Companion planting is the process of growing different types of crops near one another to boost production and deter weeds and pests.
Instead of spraying toxic pesticides in your garden, organic gardening expert Nettles and Petals (@nettlesandpetals) says to pair different herbs with your vegetable plants to naturally repel pests.
The scoop
In a short TikTok clip, Nettles and Petals breaks down the benefits of planting different herbs and explains which vegetable plants they grow best with.
@nettlesandpetals Use Herbs for Pest Control 🌿🐛🦟🐜 Herbs make a fantastic addition to the vegetable garden, adding flavour as well as helping to cultivate a more balanced ecosystem. 😊🌱🐝🌼 Chives can help to deter carrot root flies, aphids, mites, and even rabbits. They are a great companion for carrots It is also said that when planted with apple trees, it can help prevent scab. 🍎🥕 Lavender is loved by bees and hated by mosquitos as well as many other pest, which makes it a must plant herb for my garden, its scent is said to help with anxiety and it can be planted alongside tomatoes, squash, melons and broccoli. 🍅🍈🐝 Rosemary can help to deter carrot root fly, cockroaches, mosquitoes and even slugs, snails. It can be planted near peas, lettuce and beans, amounts others, which can also help to protect the plants from rabbits. 🫛🥬 Thyme can help deter mosquitoes, maggots, hornworms, and whiteflies. Bruising the leaves helps to release the compounds that deter the pests, so just rub a few leaves every time you walk by your garden to help keep pests at bay! Coriander (cilantro) has a very strong fragrance which can attract many beneficial insects and helps to deter aphids and spider mites. It is a good companion for plants such as tomatoes and spinach. 🍅🌱 So do you grow herbs on your garden? If so, which are your favourites? 😊🌱 #herbgarden #gardeningtips #organicgardening #organicpestcontrol #companionplanting ♬ original sound - Nettles and Petals
To start, he says that chives are a great companion plant for carrots and apple trees. They deter aphids, mites, carrot root flies, and even rabbits. Chives also help to prevent apple trees from developing scab.
If you're looking for a natural mosquito repellent, consider adding lavender to your garden. Lavender is not only a hub for key pollinators, but it also is a great companion plant for squash, melon, tomatoes, and broccoli.
Similar to lavender, rosemary, and thyme are herbs that act as a natural mosquito repellent. Be sure to rub the leaves of your thyme plant to gently bruise the leaves and release the essential compounds that deter pests. Plant rosemary near peas, lettuce, and beans to also deter cockroaches, snails, and slugs.
Lastly, coriander, commonly referred to as cilantro, has a strong aroma that repels aphids and spider mites. Plant coriander next to tomatoes and spinach.
"Use the power of herbs for pest control," Nettles and Petals says, noting in the caption that "herbs make a fantastic addition to the vegetable garden, adding flavor as well as helping cultivate a more balanced ecosystem."
How it's helping
Thanks to Nettles and Petals, TikTokers are learning how to optimize the growth of their vegetable garden by planting herbs. With this simple hack, you can naturally keep away a variety of pests while also promoting the health of your entire garden.
Tending to a garden on a consistent basis has also been found to support both your mental and physical health. Individuals who garden are more physically active and report having reduced levels of stress.
The more you grow your own produce and herbs, the more you reduce the demand for globally shipped, mass-produced food items, which are typically more expensive to purchase. You'll not only be saving money, but you'll also be contributing to healthier air quality for everyone on our planet.
What everyone's saying
TikTokers were grateful to discover a natural pest remedy and eager to test it out in their yards.
"Your content is just amazingly helpful," wrote one user. "I'm learning so much!"
"We have two allotments and this year, we are doing companion planting," commented one TikToker.
"That's brilliant," wrote one user. "Thanks for sharing. Love it."
"Awesome! Could listen to you all day!" responded another TikToker. "Plant herbs and flowers in the garden. Going to plant more now."
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