As a self confessed Black Thumb, I am wary of handling plants in general.

But now that we have our own house I can't help but feel like I need to pull my socks up and try to coax the genius gardener (that's hiding inside me somewhere) to come out.

Today was about figuring out what we're doing with the garden and doing lots of research that's leading to one thing after another, posing more options and questions simultaneously.

But first...

Where we're at.

Glorious Hubby has been knuckling down on the veggie spot and sawed off the last two plants yesterday afternoon, making it ready for our trip to Bunnings this weekend. The whole L shape is now completely cleared.

This is how it's looking right now.

It looks like it's ready for companion planting...
But is it?

What is Companion Planting?

Companion Planting is the process of planting plants together that benefit each other either by deterring pests, enhancing flavor, providing shade or precious nutrients.

For Example.

It is suggested that Onions be planted with other plants as the smell of onion is so strong it deters pests.

Basil is recommended to be planted alongside Tomatoes as it's said to enhance the flavor of the tomatoes AND deters flies and mosquitoes.

This is not a "new" thing. In fact ancient civilisations used this method to maintain and control their crops and it seems it's making a come back!

The most famous example of companion planting is the Three Sisters Garden.

Why Companion Planting?

I want an organic garden which means no RoundUp, no chemicals and only safe and natural ways to keep my garden happy and healthy.

I'm also a big believer in nature and her ways and I feel if we work with her we'll have an easier time, so in theory if we plant correctly nature should take care of it.

If there's a way to plant things together that will achieve all that, I'm all for trying it.

Companion Planting Myths

Although Basil does deter some of the pests that like to trouble Tomato plants, I've yet to hear someone testify that basil truly enhanced a tomato's flavour.

Also. Taste is subjective so.... 🤔

What does keep coming up is most aromatic herbs deter pests anyway because of their smell.

In fact (and I learned this during the whole rat drama) rats don't like mint and if you plant mint around your house it will deter rats from your property (apparently).

Another thing worth noting is that common sense needs to be applied when planting.

For example.

Don't plant Lettuce next to Pumpkin or Don't plant something tall next to a plant that requires a lot of sunlight.

The Veggie Spot

This is definitely not to scale. I went for a walk out to the yard yesterday after I drew the "L" and noticed the long part needs to be longer.

Originally I proposed the "Soil Bag Planting" idea..

That's what those rectangles in my drawing represent ~ soil bags lol

Then I showed Hubby who dubbed it "dodgy" and there goes that idea. So off I went, back to the drawing board.

During today's research I realised we probably need to work on our soil before we start planting things.

Everything I've read and watched all go on about the right time to do things...

I don't know how to tell Hubby he can't plant anything until Spring if we follow what people are saying...

If we did wait I would go with the Lasagna Gardening method.

Lasagna Gardening

Lasagna Gardening aka the "No Tilling" gardening is basically a genius way of reclaiming your garden with minimal effort, as long as you can wait months for the soil to be ready.

Just by looking at the diagram you can tell why they call it Lasagna Gardening, and as you can see, it's as simple as stacking layers above each other

The beauty of this method is I can reuse all those cardboard boxes I've been whinging about AND I'm pretty sure I can use all the branches and foliage destined for the green bin.

(A variation of Lasagna layering in a raised garden bed.)

Ideally, now that we're coming to the end of Summer, we need to "Lasagna" the veggie spot now to give everything time to break down and let the seasons help with it.

I am wondering if there's a way to do the Lasagna but now.. I think perhaps there is, but I don't want to sacrifice soil quality.

Overall today has been a eye opener.

I've realized this gardening business will need to be studied more and I'm really leaning towards Permaculture.

Everything I read or watched today has been linked to Permaculture one way or another...

But that's another blog for another day 😊

Do you have any gardening tips? Into Permaculture? Experienced companion planter? I need all the help I can get with this.

❤ Arly

Image Credits & Sources
http://pinterest.com/
http://gmofreeusa.org/
http://waldenlabs.com/
http://yardsurfer.com/companion-planting/
http://shelterrific.com/