Lovage is indeed a fantastic companion plant for many vegetables in the garden. It can provide numerous benefits to its neighboring plants and enhance overall garden health. Let’s explore why lovage is such a great companion and which plants it pairs well with.
Firstly, lovage is known to improve the growth and flavor of neighboring plants. Its strong scent can help repel certain pests, such as aphids and spider mites, which can be harmful to vegetable crops. By acting as a natural deterrent, lovage can protect nearby plants from these insect pests, reducing the need for chemical insecticides.
Additionally, lovage has deep roots that can improve soil structure and nutrient availability for surrounding plants. Its taproot can break up compacted soil, allowing water and air to penetrate more easily. This can be particularly beneficial for vegetables like beets, carrots, and potatoes, which require loose soil for proper root development.
Moreover, lovage is a dynamic accumulator, meaning it can absorb and store nutrients from deep within the soil. When its leaves decompose, these nutrients are released back into the soil, making them available for uptake by other plants. This can be especially advantageous for heavy feeders like tomatoes and cucumbers, as they can benefit from the nutrient-rich environment created by lovage.
In terms of specific companion plants, lovage pairs well with asparagus. Asparagus benefits from lovage’s pest-repellent properties, while lovage can benefit from the natural shade provided by the tall asparagus stalks. This shade can help prevent the lovage from bolting or going to seed too quickly during hot summer months.
Lovage also makes a great companion for brassicas, such as cabbage, broccoli, and kale. The strong scent of lovage can deter pests like cabbage worms and aphids, which are common problems for brassica crops. Additionally, lovage’s deep roots can help improve soil structure, benefiting the shallow-rooted brassicas.
Furthermore, lovage is a beneficial companion for corn. Its strong scent can help repel pests like corn borers and earworms, which can cause significant damage to corn crops. The deep roots of lovage can also aid in nutrient absorption, benefiting the nearby corn plants.
Other compatible companions for lovage include cucumbers, leeks, lettuce, onions, peas, squash, and zucchinis. These plants can all benefit from lovage’s pest-repellent properties, nutrient accumulation, and soil-improving abilities.
However, it’s important to note that lovage should not be planted near celery or rhubarb. These plants can be negatively affected by lovage’s presence, as they have different growth requirements or may be susceptible to certain diseases that lovage can harbor.
When it comes to propagation, lovage can be grown from either seeds or divisions. Starting from seeds can be done in early spring, indoors or directly in the garden. If using divisions, it’s best to do so in the spring when new growth begins to emerge. Dividing the plant every few years can help maintain its vigor and prevent overcrowding.
In terms of maintenance, lovage should be cut back in the fall. Cutting it back to a few inches above the ground will help prevent the plant from becoming too woody and ensure fresh growth in the following season.
Lovage is indeed a wonderful companion plant for a variety of vegetables. Its pest-repellent properties, soil-improving abilities, and nutrient accumulation make it a valuable addition to any garden. By strategically planting lovage alongside compatible crops, gardeners can enhance the health and productivity of their vegetable beds.
