Companion planting can add color, support pollinators and increase plant diversity in a vegetable or flower garden. Some strongly scented flowers and herbs may also make it more difficult for certain pests to locate nearby plants.
Flowers should not be treated as a guaranteed replacement for pest monitoring or treatment. They work best as one part of a broader garden-care plan that includes healthy soil, proper watering, weed control, crop rotation and regular plant inspections.
Here are several popular companion plants to consider and where they may fit within your garden.
The fun part is that the flowers are safe for pets and children. Here are five flowering plants you should consider:
1. Marigolds
Marigolds are among the popular flowering plants you can plant around your garden. They are also cheap to obtain and boast vibrant orange hues. You can count on them to attract beneficial insects to pollinate your plants and repel harmful pests.
Scented varieties of marigolds are natural insect repellents. The French Marigold, in particular, can keep whiteflies away from your tomatoes and improve soil health.
Most marigolds grow well in areas with full sun and need potting soil that’s at least 10 inches deep to thrive. As self-seeding plants, they drop seeds on the soil and can spread throughout your garden.
Where to Plant Marigolds
Plant marigolds along garden borders, between vegetable rows or near tomatoes, peppers and other warm-season crops. They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil.
Marigolds can attract pollinators and beneficial insects while adding color to the garden. Their scent may also discourage some insects from settling near nearby plants.
2. Lavender
The lavender plant is known for its sweet-smelling aroma and delicate violet leaves. It is used to make lavender essential oil for topical products like lotions and massage oil.
Thanks to its strong scent, lavender can repel insects such as mosquitoes, fleas, flies, and moths. Lavandula angustifolia, to be specific, is an effective mosquito repellent.
Where to Plant Lavender
Plant lavender in a sunny, well-drained location near walkways, patios or the outside edge of the garden. Avoid placing lavender in areas that remain wet.
Lavender’s fragrance can add interest to the landscape while its flowers attract bees and other pollinators.
Create similar placement sections for chrysanthemums, clover and borage.
3. Chrysanthemums
Also referred to as chrysanths, chrysanthemums are flowering plants with large impressive flower heads. They are available in a large spectrum of colors, such as red, purple, lavender, orange, yellow, and white.
Since the flowers contain Pyrethrin (a neurotoxin), they can repel and kill insects. The vibrant flowers also attract butterflies and bees to pollinate your garden crops. Their root nematodes can be used to repel unwanted Japanese beetles from the garden.
Where to Plant Chrysanthemums
Plant chrysanthemums along garden borders or near cabbage, broccoli, kale and other cool-season crops. They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil.
Their flowers add late-season color and attract pollinators, but give them enough space so they do not shade smaller plants.
4. Clover
As an excellent cover crop, clover grows the same way as grass. You can use it to give your gardening soil a thin, cohesive green layer. With more than 300 varieties, the most popular one has tiny pink flowers.
White clover attracts parasitic insects such as whiteflies, scales, and aphids, thus drawing their attention away from your garden crops. They release toxic cyanide if the leaf tissues get damaged as a defense response to deter pests. You can plant clovers around your cabbage to repel aphids and cabbage worms.
Where to Plant Clover
Plant clover between garden beds, along pathways or in unused sections of the garden as a low-growing cover crop. It can grow in full sun or partial shade.
Clover attracts bees and other beneficial insects, but it can spread quickly, so plant it where it can be trimmed or contained.
5. Borage
Borage is a flowering plant whose leaves, flowers, and oil are used in herbal medicine. The seed oil helps treat skin disorders like itchy rash and eczema.
As an insect repellent, the flowers of a borage plant can prevent cabbage worms or tomato hornworm from invading your garden. They can also boost the disease resistance of your crops. Borage leaves and flowers can cause respiratory distress or intestinal upset when ingested by pets and other small animals.
Where to Plant Borage
Plant borage near tomatoes, squash, cucumbers or strawberries in a sunny, well-drained area. Place it toward the back or edge of the garden because it can grow large.
Its blue flowers attract bees and other pollinators, and it may reseed if spent flowers are left in place.
Other Companion Plants to Consider
In addition to flowering plants, many gardeners use aromatic herbs as part of their companion-planting plans.
Popular options include:
- Basil
- Mint planted in containers
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Sage
- Dill
- Fennel
- Chives
Before planting, consider the mature size and growth habit of each plant. Mint and certain other herbs can spread aggressively and may be easier to manage in containers.
Summing up Natural Pest Control
Pests, diseases, and weeds can cause serious harm to your garden crops when you fail to control them. Luckily, planting flowers discussed in this guide can keep your garden free of pests. These plants have vibrant blooms and aromatic scents that repel insect pests such as beetles, mosquitoes, and aphids.
Visit or Contact Menham Garden Center for your all-around gardening needs, from pest control to weed management. We have all the resources and tools to give your garden a fabulous makeover.