The Ultimate Guide To Companion Planting With Nasturtium

The Ultimate Guide to Companion Planting with Nasturtium

Nasturtiums are a beautiful and versatile plant that can be grown in a variety of settings. They are also a great companion plant for many other types of plants, offering a number of benefits.

In this guide, we will discuss the benefits of companion planting with nasturtiums, as well as some of the best plants to pair them with. We will also provide some tips on how to plant and care for nasturtiums in your garden.

Benefits of Companion Planting with Nasturtiums

There are many benefits to companion planting with nasturtiums. Some of the most notable benefits include:

• Attracting pollinators: Nasturtiums are a favorite of pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Planting nasturtiums in your garden can help to attract these beneficial insects, which can help to pollinate your other plants.
• Repelling pests: Nasturtiums can also help to repel pests, such as aphids, whiteflies, and squash bugs. These pests are attracted to the scent of nasturtiums, but they are not able to tolerate the plant's sap.
• Improving soil quality: Nasturtiums are a nitrogen-fixing plant, which means that they can help to improve the nitrogen content of the soil. This can benefit other plants in your garden, as nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth.
• Providing ground cover: Nasturtiums can also be used as ground cover, which can help to suppress weeds and retain moisture in the soil.

Best Plants to Pair with Nasturtiums

There are many different plants that can be paired with nasturtiums. Some of the best pairings include:

• Brassicas: Brassicas, such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, are a good choice to pair with nasturtiums. These plants are all susceptible to aphids, and nasturtiums can help to repel these pests.
• Cucurbits: Cucurbits, such as cucumbers, melons, and squash, are another good choice to pair with nasturtiums. These plants are also susceptible to aphids, and nasturtiums can help to repel these pests. Additionally, nasturtiums can help to improve the flavor of cucurbits.
• Legumes: Legumes, such as beans and peas, are a good choice to pair with nasturtiums because they can help to fix nitrogen in the soil. This can benefit both the nasturtiums and the legumes.
• Herbs: Herbs, such as basil, mint, and oregano, are a good choice to pair with nasturtiums because they can help to deter pests. Additionally, the flowers of nasturtiums can be used to make edible salads and garnishes.

How to Plant and Care for Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are relatively easy to plant and care for. They can be planted in full sun or partial shade, and they prefer well-drained soil. Nasturtiums are not heavy feeders, so they do not require a lot of fertilizer.

To plant nasturtiums, simply sow the seeds in the spring about 1/2 inch deep. They will germinate in about 7-10 days. Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them to about 12 inches apart.

Nasturtiums do not require a lot of water, but they should be watered regularly during hot, dry weather. They are also susceptible to powdery mildew, so it is important to water them at the base of the plant to prevent the leaves from getting wet.

Conclusion

Nasturtiums are a beautiful and versatile plant that can be grown in a variety of settings. They are also a great companion plant for many other types of plants, offering a number of benefits.

If you are looking for a way to attract pollinators, repel pests, improve soil quality, or provide ground cover in your garden, then nasturtiums are a great option. With their bright colors and edible flowers, nasturtiums are also a beautiful addition to any garden.

Nasturtiums are beautiful, edible flowers that can add a splash of color to any garden. But did you know that they can also be beneficial to other plants? That's right, nasturtiums are companion plants, which means that they can help to improve the growth and health of other plants in the garden.

Some of the best companion plants for nasturtiums include cucumbers, melons, pumpkins, squash, and zucchini. These plants all benefit from the pest-repelling properties of nasturtiums, and they can also help to improve the flavor of the vegetables.

If you're interested in learning more about nasturtium companion plants, I recommend visiting Gardenia Inspiration. This website has a comprehensive list of companion plants for nasturtiums, as well as information on how to plant and care for these beautiful flowers.

FAQ of nasturtium companion

Question 1: What are the best companion plants for nasturtiums?

Answer: Some of the best companion plants for nasturtiums include:

• Cucurbits: Nasturtiums are a great companion plant for cucumbers, melons, pumpkins, squash, and zucchini. They help to deter aphids, whiteflies, squash bugs, and cucumber beetles. In addition, nasturtium leaves also provide ground cover like a living mulch to keep the soil cool and moist.
• Brassicas: Nasturtiums are also a good companion plant for brassicas, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and kohlrabi. They help to deter aphids, cabbage worms, and cabbage loopers.
• Beans: Nasturtiums can also be planted with beans to help deter aphids and other pests. In addition, the nasturtiums can help to improve the flavor of the beans.
• Marigolds: Marigolds and nasturtiums release chemical signals that repel white flies and attract beneficial insects like ladybugs. This makes them a great combination to plant together.
• Radishes: Radishes are another good companion plant for nasturtiums. They help to improve the drainage of the soil and also help to deter pests.

Question 2: Where do nasturtiums grow best?

Answer: Nasturtiums are a relatively adaptable plant and can grow in a variety of conditions. However, they do best in full sun and well-drained soil. They can also tolerate some shade, but they will not flower as well.

Question 3: What is the best soil mix for nasturtiums?

Answer: The best soil mix for nasturtiums is a well-drained potting mix that is high in organic matter. You can also add a little bit of sand or gravel to the mix to help improve drainage.

Question 4: How do I care for nasturtiums?

Answer: Nasturtiums are relatively easy to care for. They need regular watering, especially during hot weather. You should also fertilize them every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

Question 5: What are some pests and diseases that can affect nasturtiums?

Answer: Nasturtiums are relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can be susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, and powdery mildew. If you see any pests or diseases on your nasturtiums, you can treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Image of nasturtium companion

5 different images of "nasturtium companion" from Pinterest:

1. Basil. Basil is a great companion plant for nasturtiums because it helps to repel pests.
2. Cucumbers. Cucumbers and nasturtiums benefit each other by attracting different pollinators.
3. Marigolds. Marigolds help to deter pests from nasturtiums, and they also add a splash of color to the garden.
4. Potatoes. Potatoes and nasturtiums can be planted together because they have different root systems and do not compete for nutrients.
5. Sunflowers. Sunflowers provide shade for nasturtiums, which helps to protect them from the hot sun.