Autumn does not have to be the end of the gardening season. On the contrary, it is an ideal time to think about how to protect the crops and prepare the ground for next year. Instead of chemical spraying comes the word allies. They can repulsion the pest, improve the quality of the soil and at the same time give the beds a colorful and fragrant life.
When the garden season slowly ends, many growers think of how Also for next year. One of the smart approaches is accompanying cultivation, When we plant plants side by side to help each other. In the autumn, this can be a great way to reduce damage and support the health of the garden.
Video from Gardeo with info how to fight pests in the garden, check out youtube:
How the accompanying cultivation works
The aim is to create such communities of plants in which some species repel or cancel pests of other plants. Some herbs, fragrant flowers or They can act as “insects”, which means that they attract predators that destroy pests or coincide, thus protecting the target plants. The autumn months are ideal for planting some complementary plants that help protect vegetables and flower beds.
Which plants to choose in autumn
- Garlic and onion – They release a strong aroma that repels many types of absorbent insects. Sadba among vegetables helps to alleviate damage from aphids, lobbies or motors.
- Marigold – blooms until frosts and attracts useful insects such as ladybugs and spiders who feed on pests.
- Lower – Leaves and flowers of this plant often attract flying pests, thus protecting neighboring plants.
- Yarrow – Aromatic shrub that discourages some pests and attracts pollinators and predators.
- Coriander – It attracts aphids that do not attract target plants and at the same time support the presence of predatory insects.
- Petunia, lavender or thyme – Fragrant herbs that disturb the odors of target plants with their strong scent and reduce the likelihood of pest attacks.
How to do this in practice
First, choose which vegetable culture you want to protect. In the intermediate, around these plants, plant at least a few accompanying species, such as marigold or garlic. You can also place them on the circuit of the flower bed or between the lines.
The rotation of crops is also important. After a few years, you should not grow the same vegetables in the same place, because there are specific pathogens and pests. However, accompanying plants help to alleviate this effect.
It is important to monitor
Also check that the accompanying plants do not take up much space with their own shoots. Every year you can slightly change the combinations of plants to achieve the best effect according to the particular environment of your garden.
Accompanying cultivation in autumn is not a magic, but a smart strategy. Just a few plants that fit correctly into your vegetable beds, which may mean the difference between rich harvest and fighting pests.
