The Four O'Clock Companion Plants: Beautify Your Garden and Boost Your Yield

Oleh Anonymous December 02, 2023 Post a Comment

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If you're an avid gardener, you've probably heard of companion planting. It's a method where certain plants are grown together to enhance their growth, deter pests, and improve yields. One set of plants that works particularly well together is the Four O'Clock Companion Plants. In this article, we'll explore what these plants are, how they work together, and how you can use them to beautify your garden and boost your yield.

The Four O'Clock Companion Plants

The Four O'Clock Companion Plants consist of four species:

Morning Glory (Ipomoea tricolor)
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus)
Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)

These plants are called Four O'Clock Companion Plants because they all bloom in the late afternoon or early evening, around four o'clock. They're known for their bright colors, sweet fragrances, and ability to attract pollinators.

Morning Glory (Ipomoea tricolor)

Morning Glory is a beautiful vine with trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a range of colors, including blue, pink, purple, and white. It's easy to grow from seed and can quickly cover fences, trellises, and arbors. Morning Glory attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, which are essential pollinators for many garden crops.

How Morning Glory Helps Other Plants

Morning Glory has a deep root system that can help loosen soil and bring nutrients to the surface. Its vining habit can also provide shade for other plants, which helps keep the soil cool and moist. In addition, Morning Glory can help deter pests like spider mites and aphids.

Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus)

Nasturtiums are beautiful, low-growing plants with round leaves and bright flowers that come in shades of yellow, orange, and red. They're easy to grow from seed and can tolerate a range of growing conditions. Nasturtiums attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which eat pests like aphids and caterpillars.

How Nasturtiums Help Other Plants

Nasturtiums have a strong scent that repels pests like whiteflies and cucumber beetles. Their leaves and flowers are also edible and can be used in salads or as a garnish. In addition, Nasturtiums can help improve soil quality by fixing nitrogen, which is an essential nutrient for plant growth.

Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)

Marigolds are popular garden plants with bright, showy flowers that come in shades of orange, yellow, and red. They're easy to grow from seed and can tolerate a range of growing conditions. Marigolds attract beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps, which prey on pests like whiteflies and cabbage worms.

How Marigolds Help Other Plants

Marigolds have a strong scent that repels pests like nematodes and root-knot worms. Their roots also contain compounds that can suppress soil-borne diseases like fusarium wilt and verticillium wilt. In addition, Marigolds can help improve soil quality by adding organic matter and suppressing weeds.

Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)

Sweet Alyssum is a low-growing plant with small, sweet-smelling flowers that come in shades of white and pink. It's easy to grow from seed and can tolerate a range of growing conditions. Sweet Alyssum attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and lacewings, which eat pests like aphids and caterpillars.

How Sweet Alyssum Helps Other Plants

Sweet Alyssum is a good ground cover plant that can help prevent soil erosion and retain moisture. Its roots also produce compounds that can suppress soil-borne diseases like verticillium wilt and pythium root rot. In addition, Sweet Alyssum can help improve soil quality by adding organic matter and suppressing weeds.

Using Four O'Clock Companion Plants in Your Garden

Now that you know about the benefits of Four O'Clock Companion Plants, it's time to using them in your garden. Here are some tips to get you ed:

Choose the Right Location

Four O'Clock Companion Plants prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Make sure to choose a location that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day and has good drainage.

Plant at the Right Time

Four O'Clock Companion Plants should be planted in the spring after the last frost or in the fall before the first frost. Make sure to follow the planting instructions on the seed packet.

Arrange the Plants Properly

When planting Four O'Clock Companion Plants, arrange them in groups rather than scattering them randomly throughout the garden. This will help create a cohesive look and ensure that they work together to enhance each other's growth.

Water Regularly

Four O'Clock Companion Plants require regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. Make sure to water deeply once a week rather than giving them frequent, shallow waterings.

Fertilize as Needed

Four O'Clock Companion Plants don't require a lot of fertilizer, but they can benefit from occasional applications of compost or organic fertilizer. Make sure to follow the instructions on the product label.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are Four O'Clock Companion Plants?

Four O'Clock Companion Plants consist of four species: Morning Glory, Nasturtiums, Marigolds, and Sweet Alyssum. They're called Four O'Clock Companion Plants because they all bloom in the late afternoon or early evening, around four o'clock.

2. How do Four O'Clock Companion Plants work together?

Four O'Clock Companion Plants work together to enhance each other's growth, deter pests, and improve yields. Morning Glory provides shade and attracts pollinators, Nasturtiums repel pests and fix nitrogen, Marigolds repel pests and suppress soil-borne diseases, and Sweet Alyssum prevents erosion and adds organic matter.

3. How do I use Four O'Clock Companion Plants in my garden?

To use Four O'Clock Companion Plants in your garden, choose a location with at least six hours of sunlight per day and good drainage. Plant in the spring after the last frost or in the fall before the first frost. Arrange them in groups, water regularly, and fertilize as needed.

4. What are some tips for growing Four O'Clock Companion Plants?

Some tips for growing Four O'Clock Companion Plants include choosing the right location, planting at the right time, arranging the plants properly, watering regularly, and fertilizing as needed.

5. What are some other companion plants that work well with Four O'Clock Companion Plants?

Some other companion plants that work well with Four O'Clock Companion Plants include tomatoes, peppers, beans, and cucumbers. These plants benefit from the shade and pollination provided by Morning Glory, the pest-repelling properties of Nasturtiums and Marigolds, and the soil-improving qualities of Sweet Alyssum.

Four O'Clock Companion Plants are a beautiful and practical addition to any garden. They work together to enhance each other's growth, deter pests, and improve yields. By using these plants in your garden, you can create a healthy and vibrant ecosystem that will benefit both you and the environment.