Debstr's Blog

I think the best way for me to do this analogy is just make random statements about what works with what as far as companions.  I did read “Great Garden Companions” & it’s a totally wonderful book.  I think though …… is that there is a ton of information & what happens for me is I get information overload & then the info is useless. So --- I need to take a step backwards & look at the information that I want to use and document it. Alright, where do I start?  Ok… to explain what Companion Gardening is ……. Planting specific plants next to each other or intermingled so each individual plant grows better and flourishes “just because” the companion plant is nearby.  I support the basis of this & will definitely find out if it works – I won’t have my organized rows of plant after plant but that’s ok .. sometimes, you just have to give up on being organized.

The bottom line here is – What can I plant next to my tomatoes to ward off insects … like that gross Tomato Hornworm?  Well, Basil is a suggestion & Borage .. ok, I can do that. Some of the thought behind this is that the scents and textures of different plants repel insects or even animals like deer – deer don’t like fuzzy plants … borage is fuzzy, I didn’t even care for it as an edible in salads, but if it keeps the deer away… Let’s Grow It!  Now Marigolds are quite fragrant and if you think about it … is the smell even that pleasant?  Not really… but this plant scares away all those insects or confuses them. Marigold Golden Guardian ….. I planted these a couple of days ago and I think I will be quite guarded – Here’s what they say …hope it works,

 Control Nematodes with flowers not chemicals.  Golden Guardian Marigold proved to be the most effective for controlling root nematodes, killing 99% over a 3 month period. Nematodes live in the soil, feeding off the roots of tomatoes & other veggies.  Ok, let’s give it a shot!    This is just the beginning ….. next step, figuring out what other companion plants I will grow ….