Garden Companion Flowers: The Perfect Blooms to Pair with Your Plants

Oleh Anonymous May 26, 2023 Post a Comment

Table of Contents

When it comes to gardening, choosing the right plants to grow is important. But did you know that some flowers can actually help your garden thrive? Known as companion flowers, these blooms work alongside your plants to promote growth and repel pests. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the best garden companion flowers and how they can benefit your garden.

The Benefits of Garden Companion Flowers

Companion flowers are more than just pretty additions to your garden. They actually serve a purpose in helping your plants grow and thrive. Some benefits of companion flowers include:

Pest Control

Certain companion flowers are known to repel pests that can damage your plants. For example, marigolds are a common companion flower that repels nematodes, aphids, and other harmful insects.

Pollination

Bees and other pollinators play an important role in plant growth. Companion flowers like lavender and salvia can attract these beneficial insects to your garden, increasing pollination rates and improving overall plant health.

Soil Health

Some companion flowers have deep root systems that can help improve soil health by breaking up compacted soil and adding nutrients. For example, comfrey is a popular companion flower that is rich in nitrogen and can be used to make a natural fertilizer.

The Best Garden Companion Flowers

Now that you know some of the benefits of companion flowers, let's take a look at some of the best options for your garden:

Marigolds

As mentioned earlier, marigolds are great for pest control. They also have a long blooming season and come in a variety of colors.

Lavender

Lavender is not only beautiful but also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden. It's also known for its calming scent, making it a great addition to any outdoor space.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are easy to grow and add a pop of color to your garden. They're also edible and can be used in salads or as a garnish.

Borage

Borage has pretty blue flowers that attract pollinators and repel pests like tomato hornworms. The leaves are also edible and can be used in salads or as a tea.

Comfrey

As mentioned earlier, comfrey is great for improving soil health. It also has pretty purple flowers and can be used to make a natural fertilizer.

How to Incorporate Companion Flowers into Your Garden

Now that you know some of the best companion flowers to grow, how do you incorporate them into your garden? Here are some tips:

Plant Them Among Your Vegetables

Companion flowers work best when planted alongside your vegetables. For example, you could plant marigolds around your tomato plants to repel pests.

Create a Border

Another option is to create a border around your garden using companion flowers. This not only adds visual interest but also helps with pest control and pollination.

Grow Them in Containers

If you don't have a lot of garden space, you can still grow companion flowers in containers. This works especially well for flowers like nasturtiums and borage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can companion flowers be grown in pots?

A: Yes, many companion flowers can be grown in pots. This is a great option if you don't have a lot of garden space.

Q: How do companion flowers repel pests?

A: Companion flowers emit compounds that are unattractive to pests. For example, marigolds release a chemical called alpha-terthienyl that repels nematodes and other harmful insects.

Q: Are all companion flowers edible?

A: No, not all companion flowers are edible. Always check before consuming any flower, as some can be toxic.

Q: How do I know which companion flowers to grow with my vegetables?

A: Research which companion flowers work best with your specific vegetables. For example, marigolds are great for tomatoes, while borage is good for squash.

Q: Do companion flowers require any special care?

A: Companion flowers generally require the same care as any other plant. However, it's important to research each flower's specific needs before planting.

Incorporating companion flowers into your garden is a great way to promote growth and repel pests. Whether you're planting marigolds to keep nematodes at bay or growing lavender to attract pollinators, these blooms are a beautiful and useful addition to any outdoor space.