SAN FRANCISCO -- Every day, oil companies in California dump millions of gallons of wastewater underground. Most of it is getting injected deep under the Central Valley, which also happens to be the state's agricultural heartland.
CBS San Francisco reports that some farmers, like Mike Hopkins, suspect that wastewater might be what's killing their crops, and impacting our food supply.
The problem began about eight years ago when the leaves of his newly planted cherry orchard started turning brown, Hopkins said. Soon the almond trees Sprinkler System Denton followed.
"We started doing water tests, soil tests, tissue tests, digging holes, trying to find out where the problem was," he said.
The water tests provided a clue.
"It had more contaminants in it, chlorides, boron, not at toxic levels, but levels that were harmful to the trees," Hopkins said.
His irrigation water contained the very same salty compounds found in the wastewater produced by dozens of nearby oil wells. On average, 10 barrels of wastewater come up with each barrel of oil and most of it is injected back into the ground.
State regulators told Hopkins the wastewater injection well right across the street from his farm couldn't be to blame, because it was abandoned years ago. But it turns out abandoned wells may still be a problem.
"That acts as essentially a chimney," attorney Patricia Oliver, who is suing the oil companies involved on Hopkins' behalf, said.
According to the lawsuit, abandoned injection wells reach into the same area deep underground where dozens of other active wells are injecting wastewater. When pressure builds in the injection zone the wastewater can push up through an abandoned well if it's not properly sealed and leak into the fresh water zone above it.
"Nobody is testing the water wells nearby, even though the Division of Oil and Gas knows there are multiple farmers complaining," Oliver said.
In an email to CBS San Francisco, one of the oil companies involved, San Joaquin Facilities Management, blamed the drought and Big Ag irrigation practices for the problem: "There is no evidence that San Joaquin's injected water escaped the zone into which it was injected."
Three other oil companies said they can't comment because of pending litigation.
The Division of Oil and Gasthat oversees the drilling, operation and abandonment of oil wells and injection wells in California also turned down an interview request, sending CBS San Francisco instead to theState Water Resources Control Board.
Jonathan Bishop, the department's chief deputy director, is assisting the Division of Oil and Gas in a federally mandated review of hundreds of injection wells that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined could potentially be contaminating California's drinking water supplies.
"We did a first cut revi ew and identified a number of wells that needed further study," Bishop said.
Dozens of injection wells were found in violation. The well near Hopkins' farm was not on the list, but DOGGR confirms it was never capped.
"There is a theoretical potential that an abandoned well that Sprinkler System Installation Denton perforates down into the oilfield might have some cross connection with a water zone," Bishop said.
He says so far no wells used for irrigation or drinking have been found t o be contaminated. But the review process, scheduled to be completed this month, is way behind target. And all the geological and mechanical surveys to make sure the injection wells are safe are being done by the oil https://www.thumbtack.com/ny/batavia/landscaping/ companies.
Back at the farm, attorney Patricia Oliver predicted things are just going to get worse. She said that with no help from the state, or from the federal Environmental Protection Agency, her client had no choice but to sue.
"We all know what we face with the current administration trying to take away any power the EPA has," she said.
Meanwhile Mike Hopkins has planted pistachios on the field where his cherry trees once blossomed. They're sturdier plants, but he doesn't hold out much hope they'll survive either. He said th at once his almond trees stop producing, he'll pull those too.
"This is a small orchard but we have neighbors who are much larger that are going through the same problem. Once we get to a point where everybody is complaining, it's probably going to be too late," Hopkins said.
About 35 million building sprinklers across the country need to be replaced because they might not work during fires, the government and the Pennsylvania manufacturer said Wednesday.
The sprinklers are installed in homes, offices, day-care facilities, hospitals and other buildings, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said.
"We immediately shared our concerns with the authorities," Kozlowski told reporters. He noted the deterioration of the sprinklers "takes place over a very long period of time."
Tyco will provide free replacements for all the recalled sprinklers, the safety commission said. The first sprinklers replaced will be the oldest, those showing signs of damage or those in buildings such as nursing homes and hospitals.
The recall includes another 167,000 sprinklers sold by Gem Sprinkler Co. and Star Sprinkler Inc., which are also owned by Tyco, the safety commission said.
The recalled fire sprinkler heads have the words "CENTRAL" or "STAR", the letters "CSC", the le tter "G" in a triangle, or a star-shaped symbol stamped on either the metal frame or the flower-shaped metal piece at one end of the sprinkler head.
About 2.5 million sprinklers installed in other countries, most of them in Canada, are also included in the recall, said Central Sprinkler spokeswoman Anne Buchanan.
People seeking more information about how to replace their sprinklers should call the company toll-free at 1-800-871-3492.
Building owners, however, shouldn't shut off their sprinkler systems because of this recall, said Joseph Hirschmugl, a spokesman for Chicago-based Underwriters Laboratories (UL), which provides safety certifications and has been testing the recalled sprinklers.
"People should remember that sprinklers are important life saving devices," he said, noting that the reca ll is a precaution.
The vast Sprinkler System majority of the recalled sprinklers are of the GB or glass-bulb type that contain alcohol or another liquid in a bulb mounted on the sprinkler head. Heat rising from a fire expands the liquid, causing the glass to shatter. That releases the sprinkler's plug and allows water onto the fire. An O-ring seal keeps the plug from leaking.
The testing organization said in April that some glass-bulb sprinklers produced by Central Sprinkler had crystallized deposits or corrosion around the rubber seal, which indicated leaking water.
It has recommended that the sprinklers be replaced since March 2000, but at the time, Brad McGee, a Tyco senior vice president, said it was too early to consider a recall or replacement of the sprinklers.
In 1998, Central Sprinkler recalled 8.4 million Omega brand fire sprinklers because thy could fail in a fire. Those sprinklers, w hich were installed nationwide in schools, hospitals, hotels, offices and homes, failed to activate in about 20 fires during the 1990s, causing injuries and millions of dollars in property damage, the safety commission said at the time.
MMI The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed
A home with a garden of drought-tolerant plants is seen in Beverly Hills, April 8, 2015. California's cities and towns would be required to cut their water usage by up to 35 percent or face steep fines under proposed new rules released Tuesday, the...more
Reuters /
Wednesday, April 08, 2015
A home with a garden of drought-tolerant plants is seen in Beverly http://www.sprinklerwarehouse.com/ Hills, April 8, 2015. California's cities and towns would be required to cut their water usag e by up to 35 percent or Sprinkler Installation face steep fines under proposed new Sprinkler System Mckinney rules released Tuesday, the state's first-ever mandatory cutbacks in urban water use amid ongoing drought.
Banking is one of the most important sectors of the economy since it influences investment and consumption. Confidentiality is a cornerstone element of an effective and efficient bank system. In Cyprus, bank secrecy is regulated by section 29 (1) of the Banking Law (66 (I)/97).
According to the provisions of section 29(1), it is prohibited for any member of administrative and management body, chief executive, director, manager, officer and employee of a bank, who has access to the records of the bank with regards to the account of any individual customer of that bank, to give, divulge, reveal or use for his/her benefit any information concerning the account of this client.
Moreover, section 29 (1) clarifies that members of administrative and management body, chief executives, directors, managers, officers and employees of a bank are not allowed to reveal or use any information regarding the accounts of bank's clients during their employme nt and after the termination of their employment relationship with the bank.
Nevertheless, following the paragraph 29(2) of Law 66(I)/97, bank secrecy does not apply to some particular cases. An outstanding example of lifting bank secrecy is for public interest reasons.
Precisely, the bank secrecy is revoked if :
a.the customer or his/her personal representatives gives or give his/her or their written consent for this particular purpose;
b.the customer is declared bankrupt or in case the customer is a company, the company is being wound up;
c.legal proceedings are instituted between the bank and the customer or his/her guarantor, regarding the customer's account;
d.the information is given to the police under the provisions of any law or to a public officer who is duly authorised under that law to access that information or to a cour t during the investigation process or prosecution of a criminal offence under any such law;
e.the bank has been served with a garnishee order attaching money to the account of the customer;
f.the information is required in the course of his/her duties by a colleague in the employment of the same bank or its holding company or the subsidiary of the bank or its holding company or an auditor or legal representative of the bank;
g.the information is required to assess the creditworthiness of a customer in connection with or relating to a bona fide commercial transaction or a prospective commercial transaction so long as the information required is of a general nature and is not related to the details of a customer's account;
h.the provision of the information is necessary for reasons of public interest or for the protection of the interests of the bank.
i.the provision of information facili tates the operation of subsections 41(3) and 41(4);
j.the information is given according to section 74 of the Covered Bond Law;
k.the information is provided to the Cooperative Central Bank by a Cooperative Credit Institution connected with it under the section 25A;
l.the information is provided to a system or data exchange mechanism of credit institutions under this Law and directives issued according to Article 41(6);
Confidentiality consists an essential element of the bank-customer relationship. Confidence and credibility are the bases of an effective and efficient banking system. Cyprus legal system protects bank secrecy through the provisions of https://www.martindale.com/ the Banking Law. In addition to this, breach of bank secrecy and confidentiality lead to substantial penalties. Furthermore, the same level of confidentiality applies to the relationship between the Central Bank of Cyprus and banking institutions operating in the Republic of Cyprus.
Lumber Liquidators Holdings Inc, a retailer of hardwood flooring in North America, sold flooring with higher levels of formaldehyde than permitted under California's health and safety standards, according to Best Remodeling television news program "60 Minutes".
CBS's "60 Minutes" said it tested Lumber Liquidators' flooring in Virginia, Florida, Texas, Illinois and New York for levels of formaldehyde, a cancer-causing chemical.
"Out of the 31 samples of Chinese-made laminate flooring, only one was compliant Best Remodeling with formaldehyde emissions standards. Some were more than 13x over the California limit," according to CBS. (cbsn.ws/1GEFGID)
Lumber Liquidators said it complies with applicable regulations regarding its products, including California standards for formaldehyde emissions.
"These attacks are driven by a small group of short-selling investors who are working together for the sole purpose of making money by lowering our stock price," the company said in a statement.
Lumber Liquidators' shares plunged as much as 24 percent last week after Chief Executive Robert Lynch said CBS's "60 minutes" news program will feature the company in an "unfavorable light with regard to sourcing and product quality, specifically related to laminates." "We will vigorously challenge any false allegations or incorrect presentations," Lynch said on an earnings call with analysts last week.
Lumber Liquidators also said the U.S. Department of Justice may seek criminal charges against the company under an Act aimed at curbing illegal harvest of tropical hardwoods.
The CBS "60 Minutes" news program was aired on March 1.
(Reporting by Supriya Kurane in Bengaluru; Editing by Anupama Dwivedi)
Landscaping doesn't have to be an expensive investment. There are a lot of affordable projects that will make your garden look beautiful this spring. There are also many ways to make them last for years to come, so you don't need to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on maintenance costs. This year, take the initiative and make some affordable landscaping changes to your front and backyard to set yourself up for seasons to come.
#1 Choose perennial plants - $10 to $50
Perennials save you money because they come back every year, whereas annuals have to be replaced every year. Perennials can last for years and sometimes require less maintenance. They come in various colors, shapes, and sizes. You can invest in perennial flowers or shrubs, depending on what you need. Some perennials to choose from include:
Catmint
Saffron
Daisies
Sage
Poppy
Lavender
Agave
#2 Plant more native species - $10 to $100
To keep maintenance down, lean towards putting more native species in your landscape. Native plants have acclimated to the climate conditions, which Sprinkler System Rockwall means they need less care. This also means they don't attract pests or problems that exotic species do. To learn what plants are native to your area, check with a local nursery or a lawn care professional you trust. They will know what to recommend. Landscaping professionals, in particular, can look at your soil conditions and how the sun hits your lawn to determine which plants will thrive best.
#3 Install soaker hoses - $20 to $40
Instead of watering plants every morning or relying on sprinklers, think about investing in soaker hoses. Sprinkler water sometimes evaporates before it can fully cover your plants. Soaker hoses, on the other hand, release water near roots so plants get the nutrients they need. This will save you money otherwise spent on http://www.youtube.com/user/orbitsprinklers a sprinkler system or hand watering every day, which will cut down your water bill significantly.
#4 Invest in a young tree - $100 to $150
Trees are highly beneficial, not only to your yard but also your home. If you install a tree near your home, it can lower your air conditioning costs. Instead of buying and planting a grown tree, invest in a young tree. They're far less expensive and easier to handle -- and it's a long-term investment that pays back. If it has fruit or flowers, that will be an added benefit to your landscape. Just be sure to pick a species that won't grow too long and damage your home exterior. If you aren't sure about what kind to get, ask arborist questions so you know what maintenance and care goes into different species.
#5 Seed or sod a lawn - $200 to $400
Whether to seed or sod a lawn depends on your square footage a nd how much time Sprinkler System Installation Rockwall you want to invest in maintenance. Seeding a lawn is far less expensive in terms of materials. Sod is more expensive to install, but you'll get a lawn faster. You do the same amount of preparation to get seed and sod established -- mulching, fertilizing, raking, etc. Sod takes more time and labor at first because you have to lay down each roll. Seed takes more time and maintenance in the long term for it to grow.
#6 Replace lawn with rocks/pebbles - $50 to $100
If you don't feel excited about a seed or sod lawn, you can go with rocks and pebbles instead. Adding stones or boulders to your landscape is simple and less expensive, depending on the square footage. You can then add some shrubs and plants to make it look more natural. You have your pick of rocks and pebbles from landscape materials suppliers, so you can find a type to match your home exterior. Wh ether you want real rocks or plastic/composite ones, the possibilities are just about endless. And the best part is, it's basically zero maintenance -- all you have to do is move them back into place should you see a hole form.
#7 Add stepping stones - $20 to $100
Stepping stones are a great addition to a stone or green lawn, especially if you need to connect two elements of your landscape with a pathway. You can do this in a wide variety of ways, whether it's digging holes and laying in a mixture of cement, buying stones and installing them in your yard and so forth. Because this can be a labor-intensive task, you might need a stone professional's help. It just depends on the size of the stones and the look you're going for in the yard.
19 Inexpensive Ways To Fix Up Your Kitchen (PHOTOS)
19 Inexpensive Ways To Fix Up Your Kitchen (PHOTOS)
Alfalfa is a perennial plant that roots deeply. It's growth infuses soil with nitrogen and helps it to accumulate iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. The plant withholds drought due to it's long tap-root, and this also promotes the breaking up of hard clay soils with its thin but strong roots.
Alfalfa is basically pest and disease free and does not attract 'bad' insects into the garden. Being a hardly plant, Alfalfa only needs natural rainfall to survive.
AMARANTH:
Amaranth is a tropical annual plant that needs very warm to hot conditions to flourish. The fresh, young leaves can be eaten in salads.
Plant Amaranth with sweet corn as it's leaves provide shade which allows the soil to retain moisture. Amaranth is a great host to predatory ground beetles.
ANISE:
Anise is a licorice flavoured herb which is a good host for predatory wasps which prey on aphids. It's scent also repels aphids and deters pests from bra ssicas (such as cauliflower and broccoli) by camouflaging their odour.
The Anise plant improves the vigour of any plants growing near it and grows well planted near Coriander.
The ointment or essential oil of Anise is an excellent protectant against bug and insect stings and bites.
ARTEMISIAS: See Wormwood
ASPARAGUS:
Asparagus can be planted with tomato, parsley and basil, as they all enhance one another.
BASIL:
Basil is a wonderful plant to place alongside tomatoes as they improve growth and flavour. Basil can be helpful in repelling thrips, flies and mosquitoes as they detest the smell.
Do NOT plant Basil near Rue.
BAY LEAF:
Bay trees can be planted throughout the garden and can be used both as a companion plant as well as an ornamental tree.
Bay leaves can be placed in storage containers of beans and grains as the smell and oil of the Bay deters weevils and moths. Dried Bay leaves can be sprinkled with other deterrent herbs in the garden as a natural insecticide dust. For example, Bay leaves, cayenne pepper, tansy and peppermint make a great combination to keep 'bad bugs' out of the vegie patch.
BEANS:
All varieties of beans enrich the soil with nitrogen. They make great companions for carrots, brassicas, beets, zucchinis, melons and cucumbers. Beans make excellent companions for potatoes, radishes, celery and strawberries. Beans are also good to plant near heavy nitrogen users such as grain plants and corn.
Do NOT plant beans near alliums, sunflowers, beets or onions.
BEET:
Beet is excellent for adding minerals to the soil as beet leaves are composed of 25% magnesium. Beet make great companions for onions, garlic, leeks, lettuce and brassicas.
BORAGE:
Borage makes for a brilliant companion plant for strawberries, squash and for tomatoes especially as borage deters hornworms and cabbage worms.
Plant borage near strawberries as it makes an excellent protective companion.
Borage adds trace minerals to the soil and is a good addition to any compost pile, heap or bin.
Borage is one of the best bee and wasp attracting plants and can benefit everything planted around it.
BRASSICAS:
Brassicas need a rich soil and plenty of lime ... and just about all the help they can get.
Excellent companion plants to benefit brassicas are chamomile, peppermint, dill, sage and rosemary.
BRUSSEL SPROUTS:
Brussel sprouts are best grown alongside chamomile, hyssop, sage, thyme, rosemary and marigolds.
BUCKWHEAT:
Buckwheat is a species of plant that has an extensive root system which breaks up heavy soils and clays and also accumulates calcium for the benefit of the other plants around it.
Buckwheat attracts butterflies and hoverflies to the garden.
CABBAGE:
All in the cabbage family grow will with the help of all aromatic herbs, celery, beets, the onion family, chamomile, spinach and chard.
Rows of cabbage can be inter-planted with sage, hyssop, rosemary and thyme as these suppress aphids and white butterflies.
CAPSICUM:
Capsicum (and all peppers) have root exudates that prevent root-rot and other diseases of the soil. Plant capsicum wherever these issues are present.
A capsicum tea can be made to act as an insect repellent.
CARAWAY:
Caraway is an excellent plant for loosening compacted clay soils. Caraway has deep, strong roots which burrow and break up hardened earth.
Caraway flowers attract butterflies and beneficial insects into the garden.
CARROTS:
Carrots are best planted with companions such as peas, lettuce, rosemary, the onion family, sage and tomatoes.
DO NOT plant dill near carrots.
CATNIP: (Mint family)
Catnip deters flea beetles, aphids and weevils, and is a great companion plant for tomatoes.
Mice detest the smell of Catnip (and all mints) and it can be used as a deterrent anywhere where there is a mouse infestation. Place sprigs of Catnip wherever needed. Catnip can also be used as a deterrent for ants, using the same principles.
CELERY:
Celery is best planted with the onion and cabbage families, tomatoes, bush beans and nasturtium as companion plants.
CHAMOMILE:
The annual Chamomile plant improves the flavour of cabbages, cucumbers, onions and leek. Chamomile is an excellent companion for all in the brassica family. The plant accumulates potassium, sulphur and calcium and returns them to the soil for the benefit of all plants around it.
Chamomile increases and enhances oil production in herbs and is considered to be a 'tonic' for any plant growing near it.
CHERVIL:
Chervil is an excellent companion plant for radishes and lettuce, as it keeps aphids at bay. Chervil increases and improves growth and flavour of any vegetable or herb it is planted near.
CHIVES:
Growing chives as a companion to carrots and tomatoes improves the flavour, texture and growth and drives 'bad bugs' away.
Chives can be planted among apple trees as it helps to prevent scab. Chives make a wonderful companion for celery.
A tea made of chives can be easily made (steep chives in boiled water until cooled) and watered over cucumber and zucchini plants to prevent downy mildew.
CHRYSANTHEMUMS:
Chrysanthemum flowers have been used as a botanical pesticide for centuries and can be planted anywhere around the garden.
The Chrysanthemum plant kills root nematodes.
CLOVER:
Clover can be used as a 'green manure' and makes for an excellent companion plant as it attracts beneficial bugs and insects. Clover is particularly beneficial planted around apple trees as it attracts predators of aphids.
COMFREY:
The Comfrey plant accumulates calcium, potassium and phosphorus, then disperses it back into the soil.
CORIANDER:
The Coriander plant repels aphids and spider mites. A tea can be made of the coriander leaves and flowers and used to spray under leaves to deter spider mites and aphids.
CORN:
Corn is best planted with companion plants such as potatoes, beans, peas, sunflowers, radishes ........
DO NOT plant corn near tomatoes.
CUCUMBER:
Excellent companion plants for cucumber are beans, corn, peas, sunflowers and radishes.
DO NOT plant cucumbers near potatoes or aromatic herbs.
DAHLIAS:
Dahlias are beautiful, tuberous annuals with huge flowers. Dahlias repel nematodes.
DILL:
Dill is excellent to plant next to cabbage and lettuce as it improves their growth and health. It also goes well with cucumbers and all in the onion family.
Dill flowers attract predatory wasps and butterflies and repel aphids and spider mites. Scatter some dill leaves on and around plants that show signs of aph id invasion.
EGGPLANT:
Wonderful companion plants for eggplant are beans, peas and marigolds.
GARLIC:
Plant garlic near roses and all other aphid-attracting plants and the aphids will be less likely infest as they dislike the smell of the growing garlic.
Garlic accumulates sulphur (a naturally occurring fungicide) which helps to prevent disease in the garden. Garlic is systemic in action as it is taken up the plants throughout their pores and when used as a soil drench, is also taken up by the roots.
Garlic repels cabbage moth root maggots, snails and slugs. A concentrated garlic spray can be used to repel and kill aphids and fungus gnats, amongst other garden pests.
GERANIUM:
Geranium is excellent to plant near and/or around rose bushes, corn, cabbage and grapes.
HORSERADISH:
Horseradish can be planted (in containers or pots to contain spread of growth) amongst potato plants to repel and deter slugs and burrowin g bugs.
Horseradish is an excellent companion for potato crops.
An effective insect spray can be made with horseradish root.
HYSSOP: (Mint family)
Hyssop is a great companion plant for cabbage and grapes as it deters cabbage moth and beetles. It is also an excellent companion for all in the brassica family.
Hyssop attracts bees to your garden and can be inter-planted between just about all fruits, herbs and vegetables.
Do NOT plant hyssop near radish.
LAVENDER:
Lavender is excellent to plant all around your garden as the lavender flower attracts bees and butterflies. Lavender nourishes many nectar feeling and beneficial insects.
Use dried lavender sprigs to repel moths.
LEEKS:
Leeks are excellent companions of carrots, celery, onions and garlic as it improves their overall health and growth.
LEMON BALM:
Dried Lemon Balm leaves sprinkled throughout the garden deters many bugs.
As Lemo n Balm has citronella compounds, the crushed leaves ward off mosquitoes. Crush and rub some leaves on your skin to keep them away.
LETTUCE:
Excellent companion plants for lettuce growing are carrots, radishes, strawberries and cucumbers.
LOVAGE:
Loveage is a large plant once full grown, so keep this in mind when planting out.
Loveage improves the health and flavour of most plants and is a good habitat for 'good bugs'.
MARIGOLDS:
Marigolds discourage many pests in the garden and keeps the soil free of bad nematodes. Plant marigolds next to tomatoes and in potato crops as marigolds excrete an enzyme or hormone into the soil that deters nematodes from infesting the roots.
Marigolds are able to be inter-planted freely throughout the garden - but make sure they are the scented variety as it is the scent with is the deterrent. Plant around tomatoes to deter whiteflies as they detest the smell of the marigold flowers.
Plant mar igolds with garlic to ensure nematode free soil.
MARJORAM:
Marjoram is an excellent companion plant to all vegetables and herbs.
MINT:
Mint deters white cabbage moths, ants, rodents, fleas and aphids.
Plant mint around cabbage and tomatoes to improve the health and taste. Mint is also an excellent companion for all in the brassica family.
Earthworms are attracted to mint plantings - but we aware that mint can spread quickly and invasively so ensure that you grow mint in pots and place the pots wherever you wish around the garden.
DO NOT grow mint anywhere near parsley.
ONION FAMILY:
Companion plants for the onion family are beets, carrots, lettuce, and the cabbage family, although DO NOT plant onions near beans and peas.
PARSLEY:
Parsley makes for a https://garden.org/ good companion plant for tomatoes and asparagus.
Peas make great companions for carrots, radishes, turnips, cucumbers, beans, brassicas, beets, zucchinis, melons and cucumbers.
NASTURTIUMS:
Nasturtiums are excellent companions for a variety of plants. Plant nasturtium as a barrier around tomatoes, radishes, cabbage, cucumber, zucchini and pumpkin. Also grow nasturtiums under fruit trees as it deters aphids, whiteflies, destructive beetles and other pests.
Nasturtiums are excellent companions Mckinney Sprinkler System for all in the brassica family as well as tomatoes. They also prove beneficial to squash, celery and radish.
The flowers and leaves of the nasturtium plant can be used in salads as a colourful and peppery addition.
ONIONS:
Onions and garlic d o best when planted alongside marigolds.
POTATO:
Potato makes a wonderful companion for beans, corn, the cabbage family, marigolds and horseradish. All compliment one another.
PUMPKIN:
Marigolds and corn are great companion plants for pumpkins.
STINGING NETTLE:
The flowers of the Stinging Nettle attracts bees to your garden.
PARSLEY:
Parsley makes for an excellent companion plant for tomatoes and asparagus.
Parsley increases the fragrance of roses when planted around their base.
PEPPERMINT:
Peppermint repels white cabbage moth, beetles and aphids. The menthol content in the mint acts as an insect repellent - although bees and other friendly insects love it.
PEPPERS - See CAPSICUM
PENNYROYAL:
Pennyroyal repels fleas. It can be grown as a lawn to repel mosquitoes, flies, ticks, fleas and gnats.
PETUNIAS:
Petunias make excellent companions for asparagus, tomatoes, roses, bean s, peas and just about all vegetables.
Petunias deter certain aphids and other garden pests.
RADISH:
Radish is a good companion plant for sweet corn and squash plants. Radishes are best grown alongside peas, nasturtium, lettuce and cucumber - but DO NOT plant radishes near hyssop.
ROSEMARY:
Rosemary makes an excellent companion plant for cabbage, beans, carrots and sage as it deters cabbage moth and other pests.
SAGE:
Sage is a wonderful companion to cabbage in particular, but is of benefit throughout the garden on a whole - although do NOT plant near cucumbers or rue.
Sage can be used as a companion plant to cauliflower, broccoli, rosemary and carrots as it deters moths, beetles and other pests. The sage flower attracts many beneficial insects into the garden.
SOYBEANS:
Soybeans add nitrogen to the soil making them a great companion plant to corn in particular. Soybean repels bugs and beetles.
SPINACH:
Excellent companion plants for spinach are strawberries and faba beans.
SQUASH:
Squash is best grown amongst nasturtium, corn, and marigold.
STRAWBERRIES:
An excellent companion plant for strawberries is borage.
SUNFLOWERS:
Sunflowers are excellent companion plants for all species that attract aphids.
Planting sunflowers with corn increases the yield and quality.
TANSY:
Tansy is a wonderful companion plant for fruit trees, raspberries and roses. When planted near fruit and nut trees, vegetables and berry fruits, Tansy discourages fruit fly, ants, beetles and aphids. Planted near cabbages, Tansy will repel cabbage moth and white butterfly.
Tansy is also an excellent insect repellent and deters flying insects.
Tansy is said to act as an ant repellent, although this only works with sugar ants.
Tansy has a high content of potassium and is an excellent addition to the compost box or heap.
Cautionary:
DO NOT plant Tansy anywhere near livestock of any kind as it is toxic to many animals.
TARRAGON:
Tarragon can be planted throughout the garden as this is a repellent for many pests. It also makes an excellent companion plant as it enhances the flavour and growth of all vegetables it is grown near.
THYME:
Thyme is a great companion plant for cabbages as it deters moths.
TOMATO:
Excellent companion plants for tomatoes are the onion family, basil, nasturtium, marigolds, asparagus, carrots, parsley and cucumbe r.
DO NOT grow tomatoes near potatoes, fennel and the cabbage family.
TURNIP:
Turnips are best grown alongside peas and beans.
NO NOT grow turnips near potatoes.
WHITE GERANIUMS:
White Geraniums are members of the pelargonum family and make excellent companion plants with all vegetables and herbs.
WORMWOOD:
Wormwood is an excellent insect repellent to most insects. A tea made of wormwood will repel cabbage moths, slugs, snails and fleas.
Wormwood is said to keep animals out of the garden when planted as a border.
DO NOT plant directly next to food crops as wormwood produces a botanical poison!
YARROW:
Yarrow is an excellent companion for all plants as it is a natural fertilizer. It also attracts predatory wasps and ladybugs to the garden.
When placed amongst herbs, yarrow promotes the increase of essential oil content.
Add a handful of yarrow leaves to the compost heap or bin as it speeds up the composting process. The foliage of yarrow can be used to make a tea that will speed up the decomposition rate in the compost heap.
