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Vegetable Gardening

Basil (Thai and Sweet) as insect repellant ??

12 years ago

Hello all,

This season (2011) I opted out of planting marigolds for companion planting because in years past it really has not done much for me. I planted Siam Queen Thai Basil and Italian Lettuce Leaf Basil among my peppers, lettuce and chard. I've not had much in the way of insect pests so far. My chard usually needs several sprays of BT to keep the insects from eating the leaves - this season - no insects. Same with the lettuce and peppers.

I am not an organic grower and I do spray but this observation was worth sharing. Will it work for you?? Will it work in 2012 for me?? Don't know but willing to try it again.

BTW I mostly grow in HUGE containers and EarthBox.

Cheers,

DL

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Comments (6)

zzackey
12 years ago
Interesting. I never heard of that working. I'll have to do some research on it. I just became a Master Gardener. Our middle name is I'm not sure, I'll find out!
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
12 years ago
zackey! I love that comment! I wish that I heard it more often...good for you.
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Dan _Staley (5b Sunset 2B AHS 7)
12 years ago
Our middle name is I'm not sure, I'll find out!

LOLz.

Basil: no. Let us know if it continues to work as that would be novel. Doesn't work here, surely.

Dan
shebear
12 years ago
Now that you mention it my chard is not having any insect issues this year and a few sweet basil seeds sprouted and I let them have their way. I guess I'll see if the insects continue to stay away.
capoman
12 years ago
Growing in pots helps a lot, especially if they are kept off the ground. You will naturally have many less pests in pots, especially if you use a fast draining soil.
EvanD
12 years ago
Can't say it's the case for me. I grew both kinds of basil in large containers next to my tomatoes, peppers and pak choi all of which got insect and rodent nibbles.

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