"Gypsy gold does not chink and glitter. It gleams in the sun and neighs in the dark."

~ Saying of the Gladdagh Gypsies of Galway


Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Companion Planting

As I may have mentioned in a previous post, we are trying to 'Companion Plant' our garden this year as well as make our larger garden into raised beds. I am working on diagrams for hubby to go by. Just when I think I have things where I like it, I want to switch something or I am questioning if there is a better way!


I would really like to hear from any of my readers if you do 'Companion Planting' with your gardens -- with your veggies, herbs, flowers...any of it. And if so, what are some tips you have? What have you found helpful? What really works for you in your area?

Alas, I mentioned hubby is working on his Rasp/Blackberry patch too -- any suggestions for companion planting in there? I didn't find much when doing a brief google search.




Hubby working up the new Rasp/Blackberry patch

Side Note: Chives planted underneath apple trees are said to help prevent scab on your apples. Do you think hubby would plant chives under our 120 apple trees ;) ?

I am letting the book 'Carrots Love Tomatoes' by Louise Riotte be my guide, however, I am still stumped on what I want to plant with our carrots nor can I decide how & where I want to place our bell peppers - Jupiter Peppers to be exact ;) Any suggestions. I know I can plant my peppers with some basil, but I am already planting basil with my tomatoes and since I haven't grown the basil from seed, I am not looking to break the bank on basil plants :)



Hubby preparing the gardens...dumping in some composted manure

3 comments:

meemsnyc said...

We do companion planting. I grow marigolds next to tomatoes, they seem to help keep the bugs away. I also grow peppers next to my tomatoes, they are companion plants. And basil!

I also grow pole beans next to broccoli and peas next to cucumbers.

I find that this has a great chart about companion planting.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_companion_plants

meemsnyc said...

PS, I wish I had space like you to plant all those blackberries / raspberries. Totally awesome.

Alison said...

LOL! I was just going to say the same thing about the space. Your farm is lovely, Allison! Thanks for the book recommendation. I'll have to pick it up. As far as companion planing in my garden....I have a large raised bed (we live in the burbs) and I'm lucky if I can remember to rotate my crops. ;-)