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Gardening for Beginners – Companion Planting

by | Apr 28, 2025 | Mind

Gardening is evidence of nature and its miracles at work, while tending to your plants your soul can flourish in how everything can work together in harmony! This

Companion Planting with Herbs and Flowers

Placing certain herbs and flowers with or around your vegetable plants is beneficial to them.

Often these companions work together to reduce pest issues or improve growth.

Tomatoes are a common addition to the home garden in all climates, enjoy cilantro as a companion, not only is this herb beneficial and adds a unique flavor for those who create salsa. The smell of cilantro attracts beneficial insects that can fight hornworms, which often target tomatoes that quickly destroy your crop. Cilantro is a cool season crop, thrives in the spring and early summer when temps range between 50 to 85 degrees. The tomato plant is in its growing season during this time, and ready to harvest in the summer. The tall tomato plant provides shade for cilantro shielding it from the heat and makes this herb last a little longer before the bolt. When cilantro plants bolt (white flowers and seeds begin to appear and the plant takes on a bitter taste) it attracts good bugs that will chase pests from your garden and keep your tomato plants healthier. The flowers attract parasitic wasps, which eat hornworms! Other pests use their sense of smell to find plants they love, the cilantro scent repels other pests like aphids, potato beetles, and spider mites allowing your tomatoes to flourish.

Enjoy, Nurturing Nature! Peace – Barbara

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