Companion planting – plants which have a mutual benefit to each other.

There are many ways in which you can work with nature to help grow crops successfully and ward off many pests by planting strong-smelling plants next to a row of vulnerable vegetables.

For example, the following plants can help deter pests from your crops:

Basil – wards off whitefly when planted amongst tomatoes

Nasturtium – attracts aphids away from beans

Alliums – confuse carrot fly and protect against slug damage

Lavender – confuses pests

Coriander - helps to repel aphids

Mint – the strong scent helps to deter onion fly

Nettles – attract cabbage white butterflies, keeping them away from brassica crops

You can find a free companion planting guide on the Thompson and Morgan website here