Companion Flowers for Peas: A Guide to Planting Flowers that Thrive with Peas

Oleh Anonymous August 27, 2021 Post a Comment

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Peas are an excellent addition to any garden. They are easy to grow and produce a bountiful harvest. However, like all plants, peas have their share of pests and diseases. Companion planting is an effective way to prevent pests and diseases from attacking your pea plants. In this article, we will discuss the role of companion flowers in pea gardening and provide you with a comprehensive guide on the best companion flowers to plant with peas.

Why Companion Planting?

Companion planting involves planting different crops together to enhance growth, improve soil fertility, and control pests and diseases. Companion flowers can also increase pollination rates, resulting in higher yields. When peas are grown alongside compatible flowers, they benefit from the nutrients released by the flowers' roots, which improves soil health.

Benefits of Companion Flowers for Peas

Attract Beneficial Insects: Companion flowers attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies. These insects feed on pests and help control pest populations.
Improve Soil Health: Companion flowers release essential nutrients into the soil, improving soil fertility and providing important micronutrients to pea plants.
Increase Pollination Rates: Companion flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which increases the likelihood of successful pollination and higher yields.
Control Pests and Diseases: Companion flowers can repel or confuse pests, making it more difficult for them to find and attack pea plants.

Best Companion Flowers for Peas

Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus)

Nasturtiums are an excellent companion flower for peas. They attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and hoverflies, which feed on pests such as aphids and whiteflies. Nasturtiums also repel aphids, making them an effective natural pest control method. In addition, they improve soil health by releasing essential nutrients into the soil.

How to Plant Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums grow well in full sun or partial shade. They prefer well-draining soil and should be planted after the last frost. Sow seeds directly into the ground, or them indoors 4-6 weeks before planting. Space plants 10-12 inches apart. Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms.

Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)

Another excellent companion flower for peas is marigold. Marigolds repel nematodes, which are microscopic worms that attack pea roots. They also attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which help control pest populations. Marigolds are easy to grow and require little maintenance.

How to Plant Marigolds

Marigolds prefer full sun and well-draining soil. Plant them after the last frost, spacing them 8-10 inches apart. Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms.

Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)

Sweet alyssum is an attractive flowering plant that produces clusters of small white or pink flowers. It attracts beneficial insects such as hoverflies and lacewings, which prey on pests such as aphids and whiteflies. Sweet alyssum also improves soil health by releasing essential nutrients into the soil.

How to Plant Sweet Alyssum

Sweet alyssum prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Plant seeds directly into the ground after the last frost, or them indoors 6-8 weeks before planting. Space plants 6-8 inches apart.

Borage (Borago officinalis)

Borage is an annual flowering herb that produces blue flowers. It attracts bees and other pollinators and repels pests such as tomato hornworms and cabbage worms. Borage also improves soil health by releasing essential nutrients into the soil.

How to Plant Borage

Borage prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Plant seeds directly into the ground after the last frost, or them indoors 4-6 weeks before planting. Space plants 12-18 inches apart.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Calendula is a bright, cheerful flower that attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and hoverflies. It also repels pests such as aphids and whiteflies. Calendula improves soil health by releasing essential nutrients into the soil.

How to Plant Calendula

Calendula prefers full sun or partial shade and well-draining soil. Plant seeds directly into the ground after the last frost, or them indoors 6-8 weeks before planting. Space plants 12-24 inches apart.

FAQs

Q: Can I plant companion flowers in the same row as my peas?

A:

Yes, you can plant companion flowers in the same row as your peas. However, be sure to give each plant enough space to grow and avoid crowding.

Q: Are there any flowers I should avoid planting with peas?

A:

Avoid planting vegetables or flowers from the onion family, such as garlic or chives, with peas. These plants inhibit pea growth and should be planted in a separate area of your garden.

Q: When is the best time to plant companion flowers with peas?

A:

Plant companion flowers at the same time you plant your pea seeds or seedlings. This will ensure that the flowers have enough time to establish themselves before the peas begin to grow.

Q: How many companion flowers should I plant with my peas?

A:

The number of companion flowers you should plant depends on the size of your garden and the amount of space you have available. As a general rule, aim to plant one companion flower for every three pea plants.

Q: Can I use companion flowers to control pests on other vegetables?

A:

Yes, you can use companion flowers to control pests on other vegetables. Many companion flowers repel or confuse pests, making them an effective natural pest control method.

That's it! We hope this guide has been helpful in choosing the right companion flowers for your pea garden. Remember to always follow proper planting techniques and take care of your plants throughout the growing season. Happy gardening!