Herbal Companions: How to have a bug-free garden without chemicals.

We wait all winter planning our vegetable gardens. Then we wait all spring for the weather to warm, the danger of frost to pass, and the ground to dry between the rain. Finally we plant. As we watch the seeds sprout and seedlings grow, what happens next? Holes in leaves. Something is feeding on our plants! 

Before you grab the bottle of insect killer, grab a few herb plants to grow among the vegetables. Many herbs are natural insect repellents, and others attract beneficial insects that will feed on the bad bugs. It's called companion planting. Read on to learn more. 

photo source: gardeningknowhow.com

Plant savory, French tarragon, basil and dill among bush beans. This will attract beneficial insects that feed on Mexican bean beetle larvae (a lady bug look-a-like). Look for tiny yellow eggs on the underside of bean leaves and remove. 
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photo source: theida.com

Cabbage moth caterpillars and cabbage loopers are the culprits for holes in cabbage plants. Keep them away with rosemary, sage, thyme, and calendula planted near cabbage plants. Another preventative is to cover the crop with row cover and leave in place until harvest.  
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photo source: koopmanblog.com

Squash bugs can be a big problem in the garden plaguing vine crops such as cucumbers, gourds, melons, pumpkins, and squash. Watch for red or yellow egg masses on underside of leaves and destroy. Interplant companions such as dill, fennel, nasturtiums, tansy, and yarrow to attract beneficial insects. Again row cover is your friend - leave covered until plants begin to blossom. 
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photo source: healthyfig.com

The Colorado Potato Beetle has made an unwelcome appearance in many vegetable gardens already this season. Tansy, garlic, catnip, and nasturtiums, planted near potatoes, eggplant, tomatoes, and peppers can repel the beetle. Next year remember to alternate rows of potatoes with rows of bush beans which reduces the number of beetles.
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photo source: growinganything.com

Last but not least is the dreaded Japanese beetle. They can quickly devour the leaves and flowers of several vegetable crops. If they were a problem last year, plant chives and garlic near the crops they favored. Four o-clocks attract the beetle making them a good trap crop. Plant away from the vegetables and check daily dropping beetles into a bucket of soapy water. 
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photo source: goodreads.com

More information can be found in our favorite guide to companion planting Great Garden Companions by Sally Jean Cunningham. Available here at BGC.