Companion Planting Sweet Peas: How to Boost Your Garden's Productivity

Oleh Anonymous June 18, 2022 Post a Comment

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Companion planting is a gardening technique that involves planting different plants together to help them grow better. This can be for many reasons, including improving soil quality, repelling pests, and attracting pollinators. In this article, we'll take a closer look at companion planting sweet peas, one of the most popular garden flowers.

What are Sweet Peas?

Definition and Characteristics

Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) are climbing annuals that are known for their fragrant and colorful flowers. They come in a wide range of colors, including pink, purple, red, white, and blue. Sweet peas prefer cool weather and can tolerate light frost. They grow best in full sun and well-draining soil.

Varieties of Sweet Peas

There are many varieties of sweet peas, each with its own unique characteristics. Some popular varieties include 'Cupani', which has deep purple flowers with a white edge, and 'Spencer', which has large, ruffled flowers in a variety of colors. Other popular varieties include 'Old Spice', 'Royal Family', and 'Mammoth'.

Why Companion Plant Sweet Peas?

Benefits of Companion Planting

Companion planting sweet peas can be beneficial for a number of reasons. One of the main benefits is that it can help improve soil quality. Sweet peas are nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they have the ability to take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that can be used by other plants. This can help enrich the soil and provide essential nutrients for other plants in the garden.

Companion planting sweet peas can also help attract pollinators to your garden. The fragrant flowers of sweet peas are attractive to bees and other beneficial insects, which can help pollinate other plants in the garden. Additionally, sweet peas can help repel certain pests, such as aphids and spider mites, which can be harmful to other plants.

Companion Plants for Sweet Peas

Plants That Complement Sweet Peas

When choosing companion plants for sweet peas, it's important to select plants that complement their needs and growth habits. Some good companion plants for sweet peas include:

Nasturtiums: These colorful annuals are known for their edible flowers and leaves. Nasturtiums can help repel certain pests, such as aphids and whiteflies.
Marigolds: These cheerful annuals are easy to grow and can help repel nematodes and other harmful pests.
Lavender: This fragrant herb is attractive to bees and other beneficial insects. It can also help repel moths and other pests.
Chives: These edible herbs are great for adding flavor to dishes. They can also help repel aphids and other pests.

Plants That Should Be Avoided

While there are many plants that can be beneficial for sweet peas, there are also some plants that should be avoided. Some plants that don't do well with sweet peas include:

Onions and garlic: These plants can inhibit the growth of sweet peas and should be planted separately.
Fennel: This herb can attract aphids and other pests to your garden, which can be harmful to sweet peas and other plants.
Cabbage family: Plants in the cabbage family, such as broccoli and cauliflower, can attract caterpillars and other pests that can be harmful to sweet peas.

How to Companion Plant Sweet Peas

Planting Sweet Peas

When planting sweet peas, it's important to choose a location that gets full sun and has well-draining soil. Sweet peas can be ed from seed indoors in late winter or early spring, or sown directly into the garden in early spring. They should be planted about 1 inch deep and spaced about 6 inches apart.

Choosing Companion Plants

When choosing companion plants for sweet peas, it's important to consider their growth habits and needs. For example, tall plants like sunflowers and corn can provide support for climbing sweet peas. Plants that have similar soil and water requirements, such as marigolds and lavender, can also be good companions for sweet peas.

Planting Companion Plants

Companion plants should be planted around the same time as sweet peas. They should be spaced far enough away from sweet peas to avoid competing for resources, but close enough to provide the desired benefits. For example, marigolds can be planted in a border around sweet peas, while nasturtiums can be planted closer together to help repel pests.

Caring for Companion Planted Sweet Peas

Watering and Fertilizing

Sweet peas should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells. They prefer moist soil but can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Sweet peas also benefit from regular fertilization, especially with a high-phosphorus fertilizer that can encourage flower production.

Pest and Disease Control

Sweet peas can be susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Companion planting with plants like nasturtiums and marigolds can help repel some of these pests. Additionally, it's important to keep the area around sweet peas clean and free of debris to prevent the spread of disease.

Harvesting and Saving Seeds

Harvesting Sweet Peas

Sweet peas can be harvested when they are fully open and at their peak of fragrance. The flowers should be cut early in the morning, before the heat of the day, and placed in a vase with fresh water. Sweet peas can continue to produce flowers throughout the growing season with regular harvesting.

Saving Sweet Pea Seeds

To save sweet pea seeds, allow the pods to dry on the plant until they turn brown and begin to crack open. Harvest the pods and remove the seeds from the dried pods. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until you're ready to plant them again next year.

Companion planting sweet peas can be a great way to boost your garden's productivity and create a beautiful, fragrant space. By choosing the right companion plants and caring for your sweet peas properly, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of flowers throughout the growing season.

FAQs

Q: Can sweet peas grow in containers?

A: Yes, sweet peas can be grown in containers as long as they have enough room to climb and are provided with regular water and fertilizer.

Q: Do sweet peas attract bees?

A: Yes, sweet peas are attractive to bees and other beneficial insects, which can help pollinate other plants in your garden.

Q: How often should I fertilize my sweet peas?

A: Sweet peas benefit from regular fertilization, especially with a high-phosphorus fertilizer that can encourage flower production. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.

Q: What is the best time to plant sweet peas?

A: Sweet peas can be ed from seed indoors in late winter or early spring, or sown directly into the garden in early spring.

Q: Can I eat sweet peas?

A: While sweet peas are edible, they should not be eaten raw as they contain toxins that can cause illness. Only the seeds of sweet peas should be consumed, and only after they have been properly prepared.