Pesticides do not always stop pests and can pose risks to human health, a point supported by scientific studies. Yet there are natural, far cheaper ways to manage pests, as demonstrated by Verdcamp Fruits, a Cambrils farm in Tarragona. The approach replaces chemicals with flowers. By weaving a variety of wild plants among watermelons and other crops, gardens attract pollinators, deter pests, and can boost yields. It is a clear example of ecology serving agriculture. The method goes by the name Floral Intercropping.
Ernest Mas, the manager of Verdcamp Fruits, explains in Ae Magazine that the idea began in 2014 with watermelon farming. He notes that aphids were hard to control and that aggressive chemical treatments harmed bees and other wild pollinators. Bees, he adds, should pollinate this crop because pollination directly affects production potential. He emphasizes that treatments that harm bees also hurt yields.
Faced with the downsides of phytosanitary products, the team sought a simple, effective way to control aphids without chemical inputs. They focused on a diverse set of native beneficial species.
Much of the local beneficial fauna can feed on pollen and assist pest control when infestation levels are manageable. The idea was to plant flowering species alongside crops to create a suitable habitat that offers both food and shelter for these natural allies.
Wild plants integrated into cultivation
“A survey identified 27 flowering plants with potential benefits. Among them were Borago officinalis, Fagopyrum esculentum, Calendula officinalis, Vicia sativa, Achillea millefolium, Lobularia maritima and others. They were planted in unproductive zones next to the watermelon rows, and observations focused on five key points,” More explains. These five points are:
1. Bees are selective, so shelter flowers must not compete with the watermelon blossoms for nectar.
2. The intended auxiliary fauna should actually appear.
3. Flowering and fauna activity must align with crop needs in time.
4. The plants should not have aggressive self-sowing that could become invasive on the farm.
5. They should resist local diseases and viruses that could threaten crops.
The team identified three potential candidates, yet sowing all of them proved complex and labor-intensive. The realization was clear: synchronize the process rather than plant large amounts of seed. The solution was to use seedlings instead of direct sowing.
Lobularia maritima was tested because its flowering is early and long-lasting. Early trials showed moderate pollinator visits but strong activity from mirids, scale insects, and flying insects. Transplanting flowering plants with the watermelon crop, and scattering them gradually, proved effective, preserving fertile area while leveraging the crop’s irrigation. In short, the process became simpler. About 600 Lobularia plants per hectare create a vibrant floral pattern. Distributing them evenly across the field yields a consistent environment that supports the auxiliary fauna.
A process that lowers costs
The overall cost drops significantly. A kilo of Lobularia seeds provides thousands of seeds, and the plant is easy to grow like lettuce. The approach combines flowering with the crop, reducing expenses while maintaining ground cover. The result can be achieved for less than twenty euros.
The best part comes next. The shared resources boost the presence of auxiliary fauna. A recurring message from field visits is that helpers are more abundant than ever.
Aphids are not completely eradicated during peak heat, but the balance is kept. The aim is not total eradication but stable, healthy ecosystems. In 95 percent of the crop, no intervention is needed; the remaining 5 percent receives targeted, organic treatment when balance remains elusive, Mas explains.
The watermelon blossoms open early and close around noon. Bees begin visiting Lobularia as soon as this happens, creating a symbiotic relationship. More food for bees leads to more broods, more pollen, and more effective pollination of watermelons.
Mas notes that watermelon production has improved in many cases and that this shift represents meaningful progress for the operation.
The company is exploring new intermediaries and opportunities for expansion.
Lobularia maritima is a versatile plant for adding flowers to many crops. It is hardy and flowers for a long period. Similar companions include Tagetes patula with cauliflower, cucurbits, arugula and more.
Verdcamp Fruits operates with 40 percent organic certification and 60 percent integrated production. The goal is to reach 100 percent organic certification within five years. Mas emphasizes that the aim is not just a label but a shift toward practices that reduce impact and create sustainable value for the future.
Magazine article on intercropping floral practices at Verdcamp Fruits
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