Good Neighbors Part 2. - Preventing diseases and pests

We have already discussed about »the good neighborly relations« between plants in post Good Neighbors Part 1. We told which plants are more or less good to be placed together in the garden. In this – second part, we will say something abut the plants which prevent diseases and pests.

When we decide to grow our own garden, we of course try to produce as healthy food as posible.  But here apears a problem: There are many pests and diseases which we are trying to get rid of with various chemicals. But with chemicals we do not make any benefit to ourselves. Our goal is healthy and natural home grown food. With chemical produts the quality of home grown food is lowered.

In the fight against pests and diseases, we can place on the garden some plants that are used to treat or prevent certain diseases and to drive away pests. In this natural way we are preserving home grown food healthy and quality.

First let`s take a look at the plants which are really needed in the garden and which garden crop need them the most:

1. NASTURTIUM: Because it drives away the leaf louse, it is good to be placed near Potatoes, Brassicas, Fruit Trees and Lettuce

2. We plant BASIL near Fruit vegetables like Tomatoes, Peppers and Rose because it prevents the powdery mildew

3. CHAMOMILE: It acts against blight. Especially appropriate place in the garden for this plant is near Tomatoes and Brassicas.

 


4. CHIVES also counteract against Powdery mildew and it is suitable for placing near Strawberries, Carrots, Tomatoes and Roses

 


5. We pland SAVORY near Legumes because it drives away leaf louse.

6. GARLIC, TAGETES, MAROGOLD! These plants are must in every garden because they make a huge benefit to your garden. You just have to make sure that you do not plant Garlic near Peas, Beans or Cabbage.   

Few very good combinations:

-          Onions near Carrots

-          Leeks near  Carrot, Parley

-          Carrot near Salad

-          Radish near Carrot

If you to not know how to tackle the entire planting, you can view the Example of plants arrangement, which includes a »Good neighbors« and the above mentioned plants. You can find the example here.

Of course there are many other pests that can invade your garden. In the table below you can see which plants to plant near crops to prevent certain diseases and pests.  You can also make a preparation to fight diseases (make a tea and use it as spray). All the plants listed below can be used as mulch or preparation exept basil.