The Ultimate Guide to Lovage Companion Plants

Oleh Anonymous July 31, 2021 Post a Comment

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Lovage Companion Plants Explained

If you're growing lovage in your garden, you may be wondering what other plants would make good companions for it. Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together that have beneficial effects on each other. When it comes to lovage, there are several plants that make great companions due to their similar growing conditions and complementary properties.

Why Companion Planting is Important

Companion planting is an important practice because it can help improve the health and productivity of your garden. Certain plants have natural pest-repelling properties, while others can help improve soil quality or attract beneficial insects. By choosing the right companion plants, you can create a more diverse and resilient garden ecosystem.

What is Lovage?

Before we dive into the best companion plants for lovage, let's review what lovage is. Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a perennial herb that is native to southern Europe and western Asia. It has large, green leaves and small yellow flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer. Lovage is known for its strong, celery-like flavor and aroma, and is often used in soups, stews, and salads.

Best Companion Plants for Lovage

Here are some of the best companion plants to grow alongside lovage:

Chives

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are a great companion plant for lovage because they both thrive in similar growing conditions. Chives are also known for their natural pest-repelling properties, making them a great addition to any garden. Plant chives around the base of your lovage plant to help repel pests like aphids and spider mites.

Mint

Mint (Mentha spp.) is another great companion plant for lovage. Like lovage, mint prefers moist soil and partial shade. Mint also has natural pest-repelling properties and can help attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. Plant mint near your lovage plant to create a diverse and healthy garden ecosystem.

Lavender

Lavender (Lavandula spp.) is a beautiful and fragrant companion plant that can help improve the overall health of your garden. Lavender attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, while also repelling pests like moths and fleas. Plant lavender near your lovage plant to add color and fragrance to your garden while also promoting a healthy ecosystem.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are another great companion plant for lovage. Tomatoes thrive in similar growing conditions as lovage and can help improve soil quality by fixing nitrogen in the soil. In addition, lovage can help repel pests like whiteflies and aphids, which can be problematic for tomato plants.

Tips for Successful Companion Planting with Lovage

Here are some tips to keep in mind when planting lovage and its companion plants:

Choose Complementary Plants

When choosing companion plants for lovage, look for plants that have complementary properties. For example, plants that prefer similar growing conditions or plants that have natural pest-repelling properties.

Consider Height and Spacing

Make sure to consider the height and spacing requirements of each plant when planning your garden. Lovage can grow up to six feet tall, so make sure to leave enough space between plants to accommodate its size.

Rotate Crops

To prevent soil-borne diseases and pests, it's important to rotate your crops each year. This means planting lovage and its companion plants in a different location each year to give the soil time to recover.

Maintain Soil Quality

Maintaining healthy soil is crucial for successful companion planting. Make sure to amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve its quality and fertility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can lovage be grown in containers?

A: Yes, lovage can be grown in containers as long as they are at least 12 inches deep and have good drainage.

Q: How often should I water lovage?

A: Lovage prefers moist soil, so it's important to keep the soil consistently moist. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions.

Q: When is the best time to harvest lovage?

A: Lovage can be harvested in late spring or early summer before the flowers bloom. Cut the leaves and stems near the base of the plant and use them fresh or dried.

Q: What are the health benefits of lovage?

A: Lovage has several health benefits, including its ability to aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy skin.

Q: Can lovage be used in cooking?

A: Yes, lovage is often used in soups, stews, and salads for its strong, celery-like flavor and aroma.

Companion planting is an important practice for any gardener, and lovage is no exception. By choosing the right companion plants for lovage, you can create a diverse and healthy garden ecosystem while also improving the health and productivity of your garden. Remember to choose complementary plants, consider height and spacing requirements, rotate crops, and maintain healthy soil for successful companion planting.