Episode 140: Companion Planting

Today’s intro comes to you from by back garden, courtesy of the local birds!  This week I’m speaking to Jessica Walliser, author of ‘Plant Partners: Science-Based Companion Planting Strategies for the Vegetable Garden’ which as it says, is a scientific look at companion plant to find out if it works, and if it does, in what way and why. Jessica’s unique book is essential reading if you like to uncover some of the secrets behind the received horticultural wisdom that’s passed down from one gardener to the next.   Dr Ian Bedford’s Bug of the Week: Red lily beetle This episode is brought to you by So & Mo. Launched this year, So & Mo is a new lawn care brand bringing the right products and expertise to give everyone the confidence to be a lawn expert. They have developed the perfect 12 month plan, through 6 liquid feeds to give your lawn all the nutrients needed for complete plant health and professional results. Packaged into a one size fits all box lasting 6, 12 or 24 months based on the lawn size, ensures the ability to cater for all lawns with no waste. As a special offer for listeners, So & Mo is offering 15% off your first box. Simply visit soandmo.com and enter the code mentioned in the episode at checkout. What we talk about: What we know now about companion planting that wasn't known previously Why companion planting works Why we should be interested in nitrogen fixing plants Cover crops How companion plants help with weed control Busting the myth that it's the scent of the companion plants that deters pests  Beetle bumps  Companion planting and plant diseases  About Jessica Walliser Jessica is the co-founder of SavvyGardening.com and was co-host of the award winning radio show ‘The Organic Gardeners’ for 15 years. Jessica is a journalist, editor and Acquisitions Editor for Cool Springs Press. Jessica takes an organic and wildlife-friendly approach to gardening and is the former owner of a 25 acre market farm. She also teaches horticulture and has a degree in ornamental horticulture from the Pennsylvania State University.  She’s the author of ‘Good Bug, Bad Bug: Who’s Who, What They Do, and How to Manage Them Organically’, ‘Attracting Beneficial Bugs to Your Garden: A Natural Approach to Pest Control, ‘Container Gardening Complete: Creative Projects for Growing Vegetables and Flowers in Small Spaces’, ‘A Gardener’s Journal: Life With My Garden' as well as ‘Plant Partners: Science-Based Companion Planting Strategies for the Vegetable Garden'. Links jessicawalliser.com  Plant Partners: Science-Based Companion Planting Strategies for the Vegetable Garden