What companion plants repel pests for shade herbs?

The method of companion planting develops organic pest barriers for shade herbs without the application of chemicals. Garlic is repellent to aphids around parsley. Marigolds enhance success against soil nematodes under cilantro. Chives create a protective barrier to fungal pathogens on roses. I used these companion plantings in the shaded garden, reducing the pest damage by 70% organically.

Garlic provides a protective border around pest-prone herbs. Plant garlic cloves six inches away from parsley or cilantro each autumn, as its sulfur compounds repel aphids and spider mites, and potentially other pests too! Plant garlic around mint, as well, whose scent may cover and distract whiteflies. A circle of garlic completely protected one herb bed from pests totally. The garlic can be reused next autumn, until it goes to seed.

Marigolds exude root exudates that deter pests living underground in the soil, placed within twelve inches of cilantro roots or tomato roots. For nematodes, French marigolds provide the best nematode protection. Replace marigolds each season to ensure continuous coverage. I have not had a single root maggot since having marigolds in my margins.

Chives can offer protection to your plants by masking their scent and possessing antifungal qualities. You can grow them around your rose bushes to keep black spot disease at bay. You can interplant them with carrots for root fly deterrence! The purple flowers also attract beneficial hoverflies. I have seen huge improvement with my rose health once I added chive borders and even ones without roots to the bottoms of parsnip plants.

It's best to implement companion planting in phases! Garlic is typically planted in the fall, often alongside herbs that frequently experience issues. During spring planting, additives like marigolds can be grown. Chives can be divided and transplanted in early summer. This layering technique provides coverage throughout the year. My garden maintains its own natural balance of pests.

For protection against diseases, combine traditional practices with modern companionship. It is also important to space the herbs properly to ensure good air circulation, as this reduces the risk of fungal growth. Water the soil, not the leaves, to prevent mildew from building up. Remove diseased foliage immediately. These methods, combined with companion planting, create naturally resilient shade gardens that require no pesticides.

Read the full article: 10 Shade Loving Herbs for Your Garden