Aphids don't like marigolds - Control bugs naturally

Summit County seems to have caught the raised-bed gardening bug!

I've just planted my first raised vegetable bed and this morning discovered a different kind of bug: aphids - on my arugula! Every year they eat my lupine, and infest my aspen trees. I've tried soapy water and lady-bugs to no avail. Now I'm going to add marigolds to my garden. Here's a great article on companion planting and natural bug-control. Some of the author's suggestions include:

Ø Peppermint repels ants, white cabbage moths, aphids, and flea beetles.

Ø Garlic discourages aphids, fleas, Japanese beetles, and spider mites.

Ø Perennial Chives repel aphids and spider mites.

o Chives are often planted among roses to keep aphids away and to resist the
disease, Blackspot.

Ø Basil drives away flies and mosquitoes.

Ø Borage deters that monster of vegetable garden insects, the tomato hornworm.

Ø Rosemary and Sage repel cabbage moths, bean beetles, and carrot flies.

Ø Annual Marigolds can be used anywhere to deter Mexican bean beetles, squash bugs, thrips, tomato
hornworms, and whiteflies. They are also known to repel harmful root
knot nematodes (soil dwelling microscopic white worms) that attack
tomatoes, potatoes, roses, and strawberries. The root of the Marigold
produces a chemical that kills nematodes as they enter the soil. If a
whole area is infested, at the end of the season, turn the Marigolds
under so the roots will decay in the soil. You can safely plant there
again the following spring.

Ø Nasturtium is another annual, in this case a trailing vine, that keeps away Colorado
potato bugs, squash bugs, and whiteflies.

Ø The perennial, Artemisia or Wormwood, deters slugs that are so devastating to foliage.

Ø Radishes can be planted to discourage cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and stink bugs.

Attracting Good Insects To Your Garden:

Plant certain vegetables, herbs, or flowers in your garden to attract predatory insects that will feed on the harmful, undesirable ones.

Perennial Yarrow…attracts ladybugs that consume masses of aphids. The lacewing that feeds on aphids, mealy bugs, mites, and scale
needs lots of pollen from flowers and evergreens for shelter. Wasps and
bees are also beneficial to the garden. Even the prehistoric-looking
preying mantis is a friend, so don’t discourage it from visiting. When
you create a natural balance in your garden you’ll discover how much
better everything grows and you won’t need to worry about damaging the
environment.

Jolina Karen

Healer. Teacher. Consultant.

Touch relaxes the body. Contemplation equilibrates the mind. Gratitude heals.

http://www.jolinakaren.com