Tag Archives: tomatoes

How To grow Tomatoes From Tomatoes

Back in June, I got some cherry plum tomatoes from a local store and they were particularly tasty. There was no variety on the packaging and I really wanted to grow my own. That got me thinking is it possible to grow tomatoes from tomatoes. I’ve saved my own seed for years now with great success, but that requires drying out the seed etc… So my plan was to actually just bury slices of tomato in soil and hope they sprout. This is the story of my journey and how it went. For tips on how to save seed click… → Read More

Companion Planting Coriander (Cilantro)

Apparently there are 2 types of people those who like coriander and those who can’t stand it, I fall into the second category. That doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate the benefits of companion planting coriander (cilantro). There are some interesting qualities to coriander so read on to find out more. Companion Planting Coriander Coriander (cilantro) is a versatile herb and both the leaves and seeds are used in the kitchen. Companion planting coriander (cilantro) will help to keep aphids away from your plants. Allow coriander to flower to attract bees, hoverflies and other useful pollinators to your garden. What To… → Read More

Companion Planting Fennel

Most herbs are a useful ally to the organic gardener, but there is one that is the exception to that rule. That one is fennel, which is a shame because fennel is a great plant for keeping pests away. So let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of companion planting fennel. Companion Planting Fennel There are so many plants that won’t grow anywhere near fennel that it’s best to keep it away from pretty much everything. That said, there are a few worth mentioning so read on for some of the more interesting effects of companion planting fennel. The following… → Read More

Companion Planting Parsley

Most plants either give or receive some benefit from being planted in companion with others. Not all plants, there are some exceptions but generally plants do better when planted together. Companion planting parsley is no exception so read on for what to grow with parsley and what not to grow with parsley. Companion Planting Parsley There are 2 main types of parsley, flat leaf parsley, and curly parsley. There are also 5 main varieties of parsley and all originated in Europe. Parsley is a biennial plant so it will give out it’s benefits for 2 seasons. Don’t just take my… → 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

Companion Planting Dill

This attractive herb is popular with chefs for use with fish dishes. It is also popular with beneficial insects like bees, hoverflies, and predatory wasps. There are many plants that will benefit from companion planting dill. Companion Planting Dill With its dainty, feathery leaves, and pretty yellow flower heads, dill makes a great herb to brighten any garden. For the organic gardener, it is a great companion plant and well worth growing. Below are the plants that will benefit the most from companion planting with dill. Brassicas and Dill Brassica is the family name for the cabbage group of plants… → Read More

companion planting petunias

Petunias are a great garden annual flower, they come in a variety of styles and colours. More importantly for the vegetable grower, petunias repel many garden pests. By companion planting petunias you will have a great display that is relatively pest free. companion planting petunias The list of plants that are improved in some way by companion planting petunias is a long one. Before we get into it, let’s look at what insects petunias deter. What Insects Are Repelled By Petunias? Petunias have a reputation among gardeners as being the go to plant for repelling certain pests. These include:- Asparagus… → Read More

Companion Planting Cucumbers

There are not many plants that don’t benefit from companion planting, which is another way of saying inter cropping. By companion planting cucumbers you will get less plant damage, healthier plants, and heavier crops. How Does Companion Planting Cucumbers Work? In some cases companion planting works by saving space, growing two or more plants that have the same requirements allows them all to grow successfully. Some plants will deter pests away from your cucumber plants, and some will attract beneficial pollinators. Whilst others will actually improve the health of your plants. Companion Planting Cucumbers Let’s get started with the good… → 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