Companion Planting
Basil and French Marigolds grown amongst Tomato plants will attract whiteflies away from the tomato plant and is a very effective deterrent.
Lettuce, planted with scented herbs like Hyssop and Sage will repel slugs and snails.
Any of the Onion family, like Chives, Garlic, Spring onions, or Onions can deter pests like carrot fly and aphids away from Runner Beans.
French Marigolds grown around the perimeter of the veggie plot are invaluable in helping deter aphids, whiteflies and Mexican bean beetles.
Growing Strawberries with Thyme will accelerate growth and Borage is said to improve flavour.
Combine Courgettes with Calendula as the flowers will attract pollinators ensuring a bug crop!
Flowering plants, like Cornflowers or Calendula, planted with Squash and Marrows will help improve the crop.
Using taller plants as a screen can protect vulnerable plants from heat and sun damage, for example, Cucumbers enjoy shade cast by Sweetcorn, and partial shade will prevent Spinach and Lettuce from going to seed too quickly.
Although slugs and snails have a role in the ecosystem gardeners prefer them not to munch their border plants and vegetables so one method to try and avoid this happening is to create a small ‘sacrificial’ plot of cheap, easily replaceable plants, like lettuce, cabbage ,spinach or petunias away from the main plot making an irresistible ground level food source that the slimy enemies will be more interested in than than the plants you want to keep!
