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Some tips on controlling garden pests

By Michelle Ensinger

Did you know that rhubarb is a native of Asia? And that bell and hot peppers were cultivated by the Aztecs for thousands of years? For many growing seasons, I have used companion planting to enhance my vegetables and fruit trees. I feel one needs to see for themselves if this method of “growth” works for them.

In the following chart, I’ve included a few companion tips I use. I have also used herbs to repel certain harmful insects. But please note, there are a lot of beneficial insects that we need to keep around as they are our friends.
The following are a few terms referring to compatible planting.

Allelopathy: The process by which one plant release phytotoxins (chemicals) which inhibits the growth/development of another growing nearby.

Autoallelopathy: The process which a plant produces phytotoxins (chemicals) that inhibit the growth for a member of the same species.
Companion plant: Interplanting with chosen plants because of their ability to enhance or complement the growth of another plant.

The following herbs are believed to repel certain pests. I have found that planting in groups of three, encircling the affected plant, produces good results. A lot of these herbs can be started from seeds or should be available from your favorite nursery.

I hope you enjoy your garden as much as we do..

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