Flowers for pest control

BigTerp Tue Mar 31, 2015 11:45 am

Been doing some research on pest control and I think i want to plant some flowers around my SFG to help with this. I have some leftover landscaping timber and I'm thinking of laying it around the front and both sides of my bed creating a 6" wide or so trough that I can fill with potting soil and plant my flowers. Considering chrysanthemums, marigolds, petunias and probably some herbs. I don't have room in my SFG to plant these flowers directly in the Mel's mix, so I figure the next best thing would be to plant them right beside my SFG. This sound like a good idea, or am I waisting my time/effort by trying to do this?

Here is my 4x4 SFG. I'd like to lay by landscaping timber around each side and the front about 6" away from my box. That way I'm not limiting how easily I can reach to the center of my SFG. My SFG is 10" tall, FWIW.

Flowers for pest control IMG_20150330_180627_zpslmm82vse

Flowers for pest control IMG_20150330_180627_zpslmm82vse

CapeCoddess Tue Mar 31, 2015 3:14 pm

I use pots and window boxes around my SFG. Then I can place them where ever they are needed.

CC

BigTerp Tue Mar 31, 2015 3:30 pm

Good idea. Thanks!!

quiltbea Tue Mar 31, 2015 4:42 pm

I never wanted to use the space after the first year trying flowers, so I just plant nasturtiums, marigolds and pansies in pots and lay a brick diagonally across the two southern corners of my beds and put the pots on top. Its a great resting place for the pot, I have the square open to grow edible crops, and it works.

**camprn** Tue Mar 31, 2015 5:13 pm

Lupines and milkweed are excellent trap plants for aphids.

BigTerp Wed Apr 01, 2015 8:17 am

Thanks again!!

Not really sure what pests I need to be worried about? This is my first "real" vegetable garden. I'm in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. Will be growing peas, beans, spinach, tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, lettuce and onions this year.

CapeCoddess Wed Apr 01, 2015 10:36 am

BigTerp wrote:Thanks again!!

Not really sure what pests I need to be worried about? This is my first "real" vegetable garden. I'm in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. Will be growing peas, beans, spinach, tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, lettuce and onions this year.

I wouldn't have a pest problem with any of those veggies in my area. But they may be able to advise you best in your Regional thread or at a local nursery or your county extension office.

CC

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