil, adding coffee grounds will not benefit. Adding them to the soil will reduce its ph value and make it less popular with Russian sage. No coffee for you!

Sage attracts beneficial insects around tomato plants. As for the herb garden, sage can be used as a companion planting next to lavender, lemon balm, lemon thyme, lovage, oregano, parsley, rosemary, savory, thyme and tarragon.

Not all plants pair well with hydrangeas. Here are some combinations to avoid: Sunflower prefers full sun and hotter conditions than hydrangeas, which require some shade. Lavender is a sun-loving perennial that performs best in dry conditions and leaner soil, so will not thrive near hydrangeas.

Borage has been found to dissuade insects such as tomato hornworm and cabbage white butterflies, probably because of all the frenetic bee activity around them. So by simply growing more borage in the veggie garden, you're creating a decidedly more intimidating environment for these common pests.

Yellowing leaves can signal your Borage is getting too much water. Root rot might follow if you don't ease up on the watering can. Conversely, wilting leaves and parched soil indicate a thirsty plant; it's a clear sign your Borage needs more water.

What not to plant with marigolds? ›

Marigold companion planting enhances the growth of basil, broccoli, cabbage, cucumbers, eggplant, gourds, kale, potatoes, squash and tomatoes. Marigold also makes a good companion plant to melons because it deters beetles. Beans and cabbage are listed as bad companion plants for marigolds.

Hyssop deters cabbage moths and flea beetles. Do not plant near radishes.

Basil grows well next to many plants, but there are a couple of plants to avoid growing near basil. Herbs. While you can plant basil next to chamomile, oregano, and chives, basil generally prefers the company of vegetables over other herbs, and should not be planted near rue or sage.

Many—but not all—herbs are good companion plants for parsley. It grows well with basil, chives, lavender, lemon balm, lovage, marjoram, oregano, sage, savory, and thyme. Avoid planting parsley near mint, dill, and cilantro, as they can easily cross-pollinate.

The crops of corn, beans, and squash are known as the Three Sisters. For centuries these three crops have been the center of Native American agriculture and culinary traditions. It is for good reason as these three crops complement each other in the garden as well as nutritionally.

Planting in groups of three leads to a more natural feel and is very pleasing to the eye. There are several ways to incorporate an odd number of plants into your design other than in a simple straight line. Although that is a great option since an odd-numbered group gives a natural center.

Space each mound 4 feet apart. Plant 4-6 kernels of corn 1 inch deep on the flat part of the mount, 10 inches apart in a circle about 2 feet in diameter. Plant the beans evenly spaced surrounding the corn stalks. Plant six squash seeds, evenly spaced (about 18 inches apart), around the perimeter of the mound.

Corn, beans, and squash have a unique symbiotic relationship in a Native American garden. Corn offers a structure for the beans to climb. The beans, in turn, help to replenish the soil with nutrients. And the large leaves of squash and pumpkin vines provide living mulch that conserves water and provides weed control.