It is that wonderful time of year when gardeners are looking at catalogs and planning for additions and subtractions to their vegetable and flower beds. We will look at some herbs that will add color, flavor, scent and be good friends to the plants you grow.

Some herbs relate to garden plants as friends do to us being supportive, protective and complementary. Organic gardeners have long recognized these attributes and believe that certain plants are mutually supportive when grown near each other. Many herbs rank high on this list.

How do they do this? Herbs are among the first bloomers in spring. With their variations in textures, colors and scents they attract beneficial insects like pollinators and many parasite and pest predators. These attributes repel detrimental bugs by confusing them. They are looking for specific host plants and the myriad characteristics introduced to the garden by herbs are overwhelming to their senses.

The abundance of good guys feasting on the interlopers diminishes the need for insecticides The natural plant chemistry flourishes and supports ripening and good health for its coop-partners. This is especially helpful to the fruit and vegetable gardener.

Perennial herbs do not generally compete for nutrients or water so their neighbors remain healthy and are less likely to suffer from viral and other ailments. An interesting point here is that the herbs actually taste better when deprived, because their struggle produces superior essential oils. I wonder if that is like our adrenaline kicking in when under stress? Gardeners are in the winner’s circle regardless of the reason.

We have explored the overall benefits of planting herbs now let us look at some specific affects of several herbs. If you can’t plant these protective herbs close to your “darlings” spread their cuttings liberally around for a similar effect. Bordering garden areas with these herbs can also provide some defense.

Feverfew (chrysanthemum parthenium) contains pyrethrum that paralyzes many chewing insects. It can be used as a “lure plant” near flowers and vegetables, because it will attract and kill feasting aphids. I suggest planting several so that if one is overwhelmed by the infestation it can be disposed of. It is very prolific and invasive providing many babies in one growing season.

Basil (ocimum basilicum) is often planted with tomatoes, onions, salad burnet and peppers because it improves their growth and flavor and is a delicious accompaniment at the table. It contains camphor, which confuses and repels hornworms and other munching insects.

Bee balm (monarda) also enhances the development of tomatoes and its dried leaves can be used to make Oswego tea made so famous by the Boston Tea Party. Its brilliant scarlet flowers and citrus scent make it a “knock out” it any kind of garden.

Members of the onion family (alliums) include garlic, onion chives and garlic chives. Their strong smell repels aphids, beetles and potato bugs. They are excellent barrier plants because four legged critters also dislike the odor. For the best results disperse them among your roses, fruit trees, berries, grapes, flowers and vegetables.

Parsley (petroselinum) invigorates the growth of roses, tomatoes, and asparagus by repelling beetles, flies and aphids. It has occasionally been a self-appointed lure plant for

aphids in my garden. Sometimes the parsley is covered but not damaged by the invaders so I wash the plant off as I harvest. It is mild herb that blends well with most foods.

Sage (salvia officinalis) and rosemary (rosmarinus) discourage slugs, beetles, cabbage moths, bean beetles and carrot flies. They are excellent companions for these three vegetables in the garden as well as in cooking.

Plant tansy (tanacetum vulgare) with roses, raspberries, potatoes and squash because it is a deterrent to beetles, squash bugs, flies and ants. This herb can become a large invasive bush so it will require space or potting.

Integrate tarragon (artemisia dracunculus) among vegetables to improve their growth and flavor. Pick and cook it with the garden vegetables for a real treat. It contains the organic compound estragol, which is used industrially as a food additive to enhance flavor. Could this compound be why tarragon intensifies taste?

Grape growers have a friend in hyssop (hyssopus officinalis) because it attracts pollinators and repels vine pests. It is not competitive with grape roots for food or water and its lovely purple flowers complement the grapevines.

Fragrant herbs such as scented geraniums, lemon balm, lemon verbena, thyme, lavender and mint are effective repellents for pesky insects. Plant them in your flower or vegetable garden with plants that have similar sun, water and soil requirements.

Strong smelling herbs excrete chemicals harmful to insects (phytotoxins). There are a few herbs that release compounds that are disadvantageous to other plants. This process is called allelopathy and inhibits the growth of neighboring plants. As a result of my research I suggest the following plants be distanced from these particular neighbors. Plant tansy far away from collards; alliums from beans, sage and peas; fennel from beans and peppers; hyssop from radishes and sage from cucumbers.

Keep in mind that the idea of companion planting is supported by centuries of practical (observed) evidence but scientific studies are few. Try your own experiment by interplanting one of these herbs with a suggested partner and see what a helpful companion it is.

Please e-mail me eamherb@sbcglobal.net with your “herb companion” experiences so I can share them on my web-site at www.herbbasket.net. Enjoy your garden planning time!