Course Two: Nature 91
Plot Three
The third plot is mainly for squashes and melons,
which take up a lot of space but grow low along the
ground. For your first garden, I recommend planting
just three of these, about 6’–8’ apart in a triangle: a
zucchini, an acorn squash, and a watermelon (if you
have abundant water for irrigation). The upper space
of this plot is occupied with tall sunflowers and climb-
ing peas or beans.Zucchini: A single zucchini plant will produce so
much food that you’ll be trying to give it away to
everyone who stops by! During the 2nd quarter of the
Moon (- ), plant several seeds in a single manure-
filled crater-shaped hill, exactly the same as for pump-
kins, and thin to two plants.Winter Squash: The main varieties of Winter
squash are Butternut, Hubbard, and Acorn. I recom-
mend acorn squash. During the 2nd quarter of the Moon
(- ), plant half-a-dozen seeds in one crater-shaped
hill, just as for zucchinis, and thin to two plants.Watermelon: I recommend Dixie Queen, unless
you live in a colder climate, in which case New Hamp-
shire Midget will do best. During the 2nd quarter of
the Moon (- ), plant 4–8 seed under 1” of soil in
a manure-filled crater-shaped hill, as with zucchinis,
but add some sand to the soil. When the seedlings
develop, thin to one strong plant. Water regularly and
well. Although watermelons are fun to grow and eat,
they’re not considered a good “starter crop.” Consult
with your local nursery. If it doesn’t seem like water-
melons are a good idea, try planting Summer squash
here instead, following the same instructions as above
for Winter squash.Sunflowers: These can grow to 12’ tall, producing
enormous flowers with hundreds of tasty seeds for
people and birds. Grow several of them in another
triangle between the zucchini, squash, and water-
melon. Plant during the 1st quarter of the Moon (-
) in early Spring, as soon as the frost is out of the
ground, in soil that has been deeply dug, limed, and
fertilized. Plant 2–3 seeds in each hole, and cover them
with ½” of soil. When they sprout, thin for the stron-
gest one. Tall varieties will need to be staked, and
tied loosely with a strip of cloth. Water regularly and
fertilize several times during Spring and Summer.Pole beans: Plant pole beans at the base of each
sunflower, so they will climb up the taller plants. There
are several varieties to choose from. Scarlet Runner
Beans have fiery red flowers that attract butterflies
and purple pods of edible beans; but they don’t have
the best flavor. I think the tastiest pole beans are Ken-
tucky Blue Lake or Kentucky Wonder—but consult
with your local nursery and see what they advise. Plantearly in the Spring, at the same time you plant your
sunflowers. Sow 4–6 seed beans 2” deep, and thin to
the best 2–3. As they grow, you may need to help
them find the sunflower stalk. Fertilize them once or
twice over the Summer.Companion Planting
As you’ll have noticed from the above, many
garden plants grow well together and help each other
in various ways. Certain plants will even repel nasty
bug pests that attack your garden. Smart gardeners
understand this, and plan gardens to maximize the
effective use of “Companion Planting.” Here are a
few companion plants to consider for your Wizard’s
Garden. Some can be planted right in among your
veggies, and others at the edges of your plots, or
around your yard.Calendula is a kind of marigold with orange or yel-
low flowers that repel pests. It is also an antiseptic
when tinctured.
Catnip reduces flea beetle on tomatoes.
Chives repel aphids from roses. (Yellow roses in par-
ticular attract horrible Japanese beetles!)
Cosmos and Coreopsis repel insects.
Marigolds planted with beans repel most beetles.
French marigolds attract nematodes, so plant
them elsewhere as a “trap crop.”
Mint and mustard repel cabbage pests.
Nasturtiums repel aphids, and the edible kind has
more mustard oil than the mustard plant. They taste
great in salads and stir-fry!
Painted daisies should definitely be included in your
garden—not only for their beauty, but also for their
insecticide abilities.
Onions repel cutworms.
Sage repels ants and cabbage pests.
Spearmint and tansy repel ants. Because they grow
tall, plant them by the kitchen wall.Lesson 5: Your Magickal
Herb Garden
Many magickal people (especially Witches!) lay out
their herb garden in the shape of a pentagram. Your
fourth plot should be just
about the right size. You
can lay out the design
with bricks, stones, or
thin narrow boards
woven and nailed to-
gether (ours is done in
bricks). A pentagram
gives you five well-
spaced triangular spaces,
allowing for a nice assort-- Nature.p65 91 1/14/2004, 3:33 PM