Assuming you are a gardening enthusiast looking to improve their skills, are you also interested in exploring new plant companions for your nasturtiums? If the answer is yes, you are in the right place! In this article, we will provide you with the most comprehensive guide on the best companion plants for nasturtiums. We will also start with an introduction to nasturtiums and why they make an excellent addition to your garden. Let's get started!
Introduction to Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are annual flowers native to South America and Mexico. Their stunning flowers make them a popular addition to gardens, but they also offer a range of other benefits. Nasturtiums come in a range of different colors, including red, orange, and yellow, and they are easy to grow from seed. The plant itself grows to around 30cm in height, and the flowers can be used as a decorative addition to salads.
However, nasturtiums are not just a pretty face, they also offer a range of benefits for your garden. One of the most significant advantages is that they can help to repel pests, such as aphids, whiteflies, and squash bugs. They also work well as a trap crop, attracting pests away from other plants in your garden. Nasturtiums attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and bees, which can help to pollinate your other plants.
Companion Planting
Companion planting refers to the practice of planting different species of plants together to take advantage of the benefits they offer. This practice has been around for centuries and has been used to increase yields, improve soil health, and control pests. When it comes to companion planting, nasturtiums are considered one of the most beneficial plants to grow. They are compatible with a range of different vegetables and herbs and can help to repel pests and attract beneficial insects. In this article, we will explore the best plants to grow alongside nasturtiums.
Benefits of Companion Planting with Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are not only a beautiful addition to any garden, but they also provide several benefits when planted together with other vegetables and herbs.
Pest Control
Nasturtiums are known to repel certain pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and cucumber beetles which are common in vegetable gardens. By planting nasturtiums alongside your vegetables, you can create a natural barrier against unwanted pests. Their leaves and flowers also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which feed on harmful pests.
Companion Herbs
Nasturtiums are a great companion for certain herbs such as rosemary, sage, and parsley. They provide shade and protect the soil around these herbs, preventing moisture loss. Moreover, they also help to deter pests that can damage these herbs.
Beneficial for Vegetables
When planted alongside vegetables like beans, tomatoes or cucumbers, nasturtiums can enhance their growth and flavor. They release a chemical that repels certain pests while stimulating the growth of microorganisms that enhance soil fertility, resulting in a healthy and bountiful harvest.
Edible Flowers
Nasturtiums flowers are edible and add a spicy and peppery flavor to salads. By planting them alongside vegetables, you can have a ready supply of fresh and nutritious flowers for your meals. However, be sure to avoid using pesticides when growing nasturtiums for consumption.
Attractive Landscaping
Nasturtiums are a colorful addition to any garden. They bloom in bright shades of orange, yellow, and red, creating a vibrant and eye-catching landscape. They are also low-maintenance and easy to grow, making them ideal for gardeners of all levels.
Overall, companion planting with nasturtiums provides several benefits for your garden. They help to control pests, enhance growth and flavor, and add color to your landscape. So next time you are planning your garden, be sure to include these beautiful and beneficial flowers!
Top Companion Plants for Nasturtiums
When it comes to companion planting, nasturtiums are versatile and can be paired with a wide variety of plants. Here are some of the best companion plants to pair with nasturtiums in the garden:
- Tomatoes: Nasturtiums can be beneficial for tomato plants as they can repel pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Additionally, nasturtiums can provide ground cover to keep the soil moist and cool around the tomato plants.
- Radishes: These two plants grow well together as nasturtiums can help repel cucumber beetles and other pests that damage radishes. The beautiful colors of nasturtiums also provide a nice contrast to the green tops of radishes.
- Cucumbers: Nasturtiums attract beneficial insects that can help pollinate cucumbers and also repel pests such as cucumber beetles and aphids.
- Beans: Nasturtiums can help deter pests such as Mexican bean beetles and aphids from attacking bean plants. Additionally, nasturtiums can improve the soil around the bean plants by fixing nitrogen.
- Herbs: Nasturtiums can be paired with herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and sage to repel pests and attract beneficial insects. The beautiful flowers of nasturtiums also provide a nice aesthetic addition to herb gardens.
When planting nasturtiums with companion plants, it is important to consider the growing habits of the plants. Make sure to provide enough space for the plants to grow and avoid overcrowding. With the right pairing of companion plants, your nasturtiums can thrive and provide many benefits to your garden.
How to Plant and Care for Nasturtiums and Their Companions
Nasturtiums are an excellent choice for gardeners looking for an affordable and easy-to-grow flowering plant. They are not only beautiful and eye-catching, but also help keep pests away from other plants in the garden. Here's how to plant and care for nasturtiums and their companions:
- Choose the right location: Nasturtiums prefer full sun to partial shade. Make sure the soil has good drainage and is not too dry or too wet.
- Sow the seeds: Sow the seeds directly into the garden soil after the last frost. The seeds should be planted about 1 inch deep and 10-12 inches apart in rows or clusters.
- Water regularly: Nasturtiums need regular watering to thrive. Water the plants thoroughly once a week or more frequently if the soil is dry.
- Fertilize lightly: Nasturtiums do not need a lot of fertilizer, as they grow well in poor or average soil. However, you can add a small amount of compost or a balanced fertilizer to the planting area if the soil is depleted.
- Prune occasionally: Nasturtiums can become leggy if not pruned regularly. Pinch off the stems to encourage bushier growth and the production of more flowers.
- Use as companion plants: Nasturtiums are great companion plants for many vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, and radishes. They deter pests such as aphids and whiteflies, and attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and bees.
- Care for companion plants: Make sure to choose companion plants that have similar growing conditions and water requirements. Water all the plants regularly and monitor for pests and diseases.
- Harvest and enjoy: Nasturtiums are edible and have a peppery taste that can add flavor to salads and sandwiches. Harvest the leaves and flowers as needed and enjoy!
With these simple tips, you can successfully plant and care for nasturtiums and their companion plants. Whether you are new to gardening or an experienced gardener, nasturtiums are an excellent addition to any garden.
Tips for Maximizing the Benefits of Companion Planting with Nasturtiums
Companion planting with nasturtiums can be done with a variety of plants, including vegetables, herbs, and fruits. Here are some tips on how to maximize the benefits of companion planting with nasturtiums:
- Plant nasturtiums near plants that are prone to aphids: Nasturtiums act as a great natural pest repellent, particularly against aphids. Planting them near plants that are prone to aphids, such as tomatoes, broccoli, and cabbage, can help keep these pests at bay.
- Use nasturtiums as a trap crop: A trap crop is a sacrificial crop that attracts pests away from the main crop. Nasturtiums can be a great trap crop for pests such as whiteflies, aphids, and cucumber beetles. Plant them near your main crop and pests will likely go for the nasturtiums instead.
- Plant nasturtiums near beans: Beans are nitrogen-fixing plants that can benefit from being planted near nasturtiums. Nasturtiums attract bacteria that fix nitrogen in the soil, which can then be used by the beans to grow.
- Plant nasturtiums near fruit trees: Nasturtiums can improve the soil quality around fruit trees. Their roots break up hard soil and allow for better water drainage and aeration. Plus, their flowers attract pollinators, which can increase fruit production.
- Try interplanting nasturtiums and lettuce: Nasturtiums and lettuce share similar growing conditions, and planting them together can be mutually beneficial. Nasturtiums help repel pests that can damage lettuce, while lettuce shades the soil and keeps it cool for the nasturtiums.
- Harvest nasturtiums regularly: Regular harvesting of nasturtium flowers and leaves can help promote new growth and keep the plant healthy. Plus, the flowers and leaves are edible and can be a tasty addition to salads and other dishes.
Companion planting with nasturtiums is a great way to improve your garden's health and productivity. By following these tips, you can maximize the benefits of planting nasturtiums with other plants.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Nasturtium Companion Planting
Nasturtiums are excellent companion plants that every gardener should consider adding to their garden bed. Their ability to repel pests, attract pollinators, and enhance the flavor of surrounding crops makes them an invaluable addition.
When choosing companion plants for your nasturtiums, it's essential to consider the growth habits, soil requirements, and sunlight needs of each crop. Planting compatible plants together can help ensure that all crops thrive and grow to their full potential.
Some of the best companion plants for nasturtiums include:
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Radishes
- Beans
- Squash
- Herbs like dill, parsley, and chervil
It's also important to remember that not all plants will get along. Some plants can compete for nutrients, while others may be susceptible to the same pests and diseases. Therefore, it's crucial to avoid planting certain crops together to avoid any negative effects that could harm the overall health of your garden.
In conclusion, planting nasturtiums alongside compatible crops can provide a multitude of benefits to your garden. From enhancing the flavor of food crops to repelling harmful pests, they are a reliable and versatile choice for any gardener. So go ahead and give nasturtiums a chance to shine in your garden and experience the many benefits of companion planting.
