Putting plants together that enhance the growth of one another is called Companion Planting. In nature, there are dry land plants, wet land plants, shade loving plants and sun lovers. As the song goes; roses love sunshine, violets love dew .... angels in heaven know I love you ...
There are ground covers, mid-range plants, accent plants and the canopy of plants. This wide diversity of plants help ward off pests and diseases, enhance fragrance and flavor while increasing yields by supporting one another. Some plants protect their neighbors from insect pests. Most of these emit a scent that pests avoid. Lavender, rosemary, sage, epazote and artemisias such as wormwood, estafeate and powis castle protect other plants from insects, birds and animals. Plant chives, leeks, garlic or onions around tender cool weather plants of lettuce, peas, parsley and cilantro. Another kind of pest control plant acts as a “trap crop.” A row of fennel alongside the tomato patch will keep worms off the tomatoes as will shrubs of rue on corners of the patch. Plant horehound on each corner of the tomato patch to protect and prolong their yield. Lantana and nasturtiums trap aphids that damage roses and other tender plants.
Legumes (plants of the pea family and this includes mesquite trees) fix nitrogen in the soil and store nitrogen in their roots. This is why we want to leave the roots buried and just cut off the plants when they are finished producing. Nearby plants can continue to use the nitrogen. Yarrow growing in and around the garden is like giving your garden a big shot of vitamins. It is loaded with potassium that plants need to thrive. Make yourself a cup of yarrow tea to drink at bedtime and you’ll get a peaceful nights rest because yarrow will keep your blood sugar and blood pressure stable while you’re in deep sleep and you’ll wake up with plenty of energy to take on the day.
There are plants that enjoy the same growing conditions and are good companions because their roots grow at different levels. The extremely long root of dandelions bring minerals to the surface and are very beneficial to the lawn and plants growing nearby. They encourage vigorous growth in other flowers, and trigger fruit to ripen faster. Dandelions are one of the most nutritious plants in the world. I love dandelions in soup, salad and fresh juices. Cool weather loving chamomile improves the flavor of all plants growing nearby. It was once called Doctor Plant because it improves the health of nearby plants. Spray chamomile tea on seedlings to prevent dampening off caused by fungus. Bok Choy, cabbage, broccoli, Swiss chard, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts grow better with chamomile, dill, onions and sage.
Chives protect roses and fruit trees from insect damage. I cut back the borders of chives growing around trees and the herb and flower gardens here at Boudreau Herb Farm three times a year and spread a layer of the cuttings as mulch around rose bushes. This chive mulch deters aphids, crickets and grasshoppers.
Catnip planted near pet runs deters ants, beetles, fleas, ticks and mice. Lay bunches of catnip around feed barrels and in the attic to keep squirrels away. Plant catnip everywhere. Gather fresh sprigs of catnip to add to Lemon Balm and Mexican Marigold Mint tea to sip and soothe away the stresses of the day.
Listen to Jo Anne Boudreau on Herb Talk Thursday morning from 8:00 to 9:00 on KMQX 88.5, 89.5, K249 97.7, K72AZ 93.3 FM radio and www.KYQX.com
Lifestyles
Gardening is the purest of human pleasures
Jo Anne Boudreau, Democrat Columnist
- Lifestyles
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Hiatt, Duckworth announce plans to marry June 29
Some are granted the blessing of loving deeply only once in a lifetime. For a few, that blessing happens twice.
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Weaver, Benefiel tie the knot in Grapevine
Rikki Leigh Weaver and Brandon Joe Benefiel united in marriage the evening of May 4, 2013, at Delaney Vineyards in Grapevine.
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From daughter to mother: a special Mother’s Day reflection
For this Mother’s Day I thought I would say something special about my mom. I rarely say anything, I guess because I take a lot of what she does for granted, because she is mom to me. But there is more to this woman than I could ever have hoped for.
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Audet, Richardson plan October nuptials
Michele and Jim Audet, of Weatherford, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Nicole Rene Audet, to Scott Maclean Richardson, of Washington, D.C.
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Richards celebrate 60 years of marriage
Celebrating 60 years of love and marriage, David and Jewell Richards of Weatherford are happy to announce their anniversary this May.
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Bunns to celebrate 25th anniversary
Spending a quarter of a century in love with one person is to be celebrated.
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WB, Totsie Cook celebrate 70 years of marriage
William Burton Cook and Totsie Dean Grisham celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on April 24. They were married at Shep, Taylor County, Texas, the evening of April 24, 1943, in the home of Rev. Willie Brown, the local Baptist pastor, with Mrs. Brown as the witness.
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White, Rigacci unite in marriage
Brittany White and Fernando Rigacci were united in marriage March 23, 2013, in the Rotunda at the Dallas Petroleum Club.
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Horton, Williams engaged
Eddie and Kathryn Horton are pleased to announce the engagament of their daughter, Kathryn Renee Horton to Nathan Douglas Williams, son of Michael and Charla Williams of Amarillo.
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Stowe-Coronado engaged
Roy and Leslie Stowe, of Azle, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Megan Nicole Stowe, to David Michael Coronado, son of Dave and Debbie Coronado, of Comanche.
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