This non-invasive planting system hinges on planting particular species of flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables next to, or right amongst, other species which they are known to have excellent relations with. Some plant species assist others to grow strong, some attract beneficial insects for pollination; some repel insect pests and others act as 'sacrificial' plants, offering themselves up to be devoured by caterpillars, etc. which prefer them to something like your prize cabbages.

Relationships between different plant species have been studied for countless generations and scientific research into exactly how particular plant relationships work are still on-going. Whilst scientific findings are one thing, personal observation of exactly how plants benefit each others' health and well-being in your own garden space is a study well worth taking up as, in line with numerous other subjects, science does not have all the answers.

As a 'taster' let me supply you with details of some well-known plant relationships and how they work

Alliums — these are all members of the huge onion family and include onions, garlic, chives, leeks along with attractive flowering species. Growing alliums underneath fruit trees, in between tomatoes, potatoes, aubergines, capsicums, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and carrots repels slugs/snails, aphids, carrot and cabbage fly; but beans, peas and parsley are said not to enjoy the company of alliums although, from personal experience, I don't agree with this when it comes to parsley and alliums as mine thrive together.

Asparagus officinalis — this spring vegetable is helped along by dill, coriander, tomatoes, basil, parsley and marigolds, the latter keeping asparagus beetle at bay, but does not in particular like the company of potatoes or alliums.

Aubergines — Marigolds, mint and tarragon help to keep them pest free.

Basil — Great with tomatoes, capsicums, aubergines, asparagus and petunias but kills rosemary. It repels asparagus beetle, flies and mosquitoes.

Borage — it's about the most effective and versatile companion plant around. It attracts honey bees and other beneficial insects yet repels pests.

Brassicas — these include cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, Brussels' sprouts and thrive in the company of geraniums, rosemary, borage, nasturtiums and alliums but loathe tomatoes, aubergines, capsicums and mustard.

Beans of all kinds — are of benefit to corn, squash, cucumber, lettuce, spinach, carrots, Brassicas, radish, strawberries and beetroot but do not want the company of sunflowers, alliums, tomatoes, capsicums and aubergines.
Brassicas — Beans play host to nitrogen fixing bacteria which gives some plants a real boost yet is overpowering for others.

Capsicums and other varieties of peppers — benefit from the company of tomatoes, geraniums and petunias. They are reputed to assist marjoram in staying healthy.

Celery — this is very comfortable alongside cosmos, antirrhinums and marguerites but can develop disease if cultivated anywhere near corn or asters.

Chamomile — good to grow with basil and wheat and attracts beneficial hoverflies and wasps. Don't include this in an actual herb garden as other than with basil, they don't get along.

Coriander — makes good company for spinach, helps peas and beans along, plus repels aphids, spider mites and some beetles.

Corn — assists beans to grow and enjoys chatting away with sunflowers, peas, squash, cucumbers, melons, parsley and potatoes.

Cucumbers — these are delighted to have peas, beetroot, carrots, coriander, dill, nasturtiums, sunflowers, radishes and marigolds in close proximity but hate tomatoes and sage.

Lettuce — if planted in close proximity to mints, sage, hyssop and other strongly scented herbs, may be kept slug/snail free. This popular salad plant also likes to be grown with beans, carrots and radish.

Marigolds, tagetes and calendulas — wonderful to have scattered throughout the garden as they are beneficial to most other plants plus deter nematodes and lots of other common pests.

Oregano — assists many plants and keeps aphids at bay.

Petunias — these pretty flowers encourage all kinds of squash to grow and act as a sacrificial plant particularly with aphids.

Rosemary — good to be planted with carrots, beans and cabbage as it puts off cabbage fly and repels some bean pests.

Sage — likes to buddy up with rosemary, carrots, beans and Brassica. Attracts bees and butterflies and repels cabbage fly, carrot fly and lots of other nasties.

Sunflowers — enjoy the company of tomatoes and corn and help keep aphids away.

Tomatoes — are beneficial for roses, asparagus and capsicums, also enjoy the company of carrots, parsley, basil, oregano, marigolds, alliums, petunias, borage, nasturtiums and geraniums but dislike corn, fennel, potatoes, dill, beetroot, Brassicas and rosemary.

These are just a very few companion plants to scatter throughout your garden to assist in maintaining natural harmony while keeping pests away or at least under control. There are hundreds of others suitable in different combinations and, like previously mentioned, studying how your existing plants react to each other, noting down the good points and the bad ones over a period of time, will help you learn what is best planted where. Now, as yet again I have run out of space, I leave another interesting selection of organic pest controls until next time. Until then... start noting!

Please continue sending your gardening queries to zahrahnasir@hotmail.com. Remember to include your location. Answers to selected questions will appear in a future issue of the magazine. This takes time. The writer will not respond directly by e-mail. E-mails with attachments will not be opened.

The writer's garden is private property, no trespassing please.