Companion Gardening and Other Garden Tricks

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Companion gardening isn’t exactly a social gathering, but it could be depending on how you look at it.  In fact, the theory of companion planting does suggest compatibility between certain plants.   Squash and nasturtium are friends, and so are tomatoes and basil.  Companion planting also covers insect repellent characteristics of certain flowers.

From ancient folklore, the practice of companion planting is all but lost.  There are really too many variables to lend credibility to this old time belief.  As a matter of fact, one may even go so far as to label it superstition.

For the moment, however, say this theory is true.  How did the first gardeners learn about companion gardening?  Did they have spirits and divas to enlighten them?

For me, arranging a garden with repellent flowers, and using a buddy system has somehow accompanied the good fortune to be able to grow many gardens with very few insect problems. (Knock on wood and see link)

As nature would have it, many insects have a scavenger role in the outdoor world.  Creepy-crawly pests generally gravitate toward plants that are already unhealthy.  Starting the garden right, keeping it chemical free and well nourished helps with a big part of the battle.

Garden soil nourished with plenty of compost gives vitality to growing things.  Hygiene around the garden does too.  Leaving old brush or dead plants laying around, or worse yet, pop cans or seed packets give an advantage for fungi and other undesirable growth.

Keeping the soil turned and aerated keeps these undesirable growths from getting a foothold in the garden.  Here is where machines may come into the picture.  A rototiller may upset the garden spirits dwelling amongst the herbs, tomatoes, radishes and all.

The best thing to do for these cosmic creatures are to leave a sacred piece of ground untouched.  When left undisturbed, the special ground can also be a place for toads to live and raise a family.  Toads will take care of many of the insects that think they’ll set up camp in the garden. 

The garden is a place to get in touch with the magic of life, so keep it a happy place.

http://gardening.about.com/od/organicgardening/qt/Interplanting.htm

Rodale, a pioneer of organic gardening says to leave a few weeds growing in the garden to help drainage.  Leaving a few behind is o.k.  If pigweed, or lambs quarters become gangly, take of the seed heads off.  This can help limit the quantity of potential weeds.  The worst weed is the dandelion, as it gives off gases that are noxious to the neighboring plant, and can cause much unhappiness in the garden community.