Such a great informative post @luzycypher I use raised beds for my veg, but this year, in the beds, I'm going to densely plant them with annual flowers and herbs and see if I can stop weeds and lure insects to the flowers away from veg leaves and see if this 'beautiful mess' of mixed food/flowers will work for me.

I also have to deal with winds and salt air as I'm on the sea, but a fence with a border of sturdy herbs help as a bit of a wind break.