Companion Planting for insect control
by Julie Sedwick
Certain plants grow better when in company of other plants. The science of companion planting is utilizing this information to enhance the plant performance as insect controllers. This type of planting can be done easily, however with some experiments on your own, you can make it more successful. Companion planting can be successful in one garden and may be a failure in the other. This variation could be due to diverse conditions pertaining to the gardens.
Beneficial habitats or refugia are another kind of companion planting to attract insects. Companion planting for insects is planting flowers, herbs, trees and shrubs to deter or entrap harmful insects. This type of planting includes planting plants that attract beneficial insects who feed on other harmful insects. Thus companion planting benefits include giving bio-pesticides to the soil and environment.
Inter planting the African marigold with a variety of crops deters the nematodes. Its roots release a chemical called thiopene which is a nematode repellent.
Tansy, Onions and plants in mint family repel ants when planting with other plants. Aphids are repelled if chives, garlic, marigolds and mint family are used for companion planting. Rosemary, Sage and Thyme are extremely good for inter planting as they repel cabbage moths. Inter planting tomatoes and celery discourages the cabbage worms. If marigold, green beans, Nasturtiums and Flax are used for companion planting, Colorado potato beetles are repelled. Planting radishes and Tansy with cucumber will prevent the attack of cucumber beetles. Tansy and basil are commonly used in companion planting as they discourage flies. Planting garlic and catnip deters flea beetles. Planting garlic prevents the onion flies from spoiling the crop. Whiteflies stay away if Marigold and Oregano are used in planting.
Using dill, mustard, thyme and sweet clover in planting will attract aphid midge whose larvae prey on aphids. Companion planting hedgerows, attracts assassin bug that eat insects like flies, tomato hornworm and large caterpillars. Inter planting cool season cover crops like berseem clover and subterranean clovers encourages Bigeyed bugs that feed on flea beetles, spider mites, insect eggs and small caterpillars. Braconid wasps are invited upon planting nectar plants with small plants. These feed upon Armyworm, cabbageworm, codling moth, gypsy moth, European corn borer, beetle larvae, flies, aphid, caterpillars and other insects. Planting the sunflower family with other plants results in magnetizing Damsel bug that eats aphids, thrips, leafhopper, treehopper and small caterpillars. On companion planting amaranth and white clover with orchards attracts Ground beetle which preys on slugs, snail, cutworm and cabbage-root maggot. Planting the carrot family, sunflower family and corn with a variety of other plants draws Lacewing and Neuroptera family that eats soft-bodied insects like aphids, thrips and mealybug.
Planting alfalfa, morning glory, yarrow and goldenrod attracts lady beetles which prey upon aphids, mealybug, spider mite and soft scales. Minute pirate bugs feed upon a variety of insects including spider mite and leaf hopper. It can be attracted by companion planting the plants from carrot family and sunflower family. Inter planting the cosmos and brambles attracts Praying Mantis that feeds upon every insect. Inter planting rye, grains and some cover crops invites Rove beetles that consume aphid, springtail nematode and flies. On companion planting caraway, dill, fennel, cosmos and marigold with other garden plants attracts spiders. Spiders munch on many harmful insects.
There are some plants that trap harmful insects. Companion planting Nasturtiums helps in trapping aphids. Similarly both radish and nasturtium entrap flea beetles. Egg plant too is good for this type of planting as it traps potato bugs. Planting black-eyed peas is beneficial as it traps stink bugs and saves the orchards.
Even though Datura is not a very good plant, on companion planting, it deters Japanese beetles. Planting dead nettle controls the attack of potato bugs. Another general insect repellent is Henbit. Mole plant is superb for companion planting as it control the invasion of moles and mice. Inter planting Pennyroyal prevents the ants and plant lice from entering your garden. Petunia is fabulous for companion planting as it not only deters beetles; it is also a great visual treat.
Companion planting some perennials tempts Tiger beetles that prey on many insects. Similarly planting the carrot family and sunflower family attracts Whitefly parasitic wasp that feeds on greenhouse whitefly and sweet potato whitefly.