What to Plant with Spinach to Keep Bugs Away

What to Plant with Spinach to Keep Bugs Away

Spinach is a delicious and nutritious green leafy vegetable that is a staple in many people’s diets. However, spinach can also be a magnet for pests, such as aphids, cabbage loopers, and flea beetles. If you’re tired of battling these pesky insects, there are a number of companion plants that you can grow with spinach to help keep them away.

In this article, we will discuss the best companion plants for spinach, as well as how to plant and care for them. We will also provide tips on how to identify and control pests that may still bother your spinach plants.

So if you’re looking for a way to grow healthy, pest-free spinach, read on!

Plant	Benefits	How to Plant
Nasturtium	Attracts pollinators, repels aphids, flea beetles, and whiteflies	Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.
Marigolds	Repel aphids, beetles, and carrot flies	Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.
Chives	Repel aphids, cabbage moths, and flea beetles	Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.
Garlic	Repel aphids, cabbage moths, and flea beetles	Plant cloves 6 inches apart in the garden after the last frost.

Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that is packed with nutrients. It is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. Spinach is also a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to soups to casseroles.

However, spinach can be susceptible to a variety of pests, including aphids, caterpillars, and slugs. These pests can damage the leaves of spinach plants, making them unsightly and reducing the yield of your harvest.

There are a number of ways to keep pests away from your spinach plants, including companion planting and trap cropping. In this article, we will discuss these two methods in detail and provide tips on how to use them effectively.

Companion Planting

Companion planting is a gardening technique that involves planting different types of plants together in order to benefit each other. Some plants are good companions for spinach because they help to deter pests, attract beneficial insects, or improve the soil.

Here are some good companion plants for spinach:

• Basil. Basil is a natural pest repellent that helps to keep aphids, caterpillars, and other insects away from spinach plants.
• Cucumbers. Cucumbers release a chemical that helps to repel aphids.
• Dill. Dill attracts beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which help to control pests.
• Marigolds. Marigolds release a chemical that helps to repel nematodes, which are a type of soil-dwelling pest that can damage spinach roots.
• Nasturtiums. Nasturtiums attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which help to control pests.

When planting spinach with companion plants, it is important to choose plants that have similar growing requirements. For example, all of the plants listed above are annuals that prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

You can plant companion plants around the perimeter of your spinach patch, or you can interplant them with the spinach plants. Interplanting helps to create a more diverse and pest-resistant garden.

Trap Cropping

Trap cropping is a gardening technique that involves planting a sacrificial crop to attract pests away from your main crop. The pests will then feed on the trap crop, leaving your main crop alone.

Here are some good trap crops for spinach:

• Cabbage. Cabbage is a popular trap crop for aphids.
• Kale. Kale is a popular trap crop for caterpillars.
• Lettuce. Lettuce is a popular trap crop for slugs.

When planting trap crops, it is important to choose plants that are similar in appearance to your main crop. This will help to attract the pests to the trap crop and keep them away from your spinach plants.

You can plant trap crops around the perimeter of your spinach patch, or you can interplant them with the spinach plants. Interplanting helps to create a more diverse and pest-resistant garden.

Companion planting and trap cropping are two effective ways to keep pests away from your spinach plants. By planting the right companion plants or trap crops, you can help to protect your spinach harvest and enjoy a bountiful crop of fresh, healthy spinach.

Additional Tips

In addition to companion planting and trap cropping, there are a few other things you can do to keep pests away from your spinach plants:

• Water your spinach plants regularly. Dry soil can stress plants and make them more susceptible to pests.
• Fertilize your spinach plants regularly. Healthy plants are more resistant to pests than unhealthy plants.
• Prune your spinach plants regularly. Pruning helps to keep plants healthy and encourages new growth.
• Inspect your spinach plants regularly. Inspect your plants for signs of pests and take action to control them as soon as possible.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your spinach plants healthy and pest-free.

References

• [University of California, Davis Extension](https://ucanr.edu/sites/IPM/UC_IPM_Publications/pdf/8224.pdf)
• [The Old Farmer’s Almanac](https://www.almanac.com/garden/pests/companion-planting-pest-control)
• [Gardening Know How](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/spinach/spinach-companion-plants.htm)

3. Natural Repellents

What are natural repellents?

Natural repellents are plants, herbs, or other substances that can be used to deter pests from plants. They work by emitting a scent or chemical that is unpleasant to pests, but harmless to humans and other animals.

What plants are good natural repellents for spinach?

There are many different plants that can be used to repel pests from spinach. Some of the most effective include:

• Basil. Basil is a strong-scented herb that is known to repel a variety of pests, including aphids, beetles, and mosquitoes.
• Chives. Chives are another pungent herb that can help to keep pests away from spinach. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition to any garden.
• Chrysanthemums. Chrysanthemums are flowers that produce a chemical called pyrethrum, which is toxic to many insects. They are a good choice for repelling aphids, beetles, and moths.
• Garlic. Garlic is a strong-scented bulb that is effective at repelling a variety of pests, including aphids, beetles, and rodents.
• Marigolds. Marigolds are flowers that produce a chemical called thiophene, which is toxic to many insects. They are a good choice for repelling aphids, beetles, and mosquitoes.
• Nasturtiums. Nasturtiums are flowers that produce a chemical called nasturtiumin, which is toxic to many insects. They are a good choice for repelling aphids, beetles, and caterpillars.
• Petunias. Petunias are flowers that produce a chemical called pelargonic acid, which is toxic to many insects. They are a good choice for repelling aphids, beetles, and moths.
• Rosemary. Rosemary is a strong-scented herb that is effective at repelling a variety of pests, including aphids, beetles, and ants.
• Sage. Sage is a pungent herb that is effective at repelling a variety of pests, including aphids, beetles, and moths.
• Thyme. Thyme is a strong-scented herb that is effective at repelling a variety of pests, including aphids, beetles, and ants.

How to use natural repellents to keep bugs away from spinach

There are a few different ways to use natural repellents to keep bugs away from spinach.

• Plant repellent plants around your spinach plants. This is the most effective way to use natural repellents, as it creates a barrier around your plants that pests will avoid. When planting repellent plants, make sure to space them evenly around your spinach plants so that they create a solid barrier.
• Make a spray with repellent plants. You can also make a spray with repellent plants to use on your spinach plants. To make a spray, simply crush the leaves of the repellent plants and mix them with water. Then, spray the mixture on your spinach plants every few days.
• Hang repellent plants around your garden. If you don’t have space to plant repellent plants around your spinach plants, you can hang them around your garden. This will help to deter pests from entering your garden and reaching your spinach plants.

Benefits of using natural repellents

There are a number of benefits to using natural repellents to keep bugs away from spinach.

• Natural repellents are safe for use around children and pets. Unlike chemical pesticides, natural repellents are not toxic to humans or animals. This makes them a safe option for gardeners who have children or pets.
• Natural repellents are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Chemical pesticides can be harmful to the environment, but natural repellents are biodegradable and break down quickly. This makes them a more environmentally friendly option for gardeners.
• Natural repellents are effective at repelling a variety of pests. There are a variety of natural repellents that can be used to repel a variety of pests. This makes them a versatile option for gardeners who are looking for a way to keep a variety of pests away from their plants.

4. Cultural Controls

What are cultural controls?

Cultural controls are practices that can be used to reduce the number of pests in your garden without using pesticides. Some of the most common cultural controls include:

• Crop rotation: Rotating your crops from year to year can help to reduce the number of pests in your garden. This is because pests often specialize in feeding on a particular type of plant. By rotating your crops, you can make

  What to Plant with Spinach to Keep Bugs Away?

• Q: What are some common pests that attack spinach?

A: Common pests that attack spinach include aphids, cabbage loopers, flea beetles, leaf miners, and slugs.

• Q: What plants can help repel these pests?

A: There are a number of plants that can help repel these pests, including:

• Basil – Basil is a natural insect repellent that can help keep aphids, cabbage loopers, and flea beetles away from spinach.
• Chives – Chives are another effective insect repellent that can help keep aphids, cabbage loopers, and flea beetles away from spinach.
• Chrysanthemums – Chrysanthemums are a type of flower that produces a chemical called pyrethrum, which is toxic to many insects. Chrysanthemums can help keep aphids, cabbage loopers, flea beetles, and leaf miners away from spinach.
• Marigolds – Marigolds are a type of flower that produces a chemical called thiophene, which is toxic to many insects. Marigolds can help keep aphids, cabbage loopers, flea beetles, and slugs away from spinach.
• Nasturtiums – Nasturtiums are a type of flower that produces a chemical called nasturtiumin, which is toxic to many insects. Nasturtiums can help keep aphids, cabbage loopers, flea beetles, and slugs away from spinach.

• Q: How should I plant these companion plants with my spinach?

A: You can plant these companion plants with your spinach in a number of ways, including:

• Interplanting – Interplanting is a method of planting different crops together in the same bed. When interplanting spinach with companion plants, you should space the plants so that they are not competing for resources.
• Mounding – Mounding is a method of creating raised beds for your plants. When mounding spinach with companion plants, you should create mounds that are about 12 inches high and 3 feet wide.
• Row planting – Row planting is a method of planting your crops in rows. When row planting spinach with companion plants, you should space the rows about 2 feet apart and plant the plants about 1 foot apart within the rows.

• Q: How often should I water my spinach and companion plants?

A: You should water your spinach and companion plants regularly, especially during dry periods. The amount of water you need to provide will depend on the climate and the type of soil you have.

• Q: How should I fertilize my spinach and companion plants?

A: You should fertilize your spinach and companion plants regularly, especially during the growing season. The type of fertilizer you use will depend on the type of soil you have.

• Q: How can I protect my spinach and companion plants from pests?

A: In addition to planting companion plants, there are a number of other things you can do to protect your spinach and companion plants from pests, including:

• Hand-picking pests – Hand-picking pests is an effective way to control their populations. When hand-picking pests, you should wear gloves to protect yourself from their bites or stings.
• Using insecticidal soap – Insecticidal soap is a non-toxic way to kill pests. When using insecticidal soap, you should spray the plants thoroughly, making sure to coat both the top and bottom of the leaves.
• Using neem oil – Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can help control a variety of pests. When using neem oil, you should spray the plants thoroughly, making sure to coat both the top and bottom of the leaves.
• Using a floating row cover – A floating row cover is a lightweight fabric that can be used to protect plants from pests. When using a floating row cover, you should cover the plants as soon as they are planted and remove the cover when the plants are mature.

• Q: What are some other tips for growing spinach with companion plants?

A: Here are some other tips for growing spinach with companion plants:

• Sow seeds early – Spinach is a cool-weather crop that does best when it is sown early in the season.
• Thin seedlings regularly – Spinach seedlings can be crowded, so it is important to thin them regularly to give the plants enough space to grow.
• Water regularly – Spinach needs regular watering to prevent the leaves from wilting.
• Fertilize regularly – Spinach needs regular

  there are a number of plants that can be planted with spinach to help keep bugs away. These plants include marigolds, nasturtiums, and chives. Marigolds and nasturtiums are both known for their insect-repelling properties, while chives can help to deter aphids. By planting these plants with your spinach, you can help to create a more pest-free environment for your garden.

In addition to planting companion plants, there are a number of other steps you can take to deter pests from your spinach plants. These include:

• Regularly inspecting your plants for signs of pests. This will help you to catch any problems early on and take action before they become more serious.
• Removing any damaged or diseased leaves from your plants. This will help to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
• Watering your plants regularly. This will help to keep the leaves of your plants healthy and strong, making them less appealing to pests.
• Using organic pest control methods. There are a number of natural ways to control pests, such as using neem oil, insecticidal soap, or diatomaceous earth.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your spinach plants healthy and pest-free.