The Benefits of Growing Nasturtium Companion Plants

Oleh Anonymous November 16, 2022 Post a Comment

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When it comes to gardening, many people focus on growing plants that are aesthetically pleasing or have a high yield. However, what many gardeners may not know is that certain plants can actually benefit others when grown together. One such plant is nasturtium, which has been found to make an excellent companion plant for a variety of crops. In this article, we will explore the benefits of growing nasturtium as a companion plant and how it can enhance your garden.

What are Nasturtiums?

Nasturtiums are annual plants that belong to the Tropaeolum genus. They are native to South America but are now found all over the world. Nasturtiums are known for their brightly colored flowers, which come in shades of orange, yellow, and red. They also have round leaves and can grow up to six feet tall. Nasturtiums are easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of soil types.

Benefits of Nasturtium Companion Plants

Nasturtiums offer several benefits when used as companion plants. Here are some of the most significant advantages:

Natural Pest Control

One of the most significant benefits of growing nasturtiums as companion plants is that they act as natural pest repellents. Nasturtiums exude a chemical called benzyl isothiocyanate, which deters pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. This means that if you plant nasturtiums near other crops, the pests will be less likely to damage them.

Improved Soil Health

Nasturtiums have a shallow root system that helps to break up compacted soil. This allows air and water to penetrate more easily, which can improve soil health. Additionally, when nasturtiums die back at the end of the season, they add organic matter to the soil, which can improve soil fertility.

Attract Beneficial Insects

In addition to repelling harmful insects, nasturtiums also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies. These insects are natural predators of many garden pests and can help to keep pest populations under control. By planting nasturtiums as companion plants, you can encourage these beneficial insects to visit your garden.

Improved Taste and Yield

Some gardeners believe that growing nasturtiums with other crops can improve the taste and yield of those crops. While there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, many gardeners have reported better results when using nasturtiums as companion plants.

How to Plant Nasturtiums

Now that you know the benefits of growing nasturtiums as companion plants let's talk about how to plant them. Here are some tips to get you ed:

Choose a Sunny Location

Nasturtiums prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Make sure to choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight throughout the day.

Prepare the Soil

Nasturtiums prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, consider adding compost or other organic matter to improve its texture.

Sow Seeds Directly

Nasturtiums are easy to grow from seed and should be sown directly into the soil. Plant the seeds about Â½ inch deep and 10 to 12 inches apart.

Water Regularly

Nasturtiums prefer moist soil but can tolerate some drought. Water them regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.

Companion Plants for Nasturtiums

Now that you know how to plant nasturtiums let's talk about which plants make the best companions. Here are some crops that benefit from growing alongside nasturtiums:

Tomatoes

Tomatoes and nasturtiums make excellent companions. The nasturtiums help to repel whiteflies and other pests that can damage tomato plants. Additionally, the shallow root system of nasturtiums doesn't compete with the deeper roots of tomato plants for nutrients.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers and nasturtiums are another great pairing. The nasturtiums help to repel cucumber beetles, which can be a significant problem for cucumbers. Additionally, the bright flowers of nasturtiums can attract pollinators like bees, which can help to increase cucumber yields.

Squash

Squash and nasturtiums also make good companions. The nasturtiums help to repel squash bugs and other pests that can damage squash plants. Additionally, the shallow root system of nasturtiums doesn't compete with the deeper roots of squash plants for nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are nasturtiums easy to grow?

A: Yes, nasturtiums are easy to grow from seed and don't require much maintenance.

Q: Do nasturtiums attract bees?

A: Yes, nasturtiums can attract bees and other pollinators to your garden.

Q: Can you eat nasturtiums?

A: Yes, all parts of the nasturtium plant are edible and have a peppery flavor. The flowers and leaves are often used in salads.

Q: How tall do nasturtiums grow?

A: Nasturtiums can grow up to six feet tall, but most varieties stay around two to three feet tall.

Q: Do nasturtiums prefer shade or sun?

A: Nasturtiums prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

Growing nasturtiums as companion plants can provide several benefits for your garden, from natural pest control to improved soil health. By planting nasturtiums alongside other crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash, you can create a healthier, more productive garden. So why not give it a try and see the difference for yourself?

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For example, nasturtiums are often used as companion plants for vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers because they attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, which can help control pests that might otherwise damage these crops. Additionally, nasturtiums are known to repel certain pests, such as aphids and whiteflies, which can be harmful to many types of plants.

Another angle you could take is to share some tips for how to successfully grow nasturtiums and use them as companion plants. For instance, you might suggest planting nasturtiums in well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight, spacing them out evenly around other plants, and avoiding over-watering or fertilizing them.

Finally, you could also explore the culinary uses of nasturtiums, which are not only beautiful but also edible. The flowers and leaves have a slightly peppery taste and can be used in salads, sandwiches, and even as a garnish for cocktails.

I hope these ideas help get you ed on your blog post about nasturtium companions. Let me know if you have any other questions or if there's anything else I can do to assist you. Hello there! How can I assist you today?