Are you ready to invite the bright, cheerful blossoms of nasturtiums into your garden? With their vibrant colors and peppery taste, nasturtiums are a delightful addition to any green space. But did you know that who your nasturtiums share their pot or plot with can have a big impact on their growth? Let’s embark on a journey to explore the world of companion planting and find out which plants make good roommates for your nasturtiums and which ones are better kept apart.
- Variety: Jewel Mixed Nasturtium, scientifically known as Tropaeolum nanum, is a compact variety of nasturtium, ideal for small gardens, containers, or borders.
- Appearance: This variety features vibrant, jewel-like flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, and sometimes mahogany. The flowers are slightly smaller than those of T. majus but are just as striking.
- Growth Habit: Tropaeolum nanum grows in a bushy, dwarf form, typically reaching only about 12-18 inches in height, making it excellent for ground cover or in pots where space is limited.
- Edibility and Uses: Both the flowers and leaves are edible, often used to add color and a peppery flavor to salads. They are also rich in vitamin C and can be used for their ornamental purpose in culinary dishes.
- Quality: All Nasturtium seeds packaged by Seed Needs are intended for the current and the following growing seasons. All seeds are stored in a temperature controlled facility that is free of significant amounts of moisture.
Companion Planting
Companion planting is a lot like finding a good roommate. Just like humans, plants can have buddies they love to be around, and others… not so much. The idea behind companion planting is to pair up plants that help each other out. Some plants might help each other by deterring pests, improving soil health, or creating a microclimate that benefits their neighbors.
However, some plants can have the opposite effect, hindering each other’s growth or attracting pests. That’s why it’s essential to know who gets along with who in the plant world. In the case of our friend, the nasturtium, there are certain plants that it simply doesn’t play well with. And that’s what we’ll explore in the next sections. So, buckle up, fellow green thumbs, we’ve got some gardening detective work to do!
Benefits of Nasturtiums in the Garden
Now let’s take a moment to appreciate our superstar, the nasturtium. These beautiful, easy-to-grow plants are a big hit in many gardens, and not just because of their good looks! Did you know that nasturtiums are great at playing defense against some unwanted garden guests? They can help keep away a bunch of nasty pests, like aphids, whiteflies, and even some types of beetles. Nasturtiums also have a knack for improving the health and flavor of certain vegetables and fruits. Plus, they’re edible and can spice up a salad or garnish a dish with a pop of color!
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Plants to Avoid Planting with Nasturtiums
Even with all the benefits nasturtiums bring, there are a few plants that aren’t exactly on their buddy list.
- Brassicas – First up are the brassicas. This plant family includes broccoli, cabbage, kale, and cauliflower. Nasturtiums and brassicas don’t mesh well because they compete for similar nutrients, which can leave both plants feeling a bit under the weather.
- Potatoes – Another plant to steer clear of when planting nasturtiums is potatoes. The bright blossoms of nasturtiums are a beacon for Colorado potato beetles, which can cause a real mess for your spuds.
- Cucumbers and Zucchinis – Lastly, it’s best to keep nasturtiums away from cucumbers and zucchinis. These plants prefer a drier environment, and the high moisture requirement of nasturtiums can lead to fungal issues in your cucumbers and zucchinis.
Knowing who not to plant with your nasturtiums can save you a lot of time and frustration in the long run. So, make sure to consider these tips when planning your garden to help all your plants thrive!
Tips for Planting Nasturtiums
Planting nasturtiums is as fun as it sounds. These bright, cheerful flowers are pretty forgiving, and they can thrive even if you’re a beginner gardener. Here are a few simple tips to make sure your nasturtiums are happy and healthy:
- Find a sunny spot – Nasturtiums are sun-lovers. Make sure to choose a location where they will get plenty of sunshine.
- Give them space – While nasturtiums are pretty chill plants, they don’t like to be overcrowded. Leave some space between each plant to let them breathe.
- Drainage is key – Nasturtiums don’t like wet feet. Make sure to plant them in well-draining soil to prevent any water-logging issues.
- Go easy on the fertilizer – A little bit of compost is enough. Too much fertilizer can lead to lots of leaves but few flowers.
Conclusion
Nasturtiums are a wonderful addition to many gardens, with their vibrant colors and pest-repelling properties. However, like all plants, they have their likes and dislikes. By knowing which plants to avoid pairing with your nasturtiums and following a few simple planting tips, you can enjoy a garden filled with happy, flourishing plants. Now that’s a sight to behold!
