Companion Plants
I’m Dylan Kulik, and I’m excited to share with you the benefits of companion planting in your garden. As the manager of an educational farm at Interlochen Center for the Arts and a gardener, I’ve seen firsthand how these plants can work together to create a balanced and thriving ecosystem.
The Benefits of Companion Plants
Companion plants are often referred to as a “Rad” system, which stands for Repel, Attract, and Distract. By incorporating these plants into your garden, you can create a more diverse and resilient growing environment.
- Repel: Many companion plants have strong scents that repel pests, such as aphids and other insects.
- Attract: Companion plants like marigolds and nasturtiums attract pollinators and other beneficial insects, which can help with pollination and pest control.
- Distract: Some companion plants, like garlic chives, emit a strong scent that deters pests from feeding on nearby plants.
Companion Plant Examples
Here are some of my favorite companion plants that grow well in northwest Michigan:
- Marigold
- Calendula
- Garlic chive
- Nasturtium
Marigold
Marigold is a great example of a companion plant that repels pests with its strong citrusy and herbal scent. It’s also a great attractor plant for pollinators and beneficial insects.
Some popular varieties of marigold include Durango Outback Mix and Giant Marigold Mix.
Calendula
Calendula is another excellent companion plant that attracts pollinators and beneficial insects with its beautiful blossoms. It also has a strong scent that repels pests.
Some popular varieties of calendula include Orange King Mix.
Garlic Chive
Garlic chive is a perennial companion plant that repels pests with its strong scent and attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
It’s also a great addition to salads and other dishes.
Nasturtium
Nasturtium is a versatile companion plant that repels pests with its strong scent and attracts beneficial insects like aphid-eating ladybugs.
Some popular varieties of nasturtium include Alaska Mix and Empress of India Mix.
How to Use Companion Plants
Sowing companion plants indoors or outdoors can be a great way to get a head start on the growing season. Here are some tips for sowing companion plants:
Sow seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date, and then transplant them outside when the weather warms up.
For direct sowing, sow seeds after the last frost date and space them about 1-2 feet apart.
When planting companion plants, place them at the base of the main crop, such as tomatoes or peppers, and space them about 1-2 feet apart.
Remember to provide companion plants with enough sunlight and water, and to keep them away from areas that receive direct sunlight.
Additional Tips
While companion plants can be a great addition to your garden, they’re not a substitute for other pest control methods. Be sure to use a combination of techniques, such as sticky traps, neem oil, and hand-picking, to keep pests under control.
A Balanced Ecosystem
Companion plants can help create a balanced ecosystem in your garden by attracting beneficial insects and repelling pests. By using a combination of companion plants and other pest control methods, you can create a thriving and resilient garden.
Take-Home Message
Companion planting is a simple and effective way to create a balanced and thriving garden. By incorporating companion plants into your garden, you can attract beneficial insects, repel pests, and create a diverse and resilient growing environment.
Grow & Tell
Next time, we’ll be talking about how to choose the best spot for your crops and what kind of diet to feed them.
