A little help from our friends …

With the ever increasing popularity of ‘grow your own’ more gardeners are increasing their knowledge to produce, care for and enjoy their bounty. As an ethical and frugal gardener myself it is important to grow in a sustainable and organic way.

The beauty of growing your own is knowing every stage of the process.You can guarantee that it hasn't been in contact with herbicides, pesticides, fungicides etc. all of which leave some residue which we unwittingly consume!

With some help from our friends we can eliminate the need to rely on chemicals, and by this I mean creating an environment where plants, animals and insects all benefit each other and more importantly us. 

Companion planting - The cultivation of different types of plants in close proximity so as to benefit each other…

I could go on ad infinitum on the subject, but here are some of the best and some surprising examples of how it works.

Nasturtiums - Not only is the whole plant an edible crop in its own rite it has numerous advantages. Orange flowering varieties repel aphids. Grown entangled through apple trees they help prevent woolly aphid infestation which left unchecked weakens the tree putting it at risk from diseases like canker. Planted in amongst cabbages, cauliflower and sprouts they secrete a mustard oil which insects find irresistible, leaving your intended crop alone. An added bonus is the ground cover produced by its big ‘dish like’ leaves, reduces the loss of moisture from the soil. Grown in a greenhouse it will protect against whitefly, repels cucumber beetles and enhances the hot flavour of radishes…

Nettles - Who knew, these guys had this many uses! Rich in Iron and Nitrogen they are highly nutritious to plants and us. They excrete silica, formic acid, iron etc and in doing so strengthen and add flavour to any neighbouring plants,in particular tomato,potatoes and horse radish. 3 in 1 tea made from nettles will act as a pesticide against aphids, a fertiliser feeding the plant through the leaves and …prevents fungal disease. Soaking nettle leaves in rain water for a few weeks makes an excellent fertiliser concentrate although a bit smelly!

Garlic - Is a natural pesticide and fungicide grown in pots you can move it around to keep roses, apple trees, tomatoes healthy and happy. But avoid close proximity to beans, peas, potatoes and strawberries these crops are not so keen. Crushed garlic soaked in water for a few days will produce an organic pesticide for killing ants, spiders, caterpillars, cabbage worm and tomato worm.

Good Neighbours - Tomatoes & Basil, Nasturtiums & Radishes, Onions & Carrots, Roses & Garlic.

Bad Neighbours - Potatoes & Tomatoes, Garlic & Beans, Cabbages & Strawberries, Parsnips & Carrots.

Suzy Kraike

Tavistock

suzy@elm.coop