The Best Companion Plants for Spring Onions: Boosting Growth and Repelling Pests

Oleh Anonymous December 10, 2021 Post a Comment

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Companion Plants for Spring Onions

Spring onions are a delicious addition to any garden, but they can be vulnerable to pests and diseases like aphids, onion maggots, and thrips. Fortunately, there are several companion plants that can help boost growth and repel pests.

1. Carrots

Carrots and spring onions make great companions because they grow well together and don't compete for nutrients. In fact, carrots can help loosen the soil around the onions, making it easier for them to grow. Plus, they'll help repel onion maggots.

How to Grow Them Together

Plant carrot seeds in rows about 15-20 cm apart, and then plant spring onion sets in between the rows. This will give each plant enough space to grow without competing with each other.

2. Chamomile

Chamomile is a great companion for many plants, including spring onions. It releases a chemical called coumarin, which helps prevent damping off disease and repels pests like aphids and thrips.

How to Grow Them Together

Plant chamomile seeds or seedlings around the edges of your spring onion bed or in between rows. Make sure to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Chamomile prefers full sun, but can tolerate some shade as well.

3. Lettuce

Lettuce and spring onions make great companions because they grow well together and don't compete for nutrients. Lettuce also helps shade the soil, keeping it cool and moist, which can help prevent onion maggots.

How to Grow Them Together

Plant lettuce seeds or seedlings in between rows of spring onions. Make sure to keep the soil moist and provide plenty of light. Lettuce prefers partial shade, but can tolerate full sun as well.

4. Marigolds

Marigolds are one of the best companion plants for any garden, including ones with spring onions. They repel pests like aphids, thrips, and onion maggots, and attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.

How to Grow Them Together

Plant marigold seeds or seedlings around the edges of your spring onion bed or in between rows. Marigolds prefer full sun, but can tolerate some shade as well.

5. Peas

Peas are a great companion for spring onions because they add nitrogen to the soil, which is essential for plant growth. Plus, they'll help repel onion maggots.

How to Grow Them Together

Plant pea seeds or seedlings in between rows of spring onions. Make sure to provide plenty of support for the peas to climb, and keep the soil moist. Peas prefer full sun, but can tolerate some shade as well.

In planting companion plants for spring onions can help boost growth and repel pests, making your garden healthier and more productive. By using these five companion plants - carrots, chamomile, lettuce, marigolds, and peas - you'll be able to enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious spring onions without the worry of pests and diseases.

FAQs

1. What are some other companion plants for spring onions?

Other companion plants for spring onions include garlic, spinach, and strawberries.

2. Can I plant spring onions with tomatoes?

While tomatoes and spring onions don't make great companions, you can still plant them together if you have enough space in your garden.

3. How close together should I plant my companion plants?

Make sure to give your companion plants enough space to grow without competing for nutrients. Generally, planting them in between rows of spring onions or around the edges of your bed is a good idea.

4. Do I need to use organic methods to repel pests?

No, you don't need to use organic methods to repel pests. However, using chemical pesticides can harm beneficial insects and pollute the environment.

5. When is the best time to plant spring onions?

The best time to plant spring onions is in early spring or late summer. Make sure to plant them in well-draining soil and provide plenty of water and sunlight.