Companion Planting is an Important Part of Gardening

If you are going to move to an organic way of gardening, one of the most frustrating factors you will face is handling diseases, pests and assorted problems that will be there no matter what method you use.

Many natural methods will solve those common garden problems and one of the most used methods is companion planting.  

Companion planting is the procedure of placing particular vegetables,flowers and herbs near by other types of plants that will help keep safe from pests, diseases and fungus. This method also helps each plant to produce maximum flavor of vegetables and its blooms on flowers. this comes about because the plants are not burdened fighting each of the predators trying to invade them. All their energy goes into production.

In your vegetable garden companion planting is quite important in keeping those nasty pests and bugs off your plants. When you plant two vegetables close together make sure they are compatible. Maximum taste is attained on both plants and will compliment in all aspects.

Lets say you put basil along side your tomato plants this will better the flavor of the tomatoes. Especially if plan on using them for your making of spaghetti sauce.

Chives have shown to improve the well-being of tomatoes and carrots. It will improve the taste as well as the growth of the plants. The aphids on tomatoes will stay awaay because of the chives and carrot rust is kept at a distance.
Roses will not get black spot as long as chives is there, the draw-back is that chives need to be located there for at least 2 years before they are compatible.
garlic will work a little faster and may be a better choice.

On the other hand some plants are not good for each other, for example, planting cabbage near strawberries and tomatoes may affect the production and growth in a bad way.

Using potatoes, celery and dill together will compliment each other in a postive way. Beans are a good companion for these plants also and they will add nitrogen fixed from the atmosphere.

Calendula, aka marigolds, are known to repel pests, rid bad nematodes in the soil. You may want to plant these throughout the garden or flower beds. Use only the ones with a hefty scent in order for them to work better. Some folks do not like the odor of marigolds. Mexican marigolds are said to be the best insect repellant of them all but keep away from cabbage and beans. For centuries people have used this plant for this reason.
 
Nasturtiums are best planted around radishes, tomatoes, cucumbers and under fruit trees. They will repel whiteflies, squash bugs, cucumber beetles and wooly aphids. And the leaves, seeds and flowers are edible and are used in salads.

By using companion planting, a lot of gardeners discover that they can reject damaging pests without losing the beneficial friends. Be open to trying out and see what does well for you. Use the plants that are native in your area though. Companion planting will help you work in agreement with nature.