Here is some information on a technique that is
used for planting trees. In this section you will get tips on
interplanting vegetables.
Interplanting Vegetables
Interplanting is a way by which you can grow two or
more types of vegetables, in the same place, at the same time. However,
you need to make sure that the plants you grow are friendly to growing
area i.e., the soil, light and nutrient of that particular place.
Interplanting, not only increases the production, but also enhances the
quality of the crops planted. It can be done in three ways - by
alternating rows within a bed, by mixing plants within a row or by
distributing the two different species throughout the bed. In case you
are a beginner, the best bet would be to alter rows within the bed.
There are certain factors that need to be considered, before
implementing the interplanting process, such as, the length of the
plant's growth period, its growth pattern (tall, short, below or above
ground), possible negative effects on other plants (such as the
allelopathic effects of sunflowers and Jerusalem artichokes on nearby
plants), preferred season, light and nutrient as well as moisture
requirements. To know more about the various types of interplantation
and how interplanting vegetables can be used as a medium of pest
control, browse through the following lines.
Interplanting Types
- According to maturity, the long season or slow to mature plants
can be interplanted with the short-season quick to mature plants.
For instance, radishes and carrots can be interplanted. While the
former harvest early, the latter takes some time in harvesting.
- Plants can be interplanted or combined according to their height.
For instance, you can grow lettuce, spinach, and celery with the
crops that grow taller in height.
- According to the nutrient requirement, heavy feeders, such as
cabbage family crops, can be combined with less gluttonous plants.
- Combining two plants to keep away from insect and disease
problems is another type of interplantation.
Interplanting Vegetables For Pest Control
In the following lines, we have provided a list of vegetables that can
be used for controlling pests in other vegetable plants:
Beans - Marigolds, Potato Plants, Nasturtiums, Garlic and Savory
are used to protect the plant from Bean Beetles.
Cabbage, Broccoli and Cauliflower - Mint, Thyme, Onions,
Rosemary and Sage prove to be beneficial in guarding the plant against
Cabbage Worms.
Cucumbers - Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Radishes and Catnip are
helpful in saving the plant from Aphids and Beetles.
Eggplant - Catnip, Garlic and Nasturtiums serves as the best
option to safeguard the plant from Flea Beetles.
Lettuce and Peas - Chives and Garlic help to protect the plants
from Aphids.
Potatoes - Horseradish, Beans and Catnip prove to be beneficial
in safeguarding the plant from Potato and Flea Beetles.
Squash - Nasturtiums and Marigolds are helpful in saving the
plant from Squash Bug.
Tomatoes - Catnip and Opal Basil are the best bet to protect the
plant against Flea Beetle and Hornworm.
