Introduction
Nasturtiums are a favorite for many gardeners, not only for their vibrant flowers and edible leaves but also for their role as powerful companions to a variety of plants. Known for their ability to repel pests, attract pollinators, and improve soil health, nasturtiums serve as a multipurpose plant that can elevate the health and productivity of your entire garden. This article will take you through everything you need to know about pairing nasturtiums with other plants, the benefits they provide, and how to integrate them into your garden.
Why Nasturtiums Make Great Companion Plants
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are a natural wonder in companion planting. Their brightly colored flowers and trailing vines create a natural pest barrier, and their strong scent helps deter insects from surrounding crops. This makes them an excellent addition to any garden, particularly when aiming to maintain a pesticide-free environment.
The leaves, flowers, and seeds of nasturtiums are also edible and packed with nutrients, adding culinary value as well. Additionally, their flowers attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, promoting a healthy, thriving ecosystem in your garden.
Best Companion Plants for Nasturtiums
Here’s a look at some of the best plants to grow alongside nasturtiums, and how each benefits from this colorful companion.
1. Cucumbers
- Benefits: Nasturtiums attract aphids away from cucumber plants, effectively serving as a “trap crop.”
- Planting Tips: Place nasturtiums in between or around cucumber mounds to minimize aphid damage.
2. Tomatoes
- Benefits: The strong scent of nasturtiums helps to repel whiteflies, which are known to damage tomato plants.
- Planting Tips: Set nasturtiums around the base of your tomato plants. They will provide ground cover, keeping soil cool and moist, while also protecting against pests.
3. Cabbage and Other Brassicas (Broccoli, Kale, Brussels Sprouts)
- Benefits: Nasturtiums help to deter cabbage moths and flea beetles, both common pests for the brassica family.
- Planting Tips: Place nasturtiums alongside brassicas in alternating rows or interplant them directly in the same bed to maximize pest control.
4. Radishes
- Benefits: Radishes benefit from the pest-repelling qualities of nasturtiums, especially against aphids.
- Planting Tips: Place nasturtiums at the edges of your radish bed to keep pests at bay.
5. Peppers
- Benefits: Nasturtiums deter aphids and whiteflies, which are common pepper pests.
- Planting Tips: Plant nasturtiums near pepper plants to reduce pest pressure and improve yield.
6. Fruit Trees (Apple, Peach, Pear)
- Benefits: Nasturtiums attract pollinators, which can improve fruit set in trees, while also deterring pests that might damage leaves or young fruits.
- Planting Tips: Grow nasturtiums in a ring around the base of each tree to maximize their benefits without competing for nutrients.
How to Plant Nasturtiums with Companion Plants
Nasturtiums are incredibly easy to grow, and they adapt well to most types of soil. Here are some essential tips to get them started alongside your other plants:
- Choose the Right Location: Nasturtiums prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates. Ensure they are planted in an area where they will receive ample sunlight without crowding other plants.
- Prepare the Soil: They thrive in poor soil, which helps to keep their foliage in check while promoting more blooms. If soil is too rich, nasturtiums will produce more leaves than flowers.
- Direct Sowing: For best results, directly sow nasturtium seeds into the ground or containers. Space them about 10-12 inches apart for bush varieties, and 18-24 inches for vining types.
- Water Wisely: Nasturtiums are relatively drought-tolerant but will benefit from regular watering in dry conditions. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to poor flowering and increased susceptibility to mildew.
- Pruning and Maintenance: Nasturtiums need minimal maintenance but can be pruned to control growth. Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage blooming throughout the season.
- Companion Planting Layout: Place nasturtiums strategically around your plants to maximize pest control. For example, planting a border of nasturtiums around a bed of cucumbers or tomatoes can help shield the entire plot.
Additional Benefits of Nasturtiums in the Garden
Nasturtiums provide a range of benefits beyond pest control. Here’s why they’re an asset to any garden:
- Edible and Nutritious: The leaves, flowers, and seeds of nasturtiums are all edible, adding a peppery flavor to salads, garnishes, and other dishes. They’re rich in Vitamin C, iron, and other essential nutrients.
- Soil Improvement: When nasturtiums die back at the end of the season, they release nutrients back into the soil, which can help improve its fertility.
- Pollinator Attraction: Their vibrant colors attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, boosting pollination for nearby plants.
Common Questions About Nasturtium Companion Planting
1. Can I plant nasturtiums with beans or peas?
Yes, nasturtiums work well with beans and peas, especially since they help deter aphids and add nitrogen back into the soil as they decompose.
2. How close should nasturtiums be to other plants?
Plant nasturtiums within 1-2 feet of companion plants to maximize pest deterrence and other benefits without causing competition.
3. Do nasturtiums attract pests that could harm other plants?
While nasturtiums do attract pests like aphids, they usually serve as a decoy, keeping these pests away from other more vulnerable plants.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overwatering: Nasturtiums do not like overly wet soil. Be careful with your watering schedule to prevent root rot.
- Over-Fertilizing: These plants thrive in less fertile soil. Too much nitrogen will encourage foliage growth over flowers.
- Poor Sunlight Placement: Nasturtiums prefer full sun, though partial shade is tolerable. A lack of sunlight can lead to weak, leggy growth.
- Spacing Errors: Make sure to provide enough space between nasturtiums and other plants to avoid overcrowding, especially for vining varieties.
Growing Nasturtiums in Containers
If space is a concern, consider growing nasturtiums in containers. This allows you to move them around your garden as needed and place them in areas where pest pressure is high. Choose a pot with good drainage, use soil that isn’t too rich, and water moderately. Container-grown nasturtiums can serve as mobile pest deterrents, making them an excellent addition to small and large gardens alike.
Closing Thoughts
Nasturtiums are more than just pretty flowers; they’re hardworking, versatile plants that offer numerous benefits in the garden. Whether you’re looking to improve soil health, attract pollinators, deter pests, or simply add vibrant colors to your space, nasturtiums make an invaluable companion to many popular garden plants. By carefully placing them alongside cucumbers, tomatoes, brassicas, and even fruit trees, you can create a more resilient, productive, and beautiful garden.
Try companion planting with nasturtiums this season, and experience firsthand the positive impact they can have on your garden!
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