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

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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