Companion planting with essential oils? What is that all about? Well, it’s a super easy way to boost up your existing garden, even if you didn’t plant any companion plants in it.
What is Companion Planting?
It is when you have plants that are side by side that have something to benefit the other. For example, one plant might give off certain nutrients through their soil that would benefit the other plant or one plant might repel insects that commonly like to flock to the other plant. It is an amazing way you can help your garden thrive in a natural way with out the use of chemicals.
But what if your garden is already planted? Or you don’t want to plant all those other things that would be helpful? Or what if you don’t have enough space for the extra plants?
Well, you’re in luck. You can companion plant without planting anything more by using essential oils instead.
Let me give you an example. Basil and tomatoes grow well together. Basil naturally repels white flies, mosquitoes, tomato hornworms and aphids. It gives the tomato plant nutrients the tomatoes need through its roots into the soil. It also improves pollination by attracting bees and it’s commonly thought that the tomatoes themselves improve in flavor when basil is planted nearby.
You May be Wondering -Why Use Essential Oils?
Besides saving space, here’s another good reason to use essential oils in the garden: If you’re using a good quality essential oil, what you are getting is 40-70% stronger concentration of that exact plant. So, in the case of basil essential oil, you’re getting pure basil, concentrated up to 70% higher than what’s found in the plant. This means you don’t have to plant basil to get the same properties. (These are the oils I use and at the best price.)
How Do You Use Essential Oils for Companion Planting?It’s easy to do your companion planting with essential oils. All you need to do is mix 2-3 drops of the oil that works as a companion, into a gallon of cool water. Stir and pour into your watering can. Remember high school chemistry? - oil and water separate so be sure to stir the mixture again if not using it all up right away. Water your plants with it twice a week.
Or use a gallon plastic jug with bottom cut off. Bury it in ground upside down. When watering fill up jug then add a couple drops of essential oils.
Here’s a list of Common Companion Plants and What Essential Oil to Use
Pick the plant, the oil, and follow the above instructions for mixing it up and you’re set to go!
Plant Use
Asparagus Basil
Beets Rosemary, Geranium, Thyme
Broccoli Basil
Cabbage Peppermint, Rosemary, Thyme
Carrots Sage, Rosemary
Cauliflower Sage
Eggplant Peppermint, Thyme
Cucumbers Basil or Dill
Green Bean Lavender
Lettuce Cilantro, Thyme, Dill
Peas Geranium, Peppermint, Spearmint
Peppers Basil, Geranium, Marjoram
Potatoes Basil
Pumpkins Oregano
Tomatoes Basil, Oregano
Have you ever tried using essential oils in your garden? Lrt me know in the comments.
Blessings for Health, Joy & Laughter,
Kathy
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