Lavender Companion Vegetable Plants: How They Benefit Each Other

Oleh Anonymous March 19, 2022 Post a Comment

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Lavender Companion Vegetable Plants

Lavender is well-known for its beautiful purple flowers and sweet fragrance. But did you know that it can also benefit your vegetable garden? Lavender is a great companion plant for many vegetables because it repels pests, attracts pollinators, and improves soil health.

In this article, we'll explore the benefits of planting lavender alongside your favorite vegetables. We'll also discuss some of the best companion plants to pair with lavender for a thriving garden.

The Benefits of Planting Lavender with Your Vegetables

Repelling Pests

One of the main advantages of planting lavender with your vegetables is that it can help deter pests. Lavender produces an essential oil called camphor that repels insects like aphids, moths, and beetles. By planting lavender near your veggies, you can reduce the likelihood of these pests damaging your plants.

How to Use Lavender as a Natural Pest Repellent

To use lavender as a natural pest repellent, you can make a DIY spray by steeping dried lavender flowers in water. Once the water has cooled, strain out the flowers and pour the liquid into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on your plants to keep pests at bay.

Attracting Pollinators

Another benefit of planting lavender with your vegetables is that it attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. These creatures are critical for pollinating your crops, which leads to better yields and healthier plants.

How to Attract Pollinators with Lavender

To attract pollinators with lavender, make sure to plant it in a sunny location where bees and butterflies can easily access the flowers. You can also create a "pollinator garden" by planting other flowers that attract these beneficial insects.

Improving Soil Health

Lavender is also known for its ability to improve soil health. It produces a lot of organic matter as it decomposes, which helps to enrich the soil. Additionally, the roots of lavender plants release compounds that can help suppress weeds and reduce soil erosion.

How to Improve Soil Health with Lavender

To improve soil health with lavender, plant it in areas of your garden that are prone to erosion or have poor soil quality. As the lavender grows, it will help to build up the soil and create a healthier environment for your vegetables to thrive in.

The Best Companion Plants for Lavender

While lavender is a great companion plant for many vegetables, there are some plants that pair especially well with it. Here are a few of our favorites:

Tomatoes

Tomatoes and lavender are a match made in heaven. Lavender repels pests like tomato hornworms, while tomatoes benefit from the pollinators that lavender attracts.

How to Plant Lavender with Tomatoes

To plant lavender with tomatoes, place a few lavender plants around the edge of your tomato bed. Be sure to leave enough space between the plants so that they don't compete for water or nutrients.

Peppers

Peppers are another great vegetable to pair with lavender. Like tomatoes, peppers benefit from the pollinators that lavender attracts, and lavender can help to repel pests like aphids and spider mites.

How to Plant Lavender with Peppers

To plant lavender with peppers, place a few lavender plants around the edge of your pepper bed. You can also plant them in between rows of peppers to create a natural barrier against pests.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers and lavender are a great combination because they both thrive in warm, sunny locations. Lavender can help to repel pests like cucumber beetles, while cucumbers benefit from the pollinators that lavender attracts.

How to Plant Lavender with Cucumbers

To plant lavender with cucumbers, place a few lavender plants around the edge of your cucumber bed. You can also plant them in between rows of cucumbers to create a natural barrier against pests.

FAQs

Q: What other plants pair well with lavender?

A: Lavender pairs well with many herbs and flowers, including rosemary, thyme, sage, and marigolds.

Q: Can you eat lavender?

A: Yes, lavender is edible! It has a sweet, floral flavor that can be used in a variety of dishes, from baked goods to cocktails.

Q: How often should I water my lavender?

A: Lavender prefers well-draining soil and doesn't like to be overwatered. Water it deeply once a week, or whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Q: How do I prune my lavender?

A: Prune your lavender in late summer or early fall by removing about one-third of the plant's total height. This will help to promote new growth and keep the plant looking tidy.

Q: Can I grow lavender indoors?

A: Yes, you can grow lavender indoors as long as it gets plenty of sunlight and is planted in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, and fertilize it every few weeks during the growing season.