MIX AND MATCH IS BEST
Plant flowers and veg together for an organic way of dealing with pests
The wisdom passed down through the ages is that growing compatible species together can help ward off pests, diseases and result in healthier plants. This practice, known as companion planting, is becoming popular again as more of us embrace organic gardening. Planting flowers in between the fruit and vegetables in your garden or allotment, makes for a prettier productive patch, and you can also cut them for vases. And growing this way allows you to pack every inch with edibles and ornamentals.
LIGHT AND BRIGHT
NASTurTIuMS are an easy annual to grow, with jolly flowers in shades ranging from bright yellow to crimson and distinctive mum used round to call flat these leaves. ‘nippy My biscuits’ because they give you a slight kick when you nibble them. They are rampant climbers and will happily tumble down a bank or race up bamboo canes.
They are a great companion for brassicas as the caterpillars of white butterflies will munch on their leaves. They are also attractive to blackfly and
aphids and can help to keep these away from runner beans.
French marigolds ( Tagetes patula) have a pungent smell which wards off whiteflies, so plant these next to tomatoes in a greenhouse. english marigolds, also known as calendula, can deter aphids from runner beans. They attract insects, so plant alongside courgettes, as they help to pollinate the flowers. Fragrant sweet peas attract
pollinators to runner beans ideally grow them up supports side by side.
herbs make fantastic companion plants as their powerful aromas are good for keeping unwanted insects at bay. Mint can be grown alongside cabbage, kale, and broccoli to deter flea beetles. Strongly scented mint leaves also confuse carrot root flies and onion flies. It is a good partner for tomatoes too as it puts off aphids. But it is best grown in pots, as mint can quickly take over if left to its own devices. Basil also keeps aphids away from tomatoes, and it is reported it can improve the flavour when grown nearby.
SMELLING SWEET
SuMMer savory is useful for keeping blackfly off broad beans. Grow thyme with roses, as its aromatic leaves will also help prevent blackfly. Lavender is another excellent herb for deterring pests and attracting pollinators, while strongly scented sage can protect brassicas by confusing flea beetles.
Plant carrots and onions together, as carrot root fly don’t like the smell of onions and vice versa. This also works with spring onions and leeks. Intercropping — sowing faster growing species such as lettuce and radishes in between slower growing types such as parsnips — helps to keep the weeds down and makes the most of unused space.
Blue borage flowers are often used to decorate salads or popped in a glass of Pimm’s, but did you know they are said to improve the taste of strawberries if planted nearby? They are also fantastic for pollinators on the veg patch. Try it.
Getting bare root roses in the ground by the end of this month is best — before they start to grow. Planting roses while they are dormant is more economical and gives them a better start.
Fork over your planting area to remove any weeds, then dig a hole big enough to fit the root ball, incorporating a soil improver or some well-rotted farmyard manure into the bottom.
Before planting, check your hole is the right size by placing your rose into it.
the join of the stem and the roots should be two inches below the soil surface. Soak your rose roots for a couple of hours before planting to ensure the plant is fully hydrated, position it in the centre of the hole, then sprinkle mycorrhizal fungi on to the roots.
Backfill with soil, firm with the sole of your foot or heel of your hand and water well.
in the new edition of the David Austin Handbook of Roses, garden designer Jo thompson gives ‘recipes’ for planting up new borders based around roses.
i have been inspired to ask for a Penelope Lively shrub rose for my birthday to form the centrepiece of a new pinkthemed bed. there are also suggestions for a yellow border and a north-facing bed.