I'd like to know more about companion plants..

tommyg · 11-15-2011, 04:16 PM

As a couple of you may know I have some fruits and other plants growing in my container garden. Now, I have some parsley, bunching onions and later on I may try some more herbs.

I've noticed on youtube and other places that people have chosen to put herbs, or flowers or multiple fruits in the same area or container.

Do you have any pictures or tips on companion plants?

Anything work well for you?

tommyg · 11-15-2011, 04:29 PM

Of course if this is not recommended I can stop the thread. Thanks!

Richard · 11-15-2011, 06:03 PM

There is no horticultural basis for what is called "companion plants" in the popular literature. It is a marketing technique to sell more plants.

momoese · 11-15-2011, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard

There is no horticultural basis for what is called "companion plants" in the popular literature. It is a marketing technique to sell more plants.

So planting marigolds near tomatoes does nothing to repel nematodes?

3 sisters?

Bob3 · 11-15-2011, 09:27 PM

I have some extra plants under some of my bananas; got cannas out back under the Blue Javas & in a couple pots of various pups that have been whacked out of the mother mat, Nicotiana rustica is occupying the open spots, what little of it there is.
The N. rustica will start to wilt a little when it's time to slop some water in the pots, so it's sort of an "indicator" that keeps it's big brothers from getting over-watered.
I'd say slap in whatever ya want & see how it goes, doubling up on real estate is a good way to get the most out of a limited amount of planting space.

Richard · 11-15-2011, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob3

I have some extra plants under some of my bananas; got cannas out back under the Blue Javas & in a couple pots of various pups that have been whacked out of the mother mat, Nicotiana rustica is occupying the open spots, what little of it there is.
The N. rustica will start to wilt a little when it's time to slop some water in the pots, so it's sort of an "indicator" that keeps it's big brothers from getting over-watered.
I'd say slap in whatever ya want & see how it goes, doubling up on real estate is a good way to get the most out of a limited amount of planting space.

Yes, indicator plants is a good horticultural practice and getting the most out of your acreage is just plain efficiency. I have a potted Artemisia absinthium that sits among some of my plant stock -- when it starts wilting all the others will need water in a day's time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by momoese

So planting marigolds near tomatoes does nothing to repel nematodes?

3 sisters?

Earthworms are nematodes. One of the varieties of harmful nematodes is known to ignore marigold roots but this does not keep them from attacking neighboring plants. Further, marigolds attract a host of other pests. You would be better off applying a little natural soil sulfur prior to planting your tomatoes. For other people who use water solubles, the sulfur is typically included.

The Hollyberry Lady · 11-15-2011, 10:17 PM

You can grow just about anything in a pot together but realize that some plants are invasive and they'll try to take over other plants...like mint. I like mint best alone in a pot.

Marigolds grow great with just about anything and I've even grown them at the base of my banana plants in the garden. Dwarf pepper plants are usually compatible with most other plants too and they're great for filling up bare soil space. You can mix all different kinds of flowers in pots as well.

Strawberries make another excellent choice to fill up space without taking up too much soil room, as they are shallow rooting. It's very appealing to see strawberry plants stuffed into pots and spilling over the side with other plants and they add interest and charm.

Petunias are another easy-to-please plant that are a nice flowering addition and they're compatible with most other plants. I like coleus as well but I like to keep it pruned. Succulents are one of my favorite things to add to pots of existing plants and they are very compatible with mostly everything. I like them in pots that show a lot of bare soil.

It's nice to combine plants that require the same conditions and needs, although if they're easy-to-grow kind of plants, it won't matter much.

Hope this gives you some ideas.

: )

momoese · 11-15-2011, 11:48 PM

Rose bushes in vineyards to attract the pests away from the vines?

Again....3 sisters?

Marigold...I'm not talking about earthworms or beneficial nematodes.

And I have planted Borage by my tomatoes and the closest plants had no horn worms. Go figure.

Richard · 11-16-2011, 01:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by momoese

Rose bushes in vineyards to attract the pests away from the vines?

That's like going from bad to worse. The Glassywinged Sharpshooter is the most menacing grape pest and it is rarely attracted to roses.

Quote:

Originally Posted by momoese

Again....3 sisters?

You mean the 3 wives tales!

Quote:

Originally Posted by momoese

Marigold...I'm not talking about earthworms or beneficial nematodes.

Well then be more specific, there are 1000's of species of nematodes that live on land, in waterways, and in the ocean. We do have pest nematodes here and in other parts of the state, but the treatments for different species varies. The majority of damaging nematodes that are discussed in garden books and magazines don't live in southern CA, and when imported they don't survive in the environment either.

Quote:

Originally Posted by momoese

And I have planted Borage by my tomatoes and the closest plants had no horn worms. Go figure.

I bet your menopause symptoms went away too!

momoese · 11-16-2011, 01:52 AM

sunfish · 11-16-2011, 08:17 AM

Always good to have plants that attract bees !

momoese · 11-16-2011, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunfish

Always good to have plants that attract bees !

And some attract lady bugs and other beneficials

Richard · 11-16-2011, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by momoese

And some attract lady bugs and other beneficials

Lady bugs are scavengers that hunt small insects and larvae. They are attracted to plants that host their prey. When food becomes scarce they leave.

momoese · 11-16-2011, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard

Lady bugs are scavengers that hunt small insects and larvae. They are attracted to plants that host their prey. When food becomes scarce they leave.

The larvae eat more than the adults and they can't fly.

momoese · 11-16-2011, 12:08 PM

Early Blooming Plants

Ladybugs don't just eat garden pests: they eat plants too. Specifically, ladybugs like to munch on pollen if they can't get a juicy aphid to snack on. Early blooming plants offer your ladybugs an alternate food source that will attract them to your garden. The ladybugs help pollinate these flowers, just like bees do. For this reason, don't worry that your replacing one plant killer with another. Good early blooming plants include buckwheat, cilantro, and legumes red or crimson clover.

Attract Aphids, Attract Ladybugs

Plants that bring in aphids will bring in ladybugs in pursuit of them. Again, this is a worthwhile strategy because ladybugs don't just eat aphids. They munch on spider mites and mealy insects, too. Plants that attract aphids include bronze fennel and vegetables, such as potatoes and cabbage. You'll find ladybug eggs in these plants. The ladybugs lay their eggs here so that when the eggs hatch the young larvae will have a ready source of food: aphids!

momoese · 11-16-2011, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard

There is no horticultural basis for what is called "companion plants" in the popular literature. It is a marketing technique to sell more plants.

There is a horticultural basis for what is called "biodiversity" in plenty of studies.

Richard · 11-16-2011, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by momoese

There is a horticultural basis for what is called "biodiversity" in plenty of studies.

Yes, I agree.

11-15-2011, 04:16 PM	#1 (permalink)
tommyg sunroom gardener Location: Worcester, MA Find me on the map! Zone: 6 Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 252 BananaBucks : 39,609 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 83 Times Was Thanked 234 Times in 165 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 13 Times	I'd like to know more about companion plants.. As a couple of you may know I have some fruits and other plants growing in my container garden. Now, I have some parsley, bunching onions and later on I may try some more herbs. I've noticed on youtube and other places that people have chosen to put herbs, or flowers or multiple fruits in the same area or container. Do you have any pictures or tips on companion plants? Anything work well for you? __________________ Blog: http://sunroomgardening.blogspot.com Photography biz:http://www.tomasharanphotography.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tomasharanphotography Worcester, MA

11-15-2011, 04:29 PM	#2 (permalink)
tommyg sunroom gardener Location: Worcester, MA Find me on the map! Zone: 6 Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 252 BananaBucks : 39,609 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 83 Times Was Thanked 234 Times in 165 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 13 Times	Re: I'd like to know more about companion plants.. Of course if this is not recommended I can stop the thread. Thanks! __________________ Blog: http://sunroomgardening.blogspot.com Photography biz:http://www.tomasharanphotography.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tomasharanphotography Worcester, MA

11-15-2011, 06:03 PM	#3 (permalink)
Richard un-Retired Richard's Photo Gallery Location: Vista, CA Find me on the map! Zone: USDA 10b Name: Richard Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 9,674 BananaBucks : 547,059 Feedback: 9 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,636 Times Was Thanked 12,543 Times in 4,721 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,685 Times	Re: I'd like to know more about companion plants.. There is no horticultural basis for what is called "companion plants" in the popular literature. It is a marketing technique to sell more plants. __________________ Back in business at plantsthatproduce.com

11-15-2011, 09:27 PM	#5 (permalink)
Bob3 Bob3's Photo Gallery Location: Sacramento, Luxemburg Find me on the map! Zone: 9 & Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 466 BananaBucks : 46,926 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 128 Times Was Thanked 512 Times in 265 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 97 Times	Re: I'd like to know more about companion plants.. I have some extra plants under some of my bananas; got cannas out back under the Blue Javas & in a couple pots of various pups that have been whacked out of the mother mat, Nicotiana rustica is occupying the open spots, what little of it there is. The N. rustica will start to wilt a little when it's time to slop some water in the pots, so it's sort of an "indicator" that keeps it's big brothers from getting over-watered. I'd say slap in whatever ya want & see how it goes, doubling up on real estate is a good way to get the most out of a limited amount of planting space. __________________ Recipes & links for Cajun, Creole, & other goodies.

11-15-2011, 10:17 PM	#7 (permalink)
The Hollyberry Lady The Hollyberry Lady 's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 15,161 BananaBucks : 1,319,672 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 12,042 Times Was Thanked 11,326 Times in 5,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 102 Times	Re: I'd like to know more about companion plants.. You can grow just about anything in a pot together but realize that some plants are invasive and they'll try to take over other plants...like mint. I like mint best alone in a pot. Marigolds grow great with just about anything and I've even grown them at the base of my banana plants in the garden. Dwarf pepper plants are usually compatible with most other plants too and they're great for filling up bare soil space. You can mix all different kinds of flowers in pots as well. Strawberries make another excellent choice to fill up space without taking up too much soil room, as they are shallow rooting. It's very appealing to see strawberry plants stuffed into pots and spilling over the side with other plants and they add interest and charm. Petunias are another easy-to-please plant that are a nice flowering addition and they're compatible with most other plants. I like coleus as well but I like to keep it pruned. Succulents are one of my favorite things to add to pots of existing plants and they are very compatible with mostly everything. I like them in pots that show a lot of bare soil. It's nice to combine plants that require the same conditions and needs, although if they're easy-to-grow kind of plants, it won't matter much. Hope this gives you some ideas. : )

Members currently in the chatroom: 0
	The most chatters online in one day was 17, 09-06-2009. No one is currently using the chat.

11-15-2011, 11:48 PM	#8 (permalink)
momoese Banana grower momoese's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Zone: zone 10 Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 7,590 BananaBucks : 4,869 Feedback: 9 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,754 Times Was Thanked 10,888 Times in 3,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 729 Times	Re: I'd like to know more about companion plants.. Rose bushes in vineyards to attract the pests away from the vines? Again....3 sisters? Marigold...I'm not talking about earthworms or beneficial nematodes. And I have planted Borage by my tomatoes and the closest plants had no horn worms. Go figure.

11-16-2011, 01:52 AM	#10 (permalink)
momoese Banana grower momoese's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Zone: zone 10 Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 7,590 BananaBucks : 4,869 Feedback: 9 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,754 Times Was Thanked 10,888 Times in 3,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 729 Times	Re: I'd like to know more about companion plants.. Ok

11-16-2011, 08:17 AM	#11 (permalink)
sunfish Banned sunfish's Photo Gallery Location: San Diego Find me on the map! Zone: 9-11 Name: Tony Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 18,429 BananaBucks : 1,000,822 Feedback: 8 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,210 Times Was Thanked 20,592 Times in 7,760 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 2,716 Times	Re: I'd like to know more about companion plants.. Always good to have plants that attract bees !

11-16-2011, 12:08 PM	#15 (permalink)
momoese Banana grower momoese's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Zone: zone 10 Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 7,590 BananaBucks : 4,869 Feedback: 9 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,754 Times Was Thanked 10,888 Times in 3,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 729 Times	Re: I'd like to know more about companion plants.. Early Blooming Plants Ladybugs don't just eat garden pests: they eat plants too. Specifically, ladybugs like to munch on pollen if they can't get a juicy aphid to snack on. Early blooming plants offer your ladybugs an alternate food source that will attract them to your garden. The ladybugs help pollinate these flowers, just like bees do. For this reason, don't worry that your replacing one plant killer with another. Good early blooming plants include buckwheat, cilantro, and legumes red or crimson clover. Attract Aphids, Attract Ladybugs Plants that bring in aphids will bring in ladybugs in pursuit of them. Again, this is a worthwhile strategy because ladybugs don't just eat aphids. They munch on spider mites and mealy insects, too. Plants that attract aphids include bronze fennel and vegetables, such as potatoes and cabbage. You'll find ladybug eggs in these plants. The ladybugs lay their eggs here so that when the eggs hatch the young larvae will have a ready source of food: aphids!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Banana guilds or companion plants	krismaskiss	Main Banana Discussion	6	01-31-2010 09:37 AM
Garden design: Good companion plants for tropical effect?	mrbungalow	Main Banana Discussion	13	03-29-2008 07:20 AM