Pam Larsen explains how inter-planting crops, proper nutrition and watering can provide plants with their own personal defense against pests and lure beneficials at noon on Thursday, June 27, county commissioners’ meeting room at the Clallam County Courthouse, 223 E. Fourth St., Port Angeles.

The presentation is part of the “Green Thumb Garden Tips” brown bag series sponsored by the WSU Clallam County Master Gardeners.

Larsen will describe the concept of how some plants repel or at least confuse pests while others attract pollinating insects or attack the bad bugs. Some plants enhance the growing conditions of their companion by supplying additional nutrients to the soil or providing them with shade.

Her presentation focuses on vegetable gardening, but Larsen will also discuss inter-planting flowering ornamentals to attract pollinators.

A long-time organic gardener, Larsen has taught organic gardening classes for The Community Organic Gardens of Sequim and for the public for 10 years.

The Master Gardener Brown Bag series continues from noon-1 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. For more information, call 360-417-2279.