Some plants will deter insects in the vegetable garden. This is one form of companion planting. Companion planting--growing plants singly or together--to repel insects, fight disease, or enhance the growth of another plant is a technique that many gardeners have used for generations. Some companion plants have been scientifically proven to deter insects; some companion planting combinations are anecdotal or attributed to "garden wisdom."
Repelling insects by creating effective crop combinations uses plants' natural fragrance, oils, compounds, and colors to chase pests away. For example, some aromatic compounds may mask the scent of companion plants: the aroma of garlic will chase away bean beetles and potato bugs. And the color of some plants will confuse some insect pests and send them on their way before they can do any harm.
One way to get started with companion planting is to draw on the science and wisdom of gardeners. Try some of these combinations and draw your own conclusions based on your observations and planting successes. Keep a record of what works and let others know.
For a list of companions by crop: look up the vegetable you are planting at the How To Grow Archive. Click here.
The companion plantings in this chart are aimed at deterring pests from the garden. Note that there are also companion plantings that will attract beneficial insects to your garden.
Go to the next page to see a complete chart of companion plants for deterring insects:
Some plants will deter insects in the vegetable garden. This is one form of companion planting. Companion planting--growing plants singly or together--to repel insects, fight disease, or enhance the growth of another plant is a technique that many gardeners have used for generations. Some companion plants have been scientifically proven to deter insects; some companion planting combinations are anecdotal or attributed to "garden wisdom."
Repelling insects by creating effective crop combinations uses plants' natural fragrance, oils, compounds, and colors to chase pests away. For example, some aromatic compounds may mask the scent of companion plants: the aroma of garlic will chase away bean beetles and potato bugs. And the color of some plants will confuse some insect pests and send them on their way before they can do any harm.
One way to get started with companion planting is to draw on the science and wisdom of gardeners. Try some of these combinations and draw your own conclusions based on your observations and planting successes. Keep a record of what works and let others know.
For a list of companions by crop: look up the vegetable you are planting at the How To Grow Archive. Click here.
The companion plantings in this chart are aimed at deterring pests from the garden. Note that there are also companion plantings that will attract beneficial insects to your garden.
Go to the next page to see a complete chart of companion plants for deterring insects: