Companion planting is an age-old gardening method. It creatively combines different plants to create a more vibrant and productive ecosystem. It is a method that has been practiced by gardeners for centuries to grow healthier, stronger plants and deter pests. By thoughtfully choosing the plants you grow together, you can have a thriving garden with minimal use of chemical pesticides. This article will explore which plants, when grown alongside brassicas, are most effective at deterring pests in UK allotments.
How Does Companion Planting Work?
Companion planting is a holistic method of gardening based on the idea that certain plants can benefit others when planted in close proximity. Some companion plants repel harmful pests, others help improve the soil, and some attract beneficial insects, which can help control harmful pest populations.
For example, beans are well known for their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit neighboring plants. Conversely, some flowers are known to attract insect pests, drawing them away from vegetable crops. Companion planting can be a complex affair, particularly when it comes to brassicas – a family that includes crops such as broccoli, kale, cauliflower and cabbage.
Using companion plants to discourage pests is a common practice. But which plants are best at deterring pests from brassicas? Let’s delve into this further.
Companion Plants for Brassicas: Beans and Peas
Beans and peas are both great companion plants for brassicas. These plants fix nitrogen from the air into the soil, improving its fertility. This provides a ready source of nutrient for the brassicas, promoting their growth.
Beans and peas also have the added benefit of being able to climb up brassicas, using them as natural trellises. This can help to maximise your use of space in a small allotment.
While beans and peas don’t directly deter pests, the improved health of brassicas growing alongside them makes the crops less attractive to pests. Moreover, crawling pests like caterpillars may be deterred by the dense growth of the beans and peas.
Companion Plants for Brassicas: Tomatoes
Tomatoes are another plant that grows well with brassicas. This is because, like beans and peas, they don’t compete with brassicas for nutrients. On the contrary, tomatoes can help deter pests that target brassicas.
Tomatoes are known to repel diamondback moths and cabbage worms, two of the most common pests that affect brassicas. The strong smell of tomato plants can mask the smell of brassicas, making it difficult for pests to find their target.
While tomatoes are beneficial companions for brassicas, it’s important to remember that tomatoes should be planted slightly later than brassicas. This is because brassicas are cold-hardy plants, while tomatoes prefer warmer temperatures.
Companion Plants for Brassicas: Carrots
Carrots can be excellent companions for brassicas. Carrots and brassicas do not compete for resources, making them a compatible pair in your garden. They grow well together, as carrots will occupy the lower soil strata, while cabbage and other brassicas occupy the upper soil strata and above ground.
The scent of carrots can confuse pests that are attracted to brassicas. This makes it harder for them to locate their preferred host plants. Moreover, the dense growth of carrot foliage can provide a physical barrier, deterring pests like the cabbage moth from laying their eggs on the brassicas.
Companion Plants for Brassicas: Aromatic Herbs and Flowers
Finally, aromatic herbs and flowers are another excellent choice for companion planting with brassicas. They can deter pests with their strong smell. Rosemary, sage, thyme, and mint are some of the herbs that can confuse pests, keeping them away from your brassicas.
Among flowers, marigolds and nasturtiums are often recommended for their pest-deterrent properties. Marigolds are known to deter cabbage worms, while nasturtiums can repel a range of pests.
Remember though, while companion planting can significantly reduce pest problems, it’s not a foolproof method. Regular monitoring of your garden is still needed to spot potential problems early.
Companion planting is an art that requires practice and patience. It’s always worth experimenting with different combinations to see which work best in your garden. But, by choosing the right companion plants for your brassicas, you can create a healthier, more productive allotment that’s also more resistant to pests.
Companion Plants for Brassicas: Alliums
Alliums, which include plants like onions, leeks, and garlic, can be beneficial companions for brassicas. They have strong, pungent odours which can effectively deter many types of pests. Aphids, for example, are common pests that target brassicas. They are repelled by the smell of alliums, making these plants excellent companions for your brassicas.
Both alliums and brassicas require rich, well-drained soil, so they’re suitable for planting together in the same garden bed. In addition, alliums have shallow root systems, which won’t compete with the deeper roots of your brassicas.
However, it’s important to bear in mind that while alliums can deter some pests, other pests, like onion flies, are attracted to alliums. Therefore, if you’re planting alliums alongside brassicas, be sure to monitor the garden regularly for signs of these pests.
Considerations for Successful Companion Planting
While companion planting can be a powerful technique in managing pests, it’s important to note that it’s not a guaranteed solution. Companion planting is an art, not an exact science, and what works well in one garden might not work as well in another. A lot depends on your local climate, soil type, and the specific varieties of plants you’re growing.
Always remember that companion planting is just one tool in an integrated pest management strategy. Healthy soil, proper watering and feeding, and regular monitoring are also crucial for the health of your plants.
In general, a diverse garden with a mix of plants is less likely to be devastated by pests than one with large monocrops. So, don’t be afraid to experiment with different plant combinations.
Conclusion
Companion planting can serve as an effective strategy to deter pests and promote a healthy, thriving garden. Beans, peas, tomatoes, carrots, aromatic herbs, flowers, and alliums all make great companions for brassicas in the UK allotments.
However, the success of any companion planting strategy will depend on a variety of factors, including your local climate, the specific plants you’re growing, and your commitment to maintaining a healthy garden.
Companion planting requires time, patience, and a willingness to learn from trial and error. But with careful planning and ongoing care, you can cultivate a productive garden that is both resilient to pests and bountiful in its yield.
Remember, a healthy garden is not just about growing plants—it’s about nurturing an ecosystem. By incorporating companion planting into your gardening practices, you’re not just repelling pests; you’re also fostering biodiversity and contributing to the overall health of our planet.