Marigolds are a classic example as both the French and African varieties contain thiopene in their roots—a substance that is toxic to certain types of soil-dwelling nematodes. As such, they make great companions for tomatoes, beans, and other plants that are susceptible to nematode damage. Plants that use similar defensive chemicals to protect against diseasecausing pathogens include garlic, onions, and chives—commonly known compatibles that prevent black spot on roses and scab on apples. Likewise, brassica roots release chemicals that suppress some soil-borne diseases. Equally important are silica-rich plants such as comfrey and borage, which may help neutralize rust, fungal attacks and other water-borne diseases. And dandelions in a tomato patch are a good thing as their presence may deter fusarium wilt, a soil-borne fungal disease that reduces plant health and overall yields. Other ways companion plants protect is by keeping it cool. Summertime heat can take a toll on radishes, spinach, lettuce and turnips. Larger plants such as pole beans and tomatoes provide needed shade, conserving moisture and reducing heat that would cause these vegetables to become woody or bolt.
March 2013
KILL LAKE WEE WEEDS
and beetles. Other plants contain phytotoxins that lure, then sicken or kill dining pests. Mustard oils found in cabbage and similar plants often poison unsuspecting spider mites, mosquitoes, and Mexican bean beetles. Therefore cabbage, broccoli, and kale make good companion plants for beans. Sometimes a plant can repel bugs simply by creating a physical barrier between the critter and the plant it wants to eat. If raccoons are raiding your corn you might surround it with a scratchy barrier of squash vines. One phenomenon I’ve noticed in my own garden is that flea beetles love to devour cabbage and cauliflower, but they never seem to bother the sticky, hairy leaves of tomatoes. When I planted the two vegetables together, they stopped bothering the cabbage and cauliPlease turn to page 16
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These bright calendula marigolds are right at home near some red lettuce. Marigolds contain thiopene in their roots—a substance that is toxic to certain types of soil-dwelling nematodes. Photograph by Rick Wetherbee
Plants that Repel Pests Most pests locate their next meal from their host plant’s chemical odors or color. A diversified garden boasts a complexity of plant odors, colors, and textures, thereby composing a natural barrier that makes it harder for these pests to locate their target meal. How easy it would be for the cabbage moth to hone in an area growing just broccoli and cabbage. By surrounding and interplanting that same area with carrots and onions you confuse the moth by masking the scent of the broccoli and cabbage. Strongly scented plants also benefit their neighbors by masking their scent, especially for those pests that rely on scent to locate good eats. Rosemary, sage, lavender, oregano and other strong-smelling plants often foil aphid attacks on susceptible neighbors. Another example is to plant the garden perimeter with garlic and marigolds to repel aphids
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