When people ask me how I manage pests without chemicals or how I keep my garden so alive with pollinators and beneficial insects—I always say: it’s the companions. Companion planting isn’t just helpful—it’s essential in a food forest.

Here are some of the most beneficial, beautiful, and hardworking companion plants I use all throughout my edible and herbal space:

Comfrey – My number one MUST-HAVE. I have 50–60 comfrey plants tucked everywhere. It feeds the soil, breaks up hard ground, and its deep roots pull up nutrients for nearby plants. I use it for compost, mulch, and homemade remedies. You name it, comfrey does it.

Tansy – This one brings in the real defenders—parasitic wasps, soldier bugs, praying mantis, hover flies. If you’re dealing with tomato hornworms, plant tansy. You’ll be amazed.

Dill – I never pull dill! I tie it up and let it stand tall. It calls in the predators that love to snack on aphids and other pests.

Basil – Pungent and powerful. Flies, mosquitoes, and many pests just can’t stand it. I tuck basil in everywhere—bonus: your whole garden smells incredible.

Onions & Garlic – These are stealthy defenders—deter aphids, weevils, Japanese beetles, spider mites, and more. I weave them through my food forest like little guardian soldiers.

Yarrow – A pollinator magnet and ladybug hotel. This one boosts biodiversity and soil health.

Borage – A true soil healer and pollinator magnet. It draws in parasitic wasps and repels hornworms. Plus, the flowers are edible!

Lemongrass – Great planted around the perimeter. It can repel mosquitoes if you bruise the leaves and release the oils.

Lavender – Strong-scented and beautiful, it deters pests while calming the soul.

Mint – A powerful repellent for ants, slugs, flea beetles, and cabbage butterflies. Just be careful—it spreads fast! Keep it in pots if you are worried it will spread.

Milkweed – Monarchs love it, but so do a few not-so-friendly bugs. I still grow it—just keep an eye on it!

Oregano – Not just delicious—it’s also a pest deterrent. Great for tucking near squash and brassicas.

Marigolds – Plant these everywhere. They ward off beetles, nematodes, aphids—and just brighten up the whole garden!

Sunflowers – These aren’t just pretty—they’re beacons for ladybugs, parasitic wasps, and more. A total powerhouse.

Echinacea & Rudbeckia – Not only do they bring in pollinators like butterflies and bees, but they also give shelter to beneficial insects when they need a rest.

Calendula – Absolutely essential. Brings in lacewings, hoverflies, pollinators—you name it. Also makes incredible skin salves!

Zinnias – Easy to grow, and they attract ladybugs and more beneficials. A cheerful, low-maintenance win.

Shasta Daisies – They attract both the bad guys and the good guys—creating a natural buffet where predators can do their job. A living battlefield (in the best way)!

Nasturtiums – Pest repellers and predator attractors. The fragrance drives off squash bugs and cucumber beetles—plus the flowers are edible and gorgeous!

All of these play a role in creating a thriving, balanced ecosystem. I don’t need to fight nature—because I work with it. That’s the real magic of a food forest.

Want to learn how to create your own edible and herbal paradise? My full DOWNLOADABLE PDF, The Homemade Gardener Edible & Herbal Food Forest Guide, walks you through it step-by-step—from the ground up.

Always remember:

The Future Is Worth The Patience Of The Present

-Michele

The Homemade Gardener