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11 July 2009
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Bee on plant

Try companion planting

Follow our advice about the plants to choose and what to pair them with.

What to do

  • Plant French marigolds in between tomato plants to deter aphids.
  • Grow carrots and leeks together. Both have strong scents that drive away each other's pests.
  • Plant nasturtium with cabbages - they're a magnet for caterpillars that will then leave the cabbages alone.
  • Garlic planted among roses will ward off aphids.
  • Grow dill in the garden to attract aphid-eating hoverflies.
  • Make sure companion plants are planted at the same time as your edible crops to prevent pests from getting a foothold.

  • Read More...

Time needed


15 minutes for planting

What you need

  • Guide to companion planting
  • Seeds or young plants
  • Spade
  • Watering can

In Lifestyle

Ten ways to go organic
How to be a gardener
Plant finder
Crop rotation
Recipes for your produce

Elsewhere on bbc.co.uk

Gardeners' Question Time
Gardeners' Corner

Elsewhere on the web

RHS advice on biodiversity
Garden organic
The Herb Society
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