Calling all green thumbs! If you’re looking to take your gardening game to the next level, the Earth911 team has just the tips you need. From mastering the art of companion planting to attracting beneficial insects, these expert-approved techniques will have your garden bursting with vibrant blooms and bountiful harvests in no time.
Companion Planting for Maximum Yield
As the University of New Hampshire Extension explains, the concept of companion planting is all about strategically pairing plants that can mutually benefit one another. By planting certain crops side-by-side, you can enhance their growth, fend off pests, and even improve the overall flavor of your produce. For example, planting fragrant marigolds near your tomato plants can help deter harmful aphids and spider mites. Meanwhile, the tall stalks of sunflowers can provide much-needed shade for more delicate greens.
Attracting Nature’s Pest Control
Beyond strategic plant pairings, you can also invite helpful insects into your garden to handle pesky problems. As the National Park Service notes, ladybugs, lacewings, and praying mantises are all voracious devourers of common garden pests like aphids and caterpillars. By planting nectar-rich flowers, you can create an oasis that will draw in these beneficial bugs and let them do the dirty work for you.
The Bigger Picture
What this really means is that you don’t have to rely on harsh chemical pesticides and fertilizers to achieve a lush, thriving garden. By embracing nature’s own systems of balance and symbiosis, you can cultivate an eco-friendly oasis that’s not only better for the planet, but also produces tastier, more nutritious fruits and veggies. So why not give these green thumb tips a try? Your garden — and the environment — will thank you.