Several years ago, I tried to grow cherry tomatoes on my balcony.
I had three pots and they were all growing well.
They flowered and eventually I had some fresh cherry tomatoes.
Unfortunately, the good times didn't last very long because the plants were infested by white flies and eventually died.
White flies are nasty insects and usually cling to the undersides of leaves in large numbers.
Once infested by white flies, the fruits from the plants are not safe to eat either.
Well, the important thing is that I had a lesson in gardening which I remember.
So, when I decided to renew my efforts at gardening in the last one year, I decided not to grow cherry tomatoes despite suggestions by some people to do so.
Instead, I decided to grow plants that would ward off all sorts of nasty insects.
I have a pot of Basil, a pot of Rosemary, a pot of Lemon Balm and two troughs of Catnip.
These ward off mosquitoes, house flies and other nasties.
Rosemary. |
Basil. |
Lemon Balm. |
Catnip. |
I am also trying to grow Rosemary from seeds.
Here is a photo taken today:
The one on the right is ahead in the race. |
Waiting for them to bloom fully. |
Alliums (the onion family) repel many insects, apparently.
I also recently tried to grow some Nasturtiums which are originally from South America.
The whole plant including the flowers are edible, apparently.
Peppery in taste or so I read.
Got the seeds from NTUC Fairprice Xtra. |
The main reason for planting Nasturtiums is not for eating although I could try.
What I really want is their ability to ward off those cherry tomato plant murderers, those white flies!
Today, I see the first Nasturtium seedling emerging from the soil:
Hope the rest of the seedlings follow soon.
Once the Nasturtiums are fully grown, if I should try my hand at growing some cherry tomatoes again, I wouldn't have to fear those nasty white flies!
Whether investors or gardeners, our chances of success would be higher if we are ready for war!
Related posts:
1. Be prepared for war!
2. Life is about many things.
10 comments:
Gardening sounds fun, when I "retire" I'd like to try my hand at being an urban farmer!
Hi talesteller,
I am trying to grow some Romaine Lettuce now. LOL.
Will blog about it another time. ;p
Interesting to hear that onions repel insects...I believe garlic do too.
Hi Unknown,
Yes, I believe garlic flowers have the same effect in repelling pesty insects. They attract beneficial types like bees and butterflies though.
Hi Ak,
Saw some news between Marco Polo and Sembcorp Marine about a jack up rig. Seems like Marco Polo terminated its contract with Sembcorp Marine after a test which found many cracks on the Jack up rig. Any comments on this?
Best Regards,
Steven
can use those herbs for cooking too!
Hi Steven,
I blogged about that already. Check recent blog posts. ;)
Hi Wei Xiong,
Yes, that is one of the reasons for growing herbs too. :D
K thanks AK. :)
Best Regards,
Steven
Hi Steven,
You are welcome. :)
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