Companion Gardening

Companion Planting Isn't Just for Food Crops:

Organic Landscaping

But once you understand the concept behind companion planting, you realize that its use is in no

way restricted to food crops. Those interested in organic landscaping can also benefit from employing

companion planting. Through companion planting, we can reduce or eliminate the use of chemical

pesticides in our yards.

Fortunately for us, certain plants naturally repel certain pests -- pests that would otherwise damage

our prized specimens. Making use of such repellent plants as a pest control method is a wonderful

example of companion planting and organic landscaping. Another example of companion planting

in the yard is making use of plants that attract beneficial insects such as bees.

Examples of Companion Planting for Organic Landscaping:
Repellent Plants

Some report success in repelling moles through companion planting, using:

• Castor Bean Plants
• "Mole" Plants
• Marigolds

For Japanese beetle control, several plants are recommended in companion planting, among them:

• Rue
• Tansy
• Four O'Clocks
• White Geraniums
• Delphiniums

Companion planting with the last three offers an ironic (but convenient) twist: four o'clocks, white geraniums and delphiniums attract Japanese beetles, but are reportedly poisonous to them.

To repel nematodes via companion planting, plant chrysanthemums and dahlias. Nasturtiums and French marigolds are said to repel whitefly.

Examples of Companion Planting for Organic Landscaping:
Plants That Attract Bees

But you don't want to repel all insects. Some are beneficial and will aid you in your organic landscaping efforts. Companion planting can attract such beneficial insects to your yard. It's all a matter of knowing which plants best attract beneficial insects.

The following are examples of plants great for attracting the bees you'll need for adequate pollination of your landscaping plants:

• Clover
• Wild Bergamot & Bee Balm
• Lavender

In addition, many of the plants I discuss in this resource on attracting birds to your yard also attract bees.

A Final Example of Companion Planting for Organic Landscaping

Companion planting is something to study -- it's all about smart landscaping. To derive the most benefit
from companion planting, you need to use your head and your powers of observation to figure out the dynamics of nature -- or at least the piece of nature observable in your backyard. And there's a concurrent benefit: the study of companion planting can't help but bring you closer to nature and all its marvels!

As your knowledge of companion planting increases, more and more of nature's intricate relationships unfold before you. For instance, attracting bees to promote plant pollination is one thing. But did you know that yarrow attracts predatory wasps that will patrol the skies around your specimens, keeping them free from injurious insect pests? Hire your own "squadron" today, and forget about having to spray with chemical pesticides!