To ensure a pest-free garden during harvest season, advanced planning and strategic planting are key. Flowers and medicinal plants not only enhance the beauty of your garden but can also act as natural protectors for your crops.
Gardening expert and landscape designer Olga Voronova recommends incorporating plants such as marigolds, nasturtiums, and calendulas to keep insects at bay.
Marigolds, for instance, are highly effective in repelling cabbage beetles and are ideal companions for cabbage. Black beans (chernie bobi) protect potatoes from the Colorado potato beetle, while nasturtiums help fend off harmful fungi. These three flowers are considered 100% effective natural guardians.
In addition, fragrant plants like rosemary and monarda offer insect-repellent scents that safeguard crops. While Pauline is also a valuable plant for protection, it is not commonly found in the wild, making it perfect for planting in your garden.
For an aesthetically pleasing and well-organized garden, Voronova suggests allocating a dedicated space for flowers and medicinal plants. “I typically leave a small area when sowing seeds, then add the necessary flowers,” she says.
By integrating these beneficial plants alongside your edible vegetables, you not only create a pest-free environment but also a beautiful, designer-style garden that combines functionality with style.
