As a beginner gardener, you may be challenged to keep pests away from your precious vegetables. While pesticides can be effective, they are not always the best solution for a healthy garden. One method that experts recommend is companion planting, which involves strategically placing certain flowers and plants in your garden to help deter pests naturally. In this blog post, we will explore the world of companion planting and discuss some of the best flowers and plants to keep pests away from your garden vegetables.
Flowers That Will Enhance The Health of Your Garden
Companion planting is an age-old gardening technique that involves planting different species of plants together to benefit each other in various ways. Some plants emit natural substances that repel pests, while others attract beneficial insects that prey on common garden pests. For example, marigolds are known for their pest-repelling properties and are often planted alongside tomatoes to keep aphids and other harmful insects at bay.
Another popular companion plant is basil, which enhances the flavor of tomatoes and deters tomato hornworms and mosquitoes. Planting garlic around your garden can also help repel aphids, spider mites, and other unwanted pests. Additionally, lavender attracts pollinators like bees while deterring mosquitoes and moths.
Incorporating flowers like nasturtiums into your vegetable garden can also be beneficial, as they act as a trap crop for aphids and caterpillars. Sunflowers are another great choice for attracting beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and bees. Incorporating these flowers and plants into your garden can create a natural barrier against pests while promoting a healthy ecosystem.
Additional Helpful Companion Planting Techniques
In addition to flowers and herbs, certain vegetables can also be used in companion planting to help keep pests away from your garden vegetables. For example, planting carrots alongside tomatoes can help deter carrot flies from attacking your crops. Peas are another great option for deterring beetles when planted near potatoes or beans.
Contact Our Experts at Guardian Pest Control
As you embark on your gardening journey, consider incorporating companion planting techniques into your garden to help keep pests away from your beloved vegetables naturally. By strategically selecting flowers and plants with pest-repelling properties, you can create a thriving ecosystem that promotes biodiversity and reduces the need for harmful pesticides.
If you need additional help or advice for a pest problem, don't hesitate to contact our experts at (401) 812-3033.