Herb and Companion Planting

Maybe your grandma told you tomatoes and basil are friends? While peas and chives are bad neighbours? Gardeners have been making observations about plant associations for centuries, but we don’t often question why or whether these associations actually work. This workshop will demystify companion planting by looking at the basic principles of how plants interact with each other, with the soil, and with the good and bad insects in your garden.

We’ll discuss the permaculture concept of ‘plant guilds’ and how to diversify your garden to reduce pests and diseases. Herbs are often ideal companion plants in the vege patch and are some of the most rewarding and easy plants to grow. We’ll get hands on with annual and perennial herbs growing in the gardens here at CERES and talk about how to propagate, position, plant, and maintain a number of different herb species. By gardening with an ecosystem approach we can take advantage of the natural favourable plant associations that help keep our vegetable gardens and fruit trees healthy and productive.

Carol Henderson is a horticulturist, permaculture designer and teacher, who is passionate about urban food production. She regularly runs workshops for CERES, Cultivating Community, schools and local councils. Her style is friendly and highly interactive, incorporating group discussion and hands-on activities as much as possible. Working with children, youth and adults from all walks of life, Carol tailors each session to suit the needs and interests of each group.

What you will learn

• Improve your gardening skills
• Learn about plant associations, annual and perennial herbs
• Pests and diseases

What you will get

• Companion planting chart
• Herb cuttings and seeds

What to bring

• Note pad and pen

What to wear

Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear

CERES reserves the right to cancel workshops due to insufficient numbers.

If we cancel the workshop you will be entitled to a 100% refund, or you may choose to transfer to another date, subject to availability.

If you decide to withdraw 7 or more days prior to the workshop date CERES will retain a 10% administration fee.

If you decide to withdraw less than 7 days prior to the workshop date CERES will retain 100% of your workshop fee.

Should CERES have to cancel the course due to Government changes relating to the COVD-19 response, we will let you know as soon as possible. Affected participants will be sent a notification that includes details on how to re-book another date or workshop. While cancellations on our part remain refundable within the specified time period, we do hope you will consider bearing with us in these precarious and trying times, and consider the rescheduled date where possible.