Saluyot companion planting guide cards for backyard pest management bundles

Saluyot's Best Friends: Pest Repelling Companions

Plant French Marigolds as a dense border around your Saluyot bed. The roots release a substance that deters root-knot nematodes, a common soil pest. Above ground, their strong scent confuses leaf miners and other flying pests, making it harder for them to find your Saluyot. Interplant garlic and onions directly between your Saluyot plants. Their pungent aroma masks the scent of the Saluyot, effectively repelling aphids and spider mites. A few strategically placed basil plants will also help, as their essential oils are known to deter thrips and aphids. For larger pests and general confusion, plant rosemary nearby; its powerful fragrance acts as a broad-spectrum repellent for many garden insects.

Using Trap Crops to Protect Saluyot

Divert pests away from your main crop by planting sacrificial "trap" plants. Plant a small, dense patch of Nasturtiums about four to five feet away from your Saluyot. Aphids are highly attracted to Nasturtiums and will colonize them first, leaving your Saluyot alone. You can then manage the infested Nasturtiums by spraying with soapy water or removing the heavily infested leaves. Okra, being in the same family as Saluyot, attracts similar pests like spider mites and aphids. Planting a single row of okra on the edge of your garden can serve as a decoy, drawing these pests to the okra before they discover your Saluyot patch.

Attracting Pest Predators to Your Garden

Create a habitat for beneficial insects that prey on Saluyot pests. Allow a few cilantro and dill plants to flower near your Saluyot. The small flowers of these herbs provide nectar and pollen for ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies. The larvae of these insects are voracious predators of aphids, mites, and other soft-bodied pests. Planting cosmos or zinnias at the end of your garden rows will attract parasitic wasps and predatory spiders, which provide continuous, natural pest control throughout the season. These flowers act as an insectary, ensuring a healthy population of "good bugs" is always present.

Plants to Keep Away from Saluyot

Avoid planting fennel anywhere near your Saluyot. Fennel releases chemicals from its roots that can inhibit the growth of many neighboring plants, including Saluyot. Keep corn separate as it attracts pests like earworms and aphids that can easily migrate to nearby crops. Potatoes can host flea beetles, which will readily feed on the tender leaves of young Saluyot plants. It's best to maintain distance between your potato patch and your Saluyot bed to prevent this crossover.

Practical Layouts for Pest Management

For maximum effectiveness, use a combination of strategies. Create a "fortress" by planting a border of French Marigolds around the entire Saluyot patch