Nothing brings a sense of vibrancy and utility to the garden like nasturtiums, the ultimate companion plants.
Whether youre planting in a vegetable garden, amid fruit trees, or even hanging baskets, these colorful flowers not only add aesthetic value but also provide an organic approach to pest control.
So, lets take a closer look at why nasturtiums deserve a dedicated spot in your garden and how to grow them.
Moreover, their unique ability to thrive in poor soil conditions makes them an easy-to-maintain addition to your gardening routine.
Hey there, fellow garden enthusiasts! I’m Laura from Meadowlark Journal, and today I’m super excited to share my experience and knowledge about companion planting with nasturtiums. These vibrant flowers aren’t just pretty faces – they’re actually garden superheroes when paired with the right plants!
Why Should You Care About Nasturtium Companion Planting?
Let me tell ya, when I first started growing nasturtiums, I had no idea they’d become my garden’s secret weapon! These colorful bloomers are like the friendly neighbors of the plant world – they get along with lots of different plants and actually help them thrive
Benefits of Growing Nasturtiums as Companion Plants:
- Natural pest control (they’re like bouncers for your garden!)
- Attract beneficial insects
- Act as ground cover to retain moisture
- Can grow in poor soil (seriously, they’re not picky!)
- Add beautiful pops of color to your veggie garden
Best Companion Plants for Nasturtiums
Vegetables That Love Nasturtiums
-
Tomatoes
- Nasturtiums keep aphids away
- Provide ground cover beneath tomato plants
- Help retain soil moisture
-
Cucumbers & Squash
- Repel cucumber beetles
- Act as a trap crop for squash bugs
- Create beneficial shade for roots
-
Cabbage Family
- Protects against:
- Cabbage worms
- Whiteflies
- Aphids
- Works great with:
- Brussels sprouts
- Kale
- Regular cabbage
- Protects against:
-
Beans
- Excellent pest deterrent
- Helps improve bean growth
- Creates beneficial microclimate
Herbs That Play Nice with Nasturtiums
- Parsley
- Chives
- Basil
- Dill
Plants to Avoid Planting with Nasturtiums
Look, I learned this the hard way – not everything gets along with nasturtiums. Here’s what to keep away:
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Onions
- Rosemary
- Sage
How to Plant Nasturtiums with Companions
Here’s my tried-and-true planting guide:
Spacing Requirements:
Plant Type | Distance from Nasturtiums--------------|------------------------Tomatoes | 12-18 inchesCucumbers | 10-12 inchesCabbage | 10-12 inchesBeans | 8-10 inchesHerbs | 6-8 inchesGrowing Conditions:
-
Sunlight
- Full sun to partial shade
- Morning sun with afternoon shade in hot climates
-
Soil
- Well-draining soil
- Actually prefers poor soil (I know, weird right?)
- Don’t over-fertilize
-
Water
- Regular watering
- Drought tolerant once established
- Avoid overwatering
Tips for Success
-
Planting Time
- Plant in spring after last frost
- Can succession plant throughout season
- Direct sow seeds – they hate being transplanted!
-
Maintenance
- Deadhead spent blooms
- Remove yellowing leaves
- Watch for aphids (they’re sacrificial plants!)
-
Harvesting
- Flowers are edible
- Young leaves taste peppery
- Seeds can be pickled (like capers!)
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem #1: Too Much Growth
Sometimes nasturtiums can get a bit… enthusiastic. If they’re taking over:
- Trim back regularly
- Plant climbing varieties on trellises
- Choose compact varieties for small spaces
Problem #2: Pest Issues
Even though they’re pest-resistant, sometimes things go wrong:
- Wash off aphids with water
- Remove affected leaves
- Don’t panic – they’re doing their job!
My Personal Experience
I gotta tell you about my first year growing nasturtiums with tomatoes – it was like magic! The tomatoes were healthier than ever, and the nasturtiums created this gorgeous carpet of orange and yellow beneath them. Sure, the nasturtiums got some aphids, but that meant my tomatoes didn’t!
Final Thoughts
Listen, companion planting with nasturtiums isn’t rocket science, but it can make a huge difference in your garden. They’re like the friendly neighbors who keep watch over your property while you’re away – except they’re watching over your veggies!
Remember:
- Start small
- Observe what works in your garden
- Don’t be afraid to experiment
- Keep notes for next season
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this guide further? I’d love to hear about your experiences with nasturtium companion planting too!
Happy Gardening!
Note: This article was last updated July 2025. Some information might vary based on your specific climate and growing conditions.
Nasturtiums in Hanging Baskets and With Herbs
What to plant with nasturtiums in hanging baskets?
Their trailing varieties make a vibrant display when combined with herbs like parsley and chives, creating a blend of edible flowers and greens.
However, be cautious about the nasturtium bad companion plants.
For example, planting nasturtiums with onions is generally discouraged due to their incompatible growth patterns and needs.
Here are a few insights:
The Role of Nasturtiums in Pest Control
A significant benefit of nasturtium plants lies in their capacity for pest control.
Their pest management roles are multifaceted, ranging from direct deterrence to acting as a trap crop.
Lets delve deeper into how they can help:
Nasturtiums are well known for their ability to attract aphids.
While it might sound counterproductive to invite pests into your garden, the idea is that the aphids will be drawn to the nasturtiums and away from your other plants.
This makes nasturtiums an excellent trap crop.
Once the aphids have gathered on the nasturtiums, you can remove and destroy the affected plants or treat them specifically for aphids, reducing the overall aphid population in your garden without harming other crops.
In addition to attracting aphids, nasturtiums are also believed to deter a range of other pests.
These include whiteflies, squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and several types of caterpillars.
The strong scent of nasturtiums can act as a repellent, making them a useful plant to position next to crops that are prone to these pests.
Nasturtiums also play a crucial role in attracting beneficial insects to your garden, which can help manage pest populations.
These include predatory insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies, which prey on aphids and other harmful pests.
By providing a habitat for these beneficial insects, nasturtiums can contribute to a balanced and healthy garden ecosystem.
Nasturtiums: The Plant You’re Not Growing (But Should Be)
FAQ
What are the best companion plants for nasturtiums?
Nasturtiums are companions to broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumbers, kale, kohlrabi, pumpkins, radish, squash, tomato, and potato.
What should not be planted near nasturtiums?
“I avoid planting broccoli, kale, and cabbage near nasturtiums because they don’t get along well,” says garden expert Tammy Sons.
Do nasturtiums like to be crowded?
Planting nasturtiums close together can help to shade weeds in garden beds. Besides, you’re recommended to thin seedlings to around 30cm apart after they emerge when sowing seeds directly in the ground.