Tag Archives: chamomile

Hoverflies What Are They And Why Are They Important

If you’ve ever seen a bee with no stinger, and wondered why it’s still alive and flying, It’s because it’s probably a hoverfly. Hoverflies have the same markings as bees and some wasps, and even mimic certain behavioural patterns associated with bees. So what are hoverflies? and why are they so important? Hoverflies What Are They And Why Are They Important Video What Are Hoverflies? Hoverflies are a species of fly found everywhere in the world apart from Antarctica. They are of the family Syrphidae and are also known as syrphid flies and flower flies. Do Hoverflies Sting? Although they… → Read More

Companion Planting Chamomile

This strongly scented herb is considered a weed by many gardeners, but is in fact a useful ally in the organic garden. There are 2 varieties and we’ll look at both in this post. By companion planting chamomile, you will reap many benefits, and attract beneficial insects to your garden. What Are The 2 Common Types Of Chamomile? The 2 most common types of chamomile are German chamomile (matricaria chamomilla) and Roman chamomile (anthemis nobilis). Both prefer full sun or partial shade, and both are used for teas and ointments. There are certain differences as we will see, and it’s… → Read More

Plants That Repel Insects ( How To Keep Pests Away)

Firstly, not all insects are bad for the garden, and we want to attract the good ones. But there are a lot of insects that cause damage, and even death to our plants. So here’s the growing-guides plants that repel insects(the bad ones). Plants That Repel Insects There are many plants that have the reputation of deterring pests, and here’s a few to get us started. So to start let’s look at how plants repel insects, there are some plants that give off an odour to repel insects, and others that exude chemicals to repel insects. Plants That Repel Insects-Flowers… → Read More

Companion Planting Brussels Sprouts

A native vegetable from Europe, the Brussels sprout has been grown since at least the middle ages. It is thought to have been developed from cottagers kale, and is a hardy vegetable, able to withstand harsh winters. Companion planting Brussels sprouts with other plants will help you grow healthier plants. Companion Planting Brussels Sprouts Along with other members of the brassica family, Brussels sprouts do well growing in companion with many other plants. This not only saves space, but also can enhance the health of both plants. So let’s get into the best companion plants for Brussels sprouts. Good Companion… → Read More

Companion Planting Brassicas

All plants growing in the wild, grow in companion to other plants, so it’s ok to do this in your garden. However, there are some plants that do better with others, and some that will be problematic. Companion planting brassicas will give your brassica plants the best companions, and show you what not to grow with brassicas. What Are Brassicas? In easy terms, brassicas are all members of the cabbage family, and so members include:- Cabbage Cauliflowers Broccoli Calabrese Kale Brussel Sprouts Collard Greens There are also some members of the brassica family that might surprise you, like Turnips Kohlrabi… → Read More

Companion Planting Arugula (Rocket Companion Plants)

Learn how to improve your arugula (rocket) by using intercropping and plant association-In other words-Companion planting. Find out what does well with arugula and what not to grow with arugula.

Companion Planting Cauliflowers

Cauliflowers are a member of the brassica family, and like all members of that family they have certain likes and dislikes . To find out more follow me as we learn all about companion planting cauliflowers. Why Companion Plant? Plants do better surrounded by other plants, for instance strawberries do well with certain herbs because the herbs attract pollinators that will also pollinate the strawberries. This is how nature works, but us gardeners don’t like to see randomness in our plots, we like order. Well here’s a newsflash, nature has it’s own order. Look at the hedgerow or woodland and… → Read More

kale companion plants

Kale is a member of the brassica family and has similar growing requirements to others of this plant group. Companion planting is beneficial to plants for a number of reasons, soil and watering compatiblity, health and insect deterrence. The kale companion plants listed below will also be fine to grow with all other brassicas. kale companion plants There are some plants that should never be grown anywhere near kale but more on these later, for now let’s concentrate on the best companions for kale. Just before we start, there are some reports that artichokes make a good companion plant to… → Read More

How To Get Rid Of Aphids On Roses (without chemicals)

There’s nothing better than a healthy rose in full bloom to brighten up the garden but aphids can sap your plants health. There are many chemical applications for sale that claim to clear aphids but what harm are they doing to the environment? How to get rid of aphids on roses without chemicals gives you the safer and also the prettier alternatives. If you’ve come to this page then you probably already have an issue with aphids so read on for the best organic cures for aphid infestations on roses. For the most effective Sprays To Get Rid Of Aphids… → Read More

Crop Rotation After Garlic

I work to a 4 crop rotation plan, and in my plan the plant family that falls into crop rotation after garlic is solanum. That is the nightshade family, including potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, chillies, and aubergines. Garlic Crop Rotation Garlic and onions should follow brassicas, and be followed by potatoes. In a 4 crop rotation system garlic is only in the same bed every 4 years. This will keep soil bound pests and diseases at a minimum and improve the health of all crops. For the following year, as garlic is not a very heavy feeding plant, it should not… → Read More