Shiso Companion Planting: The Ultimate Guide

Oleh Anonymous April 16, 2021 Post a Comment

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Are you looking for a way to improve your garden's health and increase yield? Companion planting is a simple technique that can help. Today, we're going to focus on one particular plant that can be a great companion to many vegetables and herbs: shiso.

What is Shiso?

Shiso, also known as Perilla, is an annual herb that is native to China, India, and Southeast Asia. It has a unique flavor that is often compared to a combination of mint and basil, and is commonly used in Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese cuisine. Shiso comes in two varieties: green and red. Both types have the same flavor, but the red variety has a more intense taste and aroma.

Why is Shiso Good for Companion Planting?

Shiso is a great companion plant because it has several beneficial properties. These include:

Attracting beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate other plants in your garden.
Repelling harmful insects such as aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage worms.
Improving soil health by increasing nitrogen content.
Suppressing weeds by releasing allelopathic chemicals that inhibit their growth.

Now that we know why shiso is a great companion plant, let's look at some specific ways you can use it in your garden.

Companion Plants for Shiso

Shiso can be grown alongside a wide variety of vegetables and herbs. Here are some of the best companion plants for shiso:

Tomatoes

Shiso is an excellent companion for tomatoes. It repels harmful insects like tomato hornworms and improves soil health by increasing nitrogen content. Plus, the two plants look great together in the garden.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers and shiso make a great pairing because shiso repels cucumber beetles and attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. Plus, shiso's allelopathic properties can help suppress weeds around your cucumber plants.

Peppers

Like tomatoes, peppers are another vegetable that shiso can help repel harmful insects from. In addition, shiso can also improve soil health around pepper plants.

Basil

Shiso and basil have similar flavors and growing habits, making them great companions. They both repel harmful insects like aphids and attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.

How to Grow Shiso

If you're interested in adding shiso to your garden, here are some tips for growing it successfully:

Planting

Shiso can be grown from seed or transplanted seedlings. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Plant shiso in full sun or partial shade.

Care

Shiso is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care once established. Water it regularly, but be careful not to overwater. Shiso is also relatively pest-resistant, but keep an eye out for spider mites and slugs, which can occasionally be a problem.

Harvesting

Shiso leaves can be harvested as soon as they are large enough to use. Harvest regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent the plant from going to seed too quickly.

Recipes using Shiso

Now that you know how to grow shiso, you may be wondering what to do with it. Here are some delicious recipes that use shiso:

Shiso Pesto

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh shiso leaves, packed
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

In a food processor, combine the shiso, basil, and pine nuts. Pulse until finely chopped.
Add the garlic and Parmesan cheese and pulse until well combined.
With the machine running, slowly pour in the olive oil through the feed tube until the pesto is smooth and creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Shiso Wraps

Ingredients:

8 large shiso leaves
8 oz cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 small cucumber, julienned
1 small carrot, julienned
1 small red bell pepper, julienned
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1/4 cup chopped peanuts

Directions:

In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Place a shiso leaf on a plate or cutting board. Top with some shrimp and a small amount of each vegetable.
Drizzle with the hoisin sauce mixture and sprinkle with chopped peanuts.
Roll up the shiso leaf like a burrito, tucking in the sides as you go.
Repeat with the remaining ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions about Shiso Companion Planting

Q: Can shiso be grown indoors?

A: Yes, shiso can be grown indoors as long as it has access to plenty of sunlight.

Q: How often should I water my shiso plants?

A: Shiso should be watered regularly, but be careful not to overwater. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Q: Can shiso be frozen?

A: Yes, shiso leaves can be frozen for later use. Simply blanch the leaves in boiling water for 30 seconds, then plunge them into an ice bath. Dry the leaves thoroughly and pack them into freezer bags.

Q: Is shiso easy to grow?

A: Yes, shiso is a relatively easy plant to grow. It requires minimal care and is relatively pest-resistant.

Q: Are there any plants that should not be grown near shiso?

A: Shiso should not be grown near plants in the brassica family (such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage) because it can inhibit their growth.

In shiso is a versatile and beneficial plant that can be a great addition to your garden. By using shiso as a companion plant, you can help improve soil health, attract beneficial insects, and repel harmful pests. Plus, shiso is a delicious herb that can be used in a wide variety of recipes.