Companion Planting

Companion Planting with Nasturtium| Nasturtium Companion Plants

Companion Planting with Nasturtium is a beneficial process that helps gardeners greatly by repelling nasty pests.

Companion Planting with Nasturtium offers a number of benefits. These beautiful flowers are not just eye-catching but also possess pest-repelling properties, making them great companion plants in the garden.

Read: Arugula Companion Plants


Nasturtiums

Companion Planting with Nasturtium 1

Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) displays beautiful, bold, colorful blooms that range from warm yellows to fiery oranges and reds. They also serve multiple purposes in the garden. These annual plants are popular for their easy planting, versatility, companion planting, and ability to attract beneficial insects.


Companion Planting with Nasturtium (Benefits)

1. Pest Repellent Abilities

Nasturtiums act as natural pest repellents. The pungent aroma confuses and deters certain harmful insects like aphids, whiteflies, and squash bugs. Planting nasturtiums near susceptible crops can help protect them from these unwanted visitors. Companion planting with nasturtium also reduces the need for chemical pesticides.

2. Trap Cropping

Nasturtiums can work as trap crops. They distract pests away from more susceptible plants. In this way, they attract pests like aphids, drawing them away from your main crops. For better results, regularly inspect nasturtiums for pests and remove them manually.

3. Companion to Crops

Certain crops benefit from the presence of nasturtiums. For example, planting nasturtiums near cucumbers and squash can prevent cucumber beetles and squash bugs. They also work well with tomatoes and provide a natural deterrent against whiteflies and aphids.

4. Improve Soil Health

Nasturtiums have shallow roots that help improve soil structure. Their presence can prevent soil erosion, act as a living mulch, and reduce weed growth. When nasturtiums die back, they contribute organic matter to the soil and enrich it with nutrients for future plantings.

Read: Endive Companion Plants

How to Include Nasturtiums in Companion Planting

Placement

Strategically grow nasturtiums throughout your garden, especially near susceptible crops. Consider planting them as borders or intermingling them with other plants.

Container Planting

Growing Nasturtiums in containers makes them suitable for balcony or patio gardens. Pair them with herbs like basil or mint to create a colorful and functional container garden.

Interplanting

Plant nasturtiums between rows of vegetables or herbs. It will maximize their pest-repelling benefits and add a burst of color to your garden.


Good Companion Plants for Nasturtium

yellow flower 2

1. Tomatoes

Nasturtiums help deter aphids, which are common pests for tomatoes. They act as a protective barrier, reducing the chances of aphids damaging your tomato plants. Read about Tomato Companion Plants.

2. Cucumbers and Squash

These blooms are effective at repelling cucumber beetles and squash bugs, which are known to harm cucumber and squash plants. Planting nasturtiums nearby can help protect these crops naturally.

3. Radishes

The colorful blooms of Nasturtiums may help deter flea beetles, which can be a problem for radishes. By planting them together, you create a less inviting environment for these pesky beetles.

4. Herbs (like Rosemary, Mint, and Basil)

Nasturtiums can provide a colorful and protective border around herb gardens. Their presence helps repel certain pests and create a more pleasant environment for both herbs and nasturtiums.

5. Roses

You can protect roses from the attack of aphids by planting nasturtium nearby, especially the yellow ones.

6. Brassicas (Cabbage, Kale, broccoli)

Nasturtium attracts cabbage moths and saves the brassics like broccoli, kale, and cabbage.

7. Potatoes

The pretty flowers entice ladybugs, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps that assist in keeping hungry bugs away from potato leaves.

TIP: Use pesticides or insecticidal soap to repel aphids on nasturtiums as they protect your vegetables and other plants.

Read: Black Walnut Companion Plants


Bad Companion Plants for Nasturtium

Lavender, Rosemary, and Sage

These herbs prefer well-draining soil, while nasturtiums favor a bit more moisture. Planting them together might create an imbalance in water needs and impact the health of one or both plants.

 

Meet Shaz Holms, a passionate gardening enthusiast and Arizona arborist. With 15 years of experience, he not only owns a thriving nursery but has also penned numerous insightful articles on gardening. His green thumb and writing prowess combine to create bountiful content for all plant lovers.

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