Nasturtiums are versatile plants that can serve multiple purposes in your garden. You can grow them for their edible flowers and leaves, or simply enjoy them as pollinator-friendly ornamentals. By choosing the right companion plants for nasturtiums, you can also effectively deter common garden pests such as squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and aphids.
If you’re looking to naturally control garden pests, consider companion planting nasturtiums with a variety of vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Here are some suggestions:
Brassicas:
Placing nasturtiums near brassicas like broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale can attract predatory insects that help control pests such as cabbage loopers and cabbageworms. Nasturtiums have low calcium needs, reducing competition for nutrients in the soil.
Cucumbers:
Nasturtiums emit a peppery fragrance that naturally deters cucumber beetles, making them a great companion for cucumbers. You can even grow trailing nasturtiums beneath trellised cucumbers to act as a weed-suppressing living mulch.
Melons:
Nasturtiums not only help suppress weeds and control pests on melon vines but also attract pollinators to melon flowers, leading to a larger fruit harvest. Mounding nasturtiums are ideal for smaller gardens due to their compact growth habit.
Marigolds:
Pairing marigolds with nasturtiums near vulnerable vegetables can enhance your garden’s pest resistance. These two plants deter different pests and attract beneficial insects and pollinators.
Pumpkins and Squash:
Nasturtiums are excellent companions for pumpkins, zucchini, and squash, as they deter squash bugs without competing for nutrients or light. Their minimal fertilizer needs and versatility in growth make them a valuable addition to your garden.
Tomatoes:
Growing nasturtiums near tomatoes can result in a bigger harvest by attracting pollinators, deterring pests, and suppressing weeds. Both plants share similar care requirements and thrive in sunny, well-draining conditions.
Lettuce:
Use nasturtiums as a trap crop to lure pests away from lettuce and other vulnerable vegetables. They can also be planted as a living mulch to help control aphid issues and enhance the overall health of your garden.
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Enhance soil fertility and prevent lettuce beds from drying out too quickly by incorporating edible nasturtium leaves for a peppery kick or using nasturtium flowers as vibrant salad garnishes. When planting alongside big, leafy asparagus plants, consider adding trailing nasturtiums to benefit from their ability to thrive in light shade and deter asparagus beetles. These spreading stems can also help reduce weed growth and protect the soil from harsh weather conditions. To ward off carrot flies that may harm your carrot plants, companion plant with nasturtiums, keeping in mind that nasturtiums may need to be started indoors in spring before transplanting outside for optimal growth. Combat Colorado potato beetles that can damage potato leaves by utilizing nasturtiums as a natural control method, while also leveraging trailing nasturtiums to maintain weed-free potato beds.
