Nature's Insect Repellent

Some plants do better when in the company of other plants.  Companion planting is using this knowledge to increase plant performance.  Companion planting includes planting flowers, herbs or vegetables to repel or trap harmful insects.  It also includes using plants to attract useful insects which prey upon harmful insects.  People use companion planting as a way of reducing or eliminating chemical insecticide use.

Companion planting requires some experimentation.  What may be successful in one garden may not be successful in another garden.  This may be caused by different microclimates, soil types, plant varieties and cropping practices. 

You don't need to aim to kill insects when planting repellent herbs, but to discourage them from destroying plants.  Herbs will not repel insects unless you plant enough of the herb you have chosen to form a reasonable barrier near the plants you wish to protect.  One basil plant is not going to protect a rose bush.  Some of the herbs are of general benefit and protection to plants.  It is good to plant these among your vegetables and flowers as well as using them in sprays.

By Marsha Paulekas

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