The Benefits of Planting Artichoke Companion Plants

Oleh Anonymous March 14, 2021 Post a Comment

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Artichoke Companion Plants: An

Are you looking to grow artichokes but unsure what to plant alongside them? Look no further than artichoke companion plants. Planting the right companions can help improve the health and yield of your artichokes, while also adding beauty and diversity to your garden.

The Best Artichoke Companion Plants

Here are some of the best artichoke companion plants to consider:

1. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are not only beautiful, but they also repel aphids and other pests that can harm artichokes. They are easy to grow from seed and will add a pop of color to your garden.

2. Borage

Borage is a great companion to artichokes as it helps repel tomato hornworms and cabbage worms, two pests that can wreak havoc on your artichokes. It also attracts bees and other pollinators, which can help increase your artichoke yield.

3. Yarrow

Yarrow is a natural insect repellent and can help keep pests away from your artichokes. It also attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which can help control aphids and other pests.

4. Marigolds

Marigolds are another great companion plant for artichokes. They repel harmful nematodes and attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies.

5. Clover

Clover is a natural nitrogen fixer, which means it can help improve the soil quality around your artichokes. It also attracts beneficial insects and can help suppress weeds.

Planting Artichoke Companion Plants

When planting artichoke companion plants, it's important to consider their spacing and watering needs. Make sure to plant them at least 18 inches away from your artichokes, as they can compete for water and nutrients. Additionally, be sure to water them regularly, especially during dry spells.

Spacing

When planting artichoke companion plants, aim for a spacing of at least 18 inches between each plant. This will ensure that they have enough room to grow and won't compete with your artichokes for water and nutrients.

Watering

Make sure to water your artichoke companion plants regularly, especially during dry spells. Most companion plants prefer moist soil, so aim to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.

The Benefits of Planting Artichoke Companion Plants

Planting artichoke companion plants offers a range of benefits for your garden. Here are just a few:

Improved Soil Quality

Many companion plants, such as clover, are natural nitrogen fixers. This means they can help improve the soil quality around your artichokes, leading to healthier plants and better yields.

Pest Control

Companion plants can help repel pests that can harm your artichokes. For example, nasturtiums repel aphids, while borage repels tomato hornworms and cabbage worms.

Biodiversity

Planting artichoke companion plants can help add diversity to your garden, which can lead to a more balanced ecosystem. This can help attract beneficial insects and pollinators, which can in turn improve the health and yield of your artichokes.

Improved Aesthetics

Finally, planting artichoke companion plants can help add beauty and visual interest to your garden. Many companion plants, such as marigolds and nasturtiums, have vibrant colors and attractive foliage that can complement your artichokes.

FAQs

Q: Can I plant anything else alongside my artichokes?

A: Yes! In addition to the plants listed above, you can also consider planting herbs like thyme and sage, which can repel pests and add flavor to your artichokes.

Q: How many companion plants should I plant?

A: This will depend on the size of your garden and how many artichokes you are growing. As a general rule, aim for a spacing of at least 18 inches between each companion plant.

Q: What if I don't have space for companion plants?

A: If you don't have enough space for companion plants, you can still improve the health and yield of your artichokes by adding organic matter to the soil and using natural pest control methods.

Q: Can companion plants harm my artichokes?

A: In some cases, companion plants can compete with your artichokes for water and nutrients. Make sure to give your artichokes plenty of room and water them regularly to avoid any issues.

Q: When is the best time to plant artichoke companion plants?

A: The best time to plant artichoke companion plants will depend on your climate and growing season. In general, aim to plant them in the spring or fall when temperatures are mild and there is plenty of moisture in the soil.