The interplanting of herbs, flowers and vegetables works in three ways:
Attracting pollinators Fruiting veggies (such as squash, tomatoes, brinjals, sweet peppers) need insect pollination. That means planting nectar-rich flowers as well as flowering herbs such as chives close to fruiting vegetables to attract bees and butterflies.
Managing pests Herbs with strongly aromatic leaves (garlic chives, lavender, sage, thyme) may repel or deter pests on crops such as cabbages. Other herbs (fennel, nasturtium) act as trap crops, attracting the pests to their flowers and away from the vegetables. Marigold roots emit a substance that deters nematodes.
Improving the soil Chamomile and lovage benefit the veggies planted closer to them. Green manures (clover, vetch, legumes, mustard) improve soil texture and fertility, or fumigate the soil. Borage, yarrow and comfrey are mineral-rich…
