Kem Ormond's experience: plantings for bees and pest control

With the onset of warmth, an active season has begun in the garden. The author of the article cut winter shoots of grasses and crops for mulching the soil before planting tomatoes in a few weeks. Beet and carrots have already been planted on the plot, and the first harvest of early potatoes is planned for this week. An attempt to grow pumpkins from seed failed, so transplants will have to be bought at the local garden center. The chili seedlings are developing well, and new leaf lettuce nursery plants will be planted in the coming days. Harvesting of peas continues, and new raspberry bushes have successfully taken root. The plans are to plant two more tamarillo trees after last year's successful experience and to clear the plot for corn and brassica crops.

Special attention is paid to attracting bees, which were particularly active on the plot during the sunny weekend, preferring borage. Useful for attracting bees are also sage, lavender, and rosemary, which are suitable for creating borders around garden beds. Rosemary, sage, and lavender are propagated by cuttings, and borage is easily grown from seed.

Companion planting is used to protect crops from pests. Basil is traditionally planted next to tomatoes to reduce the risk of whitefly attacks, and marigolds are planted randomly throughout the garden. If carrots, fennel, or parsley are allowed to flower, they form small inflorescences that attract beneficial parasitoid insects (such as Cotesia), whose larvae destroy aphids, caterpillars, and other pests. After harvesting broccoli, it is recommended to leave side shoots for further growth and flowering, as they attract the same beneficial insects.

Mixed planting and strong aromas help disorient pests that navigate by smell. For example, planting Welsh onion next to lettuce and cabbage makes it difficult for pests to find the vegetables. In addition, due to forecasts of a dry summer, gardeners are advised to plan ahead for water-saving measures for irrigation.