Who needs pesticides when your salad greens can hide behind garlic that keeps the plant-eating critters at bay?
The scoop
In a YouTube video, gardener NorthIdahoMade (@NorthIdahoMade) shares how she's squeezing extra productivity out of her garden while naturally fending off pests.
Her trick is to tuck lettuce plants in between rows of garlic.
"I read that you can put lettuce between all your garlic plants, and it does not compete for nutrients or space because of the different root depths," she explains, noting that the two crops complement each other underground and above.
"Covering up any and all bare dirt with something you actually want can be really helpful to keep out things you don't want," she adds, referring to weeds and excess evaporation.
Garlic's reputation as a natural pest repellent makes this pairing even smarter. Its scent may keep aphids from ever finding the lettuce in the first place.
Save $10,000 on solar panels without even sharing your phone number Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers that can help you save as much as $10k on installation. To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best local options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner. |
How it's helping
This space-saving hack is ideal for small or raised-bed gardens, where every inch counts.
By pairing plants with different root structures and growth habits, gardeners can increase their yields without adding more land or labor. The lettuce acts as a living mulch, keeping weeds down and moisture in, while the garlic holds off hungry insects.
Companion planting like this also reduces the need for chemical pesticides and store-bought produce. This has beneficial ripple effects from cutting down on plastic packaging to food miles.
What everyone's saying
The reaction online has been overwhelmingly positive.
TCD Picks » Upway Spotlight
💡Upway makes it easy to find discounts of up to 60% on premium e-bike brands
|
What is the biggest reason you don't grow food at home? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Not enough time ⏳ "Wow, I didn't know about this!" one commenter said.
Another added, "Currently planting sunflowers, four o clocks, canna lilies, and marigolds, keeping the sunflowers near the marigolds because I heard they are a good companion pair!"
"They both come back on their own...so you should not have to plant either of them again next season as the garlic needs a year and the lettuce drops lots of seeds if you let it stay around until then," said a third.
Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
