The concept of trap crops, also known as decoy crops or sacrificial crops, initially raised a few eyebrows when I first encountered it. However, after experimenting with this approach, I was thrilled with the outcomes. My harvests became more bountiful, and I successfully transitioned my vegetable garden to a predominantly chemical-free environment.
The underlying idea of trap cropping is surprisingly effective.
By diverting pests’ attention away from your primary crop, you’re safeguarding a significant portion of your produce and minimizing the spread of diseases. This, in turn, allows you to substantially reduce or even eliminate the use of pesticides and fungicides. Traditionally, large commercial operations have employed this strategy, but its popularity has recently shifted towards home gardeners seeking more natural methods for pest control.
The benefits extend beyond just reducing pesticide usage; it also positively impacts your wallet. By adopting trap cropping, you’re not only doing the environment a favor, but you’ll also enjoy cost savings. Plus, if you let the trap crops self-seed or collect their seeds for future seasons, you can further optimize your gardening routine.
2 Types of Trap Crops
Same Crop
By utilizing this method, you’ll be planting two types of crops simultaneously: a trap crop and a harvest crop. Start by planting the trap crop first, which will serve as a magnet for pests. A month or so later, plant your harvest crop alongside the trap crop. This clever approach ensures that the pests are drawn to the fruiting trap crop before they have a chance to target your harvest crop.
When you’re ready to reap the benefits of this method, you can opt to remove the trap crop along with its unwanted pest inhabitants. Alternatively, you can spray pesticides directly on the trap crop to eliminate the bugs. This not only leaves your harvest crop free from chemical residues and pests but also yields a conventional crop that’s just as bountiful.
Different Crop
One effective approach I recommend is a technique called trap cropping. The idea is to plant two types of crops side by side: one that’s meant for harvesting, and another that attracts pests away from your main crop. When the pests migrate to the trap crop, you can take advantage of this opportunity to use pesticides or simply remove the infected plants and get rid of both the pests and the unwanted vegetation.
Trap Crop Plants and the Pests They Repel
Mustard
Mustard is a versatile trap crop that serves multiple purposes in your garden. Its culinary uses are just the beginning – it can also enrich the soil and act as a natural pest repellent. By planting mustard around the perimeter of your garden, you can attract unwanted visitors away from your prized vegetables. Be sure to incorporate or remove the mustard before it self-seeds, as this prolific crop can quickly take over if left unchecked.
One of the primary pests that mustard attracts is the harlequin bug, a voracious eater that targets a wide range of vegetables including broccoli, cabbage, beans, squash, corn, and tomatoes. By planting mustard in conjunction with these crops, you can encourage the bugs to feast on the mustard instead.
When you notice a buildup of these pests, take action by removing heavily infested mustard leaves or using a pesticide to control the population.
Marigold
Marigolds, often regarded as a charming addition to any garden, also boast a remarkable talent for luring and repelling unwanted flying insects. Their strong scent confuses these pests, rendering them unable to locate other plants. This unique property makes marigolds an ideal trap crop, effectively protecting nearby food crops from being devoured.
To reap the benefits of this clever flower, plant marigolds seven inches away from your tomatoes, beans, and cucumbers before they take center stage in your garden. As a bonus, these flowers repel nematodes, pesky microscopic worms that can decimate root systems and hinder crop growth. Marigolds’ roots release alpha-terthienyl, a chemical that sends these unwanted visitors packing. When the time comes to retire marigolds from their duties, don’t forget to incorporate them into your soil.
This will allow you to harness the residual benefits of their beneficial chemicals, giving your garden an extra boost in the long run.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums make excellent trap crops, but like mustard, they require containment to prevent overgrowth. This spreading vine or ground-hugging plant produces an abundance of seeds as it grows, necessitating careful placement in pots to control their spread. While potting the nasturtiums will stave off excessive growth, be mindful that seeds still drop onto the surrounding soil. One of the nasturtium’s most valuable traits is its ability to attract aphids.
These tiny insects are drawn to the plant’s large leaves, congregating in impressive numbers. To manage this attraction, remove any infested leaves, seal them in a plastic bag, and dispose of them properly. Alternatively, if your harvest crop is near readiness, carefully uproot the entire nasturtium plant and discard it to prevent pest transfer.
Radish
A clever approach to pest control is to incorporate radishes into your garden. These humble roots are rapid to germinate, effortless to cultivate, and irresistible to unwanted visitors. This trifecta makes them an excellent companion plant for almost any type of vegetable. To maximize their benefits, I employ a dual strategy: establishing a perimeter of radishes around the garden and scattering their seeds throughout my harvest crops.
Radishes have a remarkable ability to draw in a range of pests, including flea beetles, harlequin bugs, and cabbage maggots, which afflict nearly every type of vegetable. By planting the radishes about two weeks prior to the main harvest crop and adding additional batches every fortnight or so, I create an effective barrier against these unwanted critters.
Once the main crop is well established, I supplement this natural pest control by sprinkling diatomaceous earth between the radish and main crop, and spraying the radish with a neem oil-pyrethrum mixture. This allows my harvest crops to mature without interference from pests, and in some cases, even enables me to reap a second crop without any issues.
Sunflower
Sunflowers are a stunning addition to any garden, particularly when planted en masse. Their ease of growth and visual appeal make them a favorite among kids, who delight in watching them mature over time. Depending on the specific variety, sunflowers typically require 70-90 days to reach maturity, so it’s essential to get them started early. For best results, plant seeds indoors three weeks prior to the last frost date and transplant them into the garden as soon as possible.
One of the lesser-known benefits of growing sunflowers is their ability to attract stink bugs away from more valuable crops. I’ve personally witnessed how these pesky insects can decimate a sweetcorn harvest – it’s a real problem! However, by planting sunflowers alongside your corn or other vulnerable plants, you can effectively lure the stinkbugs away. This approach has been a game-changer for me, allowing me to enjoy a pest-free harvest year after year.
When dealing with a stinkbug infestation on my sunflowers, I employ a simple yet effective solution: either remove and dispose of the affected flower or enlist the help of my kids in collecting the stinkbugs and depositing them into a trash bag. Alternatively, if the problem persists, I mix neem oil and pyrethrum to create a natural insecticide that can be safely used on the sunflowers, preserving the seeds for future use.
It’s worth noting that even if you don’t plant your sunflowers right next to your vegetable garden, their presence in the vicinity can still provide an effective deterrent against stink bugs. So go ahead and give these sun-loving flowers a try – your harvest will thank you!
Other Trap Crops
When it comes to companion planting, certain vegetables and herbs have a natural affinity with specific pests or beneficial insects. For instance, amaranth is known to repel cucumber beetles, making it an excellent addition to any garden. Similarly, okra attracts tomato aphids, which can be controlled by incorporating this plant into your landscape. Collards, on the other hand, provide a welcoming habitat for cabbage worms, and dill has been shown to lure away tomato hornworms.
Meanwhile, chervil is particularly effective at deterring slugs – a problem that no gardener wants to encounter. By strategically planting these companions alongside your desired crops, you can create a balanced ecosystem that promotes harmony between plants and the creatures that help or harm them.
Caring for Trap Crops
When cultivating a trap crop, it’s not crucial to be overly meticulous about watering and fertilizing. Since the primary intention is not to consume the trap crop itself, you can adopt a more relaxed approach. Simply plant the trap crop in soil rich with well-rotted organic matter and water it at the same time as your main harvest plants.
To maximize the benefits of your trap crop, follow the standard gardening advice for the specific plant variety, keeping in mind that its primary function is to attract pests away from your desired crops.
Trap Crop Tips
When employing plants as a lure for pests away from other crops, it’s crucial to keep track of what works and what doesn’t in your unique gardening environment. In my experience, sunflowers have consistently drawn stinkbugs away from my corn, but not all plants have been equally effective. By noting which plants attract more bugs than others, you can potentially use that plant as a trap crop in the future. The key is to adapt to your specific situation and be prepared when pest invasions occur.
For example, aphids are notorious in my area around May, so I ensure my nasturtiums mature by then. A general guideline for using trap crops is to maintain a ratio of 20% trap crop to 80% food crop. Experiment with different arrangements, such as interspersing the trap crop throughout your main crop or planting it as a border, to determine what works best for you. Utilizing trap crops is an underappreciated yet effective method for controlling pests in the garden.
We’d love to hear about any successes you’ve had with specific trap crops and learn from each other’s experiences.
