GardenBanter.co.uk - Herbal First Aid

Herbal First Aid
The Garden

http://www.herbsociety.co.uk/firstaid-garden.htm

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CHIVES - allium schoenoprasum
Planted near roses will repel APHIDS
Grow near apple trees to prevent SCAB
Has a fungicide effect which protects against BLACK SPOT and MILDEW
Special Note: Allow chives to flower then cut and lay them on the
ground between strawberry plants to deter fungi. Chives are beneficial
throughout the garden, but do not plant next to peas and beans

WHITE HOREHOUND - Marrubium vulgare
BEES love the musky aromatic scent given off by the horehound flowers
Grow amongst tomatoes as it is a good FLY REPELLENT
Special Note: Dried and fresh horehound leaves can be infused in milk
in a shallow container and then placed in a fly infested area to deter
them

LEMON BALM - Melissa officinalis
Outstandingly attractive to BEES so plant where bees are needed to
pollinate other flowers
Makes a good liquid manure when steeped in rainwater and allowed to
decompose
Special Note: Take a handful of chopped leaves and make an infusion in
boiling water, allow to cool and soak area around plants infected with
RED SPIDER MITE

MARIGOLD - calendula officinalis
Plant marigolds next to the tomatoes to combat WHITEFLY, also enables
plants to grow better
Helps to repel BEETLES and discourage EELWORMS when planted amongst
flowers and vegetables
Special Note: French Marigolds (Targetes patula) give off via their
roots a substance which kills soil nematode worms in rose beds. To be
effective it must be grown for more than one season

NASTURTIUM - Tropaeolum majus
Repels WHITEFLY, WOOLLY APHIDS and ANTS
Plant under fruit trees as a trap for pests
Attracts BLACKFLY to itself and away from vegetables
Special Note: Nasturtiums will repel a wide range of harmful insects
and make an excellent companion plant when planted in between rows of
vegetables to keep pests, such as BLACKFLY away from cabbages and
broad beans

TANSY - Tanacetum vulgare
Discourages BEETLES, ANTS and FLIES
Plant near fruit trees to deter FRUIT MOTH
Sprinkle dried, crushed leaves to get rid of ANTS
Special Note: Dried tansy mixed with dried elder leaves and placed in
a bowl around the house is of great benefit to people who are
asthmatic or allergy prone and who cannot tolerate commercial insect
sprays

BENEFICIAL INSECTS:
To attract beneficial insects such as lacewings and ladybirds to your
garden plant: nasturtiums, lavenders, chamomile and scented geraniums