There are no gardening mistakes, only experiments.
Janet Kilburn Phillips
When we reflect on the importance of harmony within the garden we often think of companion planting. That which creates a beautiful resilience, a nod to the functionality of natural ecosystems and a marked improvement to all affected (including the gardener). We touch upon this topic often, if however, you’re unfamiliar with it, you can read our Companion Planting Guide. On the basic level, companion planting is where you grow plants together that do not compete, have similar needs and so on. But if we dig deeper, there’s more. We’ve also previously touched on companion planting herbs to deter pests. And if we continue to explore the usage of herbs as companion plants there’s another angle: planting to attract beneficial insects, specifically beneficial predators.
The Attraction of Insects
Generally, we can split beneficial insects into two categories: the first being pollinators and the second, predators. The latter can often help curb or even eliminate certain pest populations with ease. It is important however to keep in mind that these are still natural ecosystems and your best chance for natural success is to plant the herbs early in the season to reap as much benefit as possible.
Companion Plants and the Beneficial Insects they Attract
|
Herb |
Attracts/Deals with | Plant Near |
|
Dill* |
Ladybugs (aphids, mites, scale insects), Lacewings (aphids, caterpillars, thrips, cucumber beetles), Parasitic Wasps (aphids, caterpillars) |
Cucumbers, Brassica Family: Cabbage, Kale, Cauliflower, Brussel Sprouts etc. |
|
Cilantro* |
Hoverflies (aphids, potato beetles), Parasitic Wasps (aphids, caterpillars), Tachinid Flies (beetles including potato beetles, caterpillars) |
Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Kale, Legumes |
|
Chamomile |
Ladybugs (aphids, mites, scale insects), Hoverflies (aphids, beetles), Parasitic Wasps (caterpillars, aphids) |
Brassica Family, Cucumbers, Onions, Tomatoes, Potatoes |
|
Mint |
Predatory Wasps (aphids, caterpillars, beetles), Parasitic Wasps (caterpillars, aphids), Ladybugs (aphids, mites, scale insects), Hoverflies (aphids) |
Anything, so long as it is grown in its own container–never plant mint in the ground as it |
| Yarrow | Minute Pirate Bugs (aphids, thrips, mites), Ladybugs (aphids, mites, scale insects), Hoverflies (aphids, beetles, squash bugs), Lacewings (aphids, caterpillars, thrips, beetles) |
Squash, Tomatoes, Peppers, Onions, Melons, Cucumbers |
*In the case of both dill and cilantro, both must “bolt” or grow their flowers in order to attract the predatory insects.
The Takeaway
Part of the beauty of gardening is that it will never cease to be a learning adventure. As the introductory quote reminds us, there are no mistakes, only experiments. So don’t hesitate to trial and error different natural pest control solutions. Some years you may be met with great success and other years, not so much. But you will learn something either way. In a future installment we will cover companion planting to attract very specific pollinators.
For more reading on all things home, garden and lifestyle, peruse the Wild Blog . And, if you don’t already, be sure to follow us on Pinterest and Instagram.
