Companion Planting guide for Flowers
by Julie Sedwick
Common sense and companion planting go hand in hand. The objective behind companion planting is not very complicated. Some families of plants grow better when grown with a different genus or family of plants rather than growing singularly or amongst the same plants. This type of planting can generate amazing consequences if employed in a well maintained garden. There can be a spectacular improvement in the space utilization by diminishing the number of weeds and pests. Companion planting offers protection against heat, wind and snow (in cold regions). In the flower gardens, it affects the produce by enhancing the yield.
Companion planting in a garden is very effective if the plot area is small. The plants have effect on each other. Their chemical secretions either stunt the growth or boost the yield of the plant in the close vicinity. The plants have to be very close to each other for any marked effect. For this reason, companion planting is particularly well tailored for small gardens where plants are grown in close proximity since area is less. Therefore for good results avoid monocultures and instead mix it up.
Companion planting flowers such as cosmos and French or Mexican marigold can be planted here and there in the garden to repel pests and promote the visits of beneficial insects who feed on the pests. African marigold releases a chemical called thiopene which is a nematode repellent and these flowers are extensively used for companion planting. Sometimes a neighboring plantation is used to attract the pests. This kind of crop is called a trap crop. Trap crop is widely used in companion planting. The purpose of companion planting is fulfilled when the pests get attracted to the trap crop which is eventually uprooted. Nasturtiums and Nicotiana are the two most popular flower trap crops used to attract aphids. Another good example is four o’clocks, neighboring the main crop to attract Japanese beetles.
Companion planting flowers that attract insects used for pollination. Some vegetables do not produce showy flowers. The pollinators do not get attracted to them. Thus planting flowers like cosmos, larkspur, mints, sunflowers, sweet peas and zinnias make a lot of difference. These flowers have high nectar concentration and are produced in various hued, striking colors. Goal of companion planting is achieved when you see these insects buzzing in your garden.
Companion planting flowers with vegetables has been a traditional practice.
Not only aesthetically, but logically too, planting flowers in the
vegetable garden is justified. Inter planting flowers provides gainful
features like making them more productive. Some benefits of planting flowers in the vegetable garden are:
Presence of beneficial insects is yet another target of companion planting. Beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, parasitic wasps and ground beetles are extremely good for the garden. planting flowers from the aster family can help you reach the main purpose of ‘companion planting’. Beneficial insects have a penchant for certain flowers. Daisy and chamomile are used in inter planting to magnetize predatory wasps, hover flies and robber flies.
The most common aspect of companion planting is to deter the pests. For this purpose, planting marigold will repel asparagus beetles. Inter planting Geraniums will repel Japanese beetles.
By planting different flowers along with the vegetables creates a unique biodiversity in your garden. The harmful insects are warded-off and the soil also gets enriched with useful components.
Companion planting flowers with vegetables creates a visual treat. Certain flowering plants like black-eyed Susan, celosia and zinnias need to be trimmed down every now and then. Using these when planting along with vegetables serves the dual purpose of pollinator baits and avoiding the trimming problems.
Planting roses with other plants effectually helps the complete garden. Roses attract humming birds that in turn eat aphids (that have infested other plants). Planting roses along with perennials produces a softer effect. Planting roses along with floss flowers keep the space occupied while making the garden pretty and healthy. Planting irises, gladiolas, bedding dahlias and other tubular plants with the roses create spectacular effects. You can experiment a lot with the concept of companion planting. You can grow succulents, tropicals, shrubs and other evergreen plants along with roses for successful and gainful planting.
Companion planting herbs with roses is yet another feature of useful inter planting. Inter planting lemon-scented thyme with roses enhance the fragrance of the atmosphere. When you choose plants for companion planting, opt for those plants that have similar needs. Therefore in case you are having little space and do not have the time to put fertilizers, companion planting is the best method for you.