Companion planting and insects

NUMEROUS varieties of nature’s plants and shrubs contain a substance in their flowers, leaves, roots plus other parts that can either attract or repel insects.

For centuries many plants have been used to combat insects infestation and still complementing their adjacent growing plant or shrub.

By careful planning in garden planting beds, borders, patio troughs or pots the plants can be utilized to our advantage, this really comes under the cover of companion planting, to which can be briefly explained.

Over many decades it has been proven that companion planting could increase the rate of plant growth, add flavour to crop vegetables and indeed repel many unwanted insects and pests By combining companion planting, you fuse together the plants and flowers beauty with purpose.

Many unwanted or harmful pests and insects can be discouraged whilst still attracting all the beneficial ‘allied’ pests. In today’s plant world there are many varieties of flowers and indeed herbs that can be included to as companion plants, many possibilities and combination are available for any type of planting area.

By using plants native to the area, the insects that you want to attract will know what to look for and seek out by sight and scent. All plants that produce large open flowers are the most sought after by our beneficial insects.

Companion planting is really a cultural system for alternative pest control and widely used by organic gardeners and growers. Two or many more plants of different varieties are planted and allowed to grow in a close area to one another, the purpose being that this will provide a balance of benefits to one or even all of the plants in that group or area.

Most herbs and many other plants with aromatic leaves and flowers are mostly used to deter unwanted pests and bugs due to their aromatic scents which are generated from chemicals stored in their roots and leaves, which can mask the area and in turn confuse the unwanted insects, therefore many of our unwanted insects can be drawn away form doors, windows, terraces and social areas and attracted to certain areas of the garden.

NATURES HELPFUL PLANTS

Mosquito Plant

Yes there is such a plant and it is available to help to deter the unwanted mosquitoes. It is created by genetically combining citronella grass with the scented geranium to produce the hybrid mosquito plant. Grow and treat the same as a standard geranium to enjoy the lemon scented leaves when crushed or bruised, ideal for containers or individual pots placed on windowsills or near doors.

Rosemary 

This versatile herb is widely used for seasoning, a Mediterranean plant that thrives in

light soil and full sun. It is a container or garden plant that helps repel mosquitoes, greenfly, whitefly and many other insects.

Lavender

Easy to grow shrub that will protect all nearby plants from moths, greenfly, whitefly and many other insects. Very suitable for under fruit trees and around vegetable plots and cropping areas.

Marigolds

Best know for growing between tomatoes or cucumbers to deter whitefly and other aphids. 

When planted in groups throughout the garden or in pots on terraces and windowsills make an ideal deterrent against aphids and mosquitoes.

Garlic 

This popular herb is very effective against most airborne and soil borne insects and pests.

Ageratum

A much-used blue flowering bedding plant, mosquitoes totally detest the smell omitted from the plant and is used commercially in the pest repellent industry.

Basil

The best plant to deter mosquitoes and flies, this plant is a must for growing in pots

and container near doors, windows and social areas.

Coriander

Another versatile herb that repels all aphids and is very useful amongst vegetables and around roses.

Mint

Needs no introduction to the kitchen, but in the garden or in pots this plant will ward off months, aphids and ants.

Sage

Useful as a herb, bees are drawn to the flowers, and this herb is widely used to help repel most insects and very effective to deter ants, slugs and mice. 

ALL of the above plants to be at their most effective will need to have their leaves bruised or crushed to release their aromas into the air, otherwise insects and pests will not be able to smell them.