Nasturtium companion plants are a beneficial addition in any garden – vertical or traditional. It’s easy to grow and available in a host of varieties from compact to climbing, with solid or variegated leaves. These vibrant and practical plants offer not only a splash of color but also numerous benefits as companion plants that help you create a thriving, beautiful, and sustainable garden.

In this Article

• Understanding the Versatile Nasturtium
  • Ideal Companion Plant
  • Pest Control: Natural Shield
  • Soil Improvement: Garden Nourisher
• Pairing Nasturtiums with Other Plants
  • Creating Synergy in Your Garden
  • What not to plant with Nasturtiums
  • Nasturtiums and Ornamental Plants
• Gardening Tips for Nasturtium Success

This article may contain affiliate links to recommended products for your convenience. Vertical Gardens Hub may earn a small commission from purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Please see our disclaimer to learn more.

Understanding the Versatile Nasturtium

Nasturtiums grow well in containers, add height, and dimension on vertical structures, spread amply as groundcover or when allowed to cascade from window boxes.

An intriguing attribute of nasturtiums are its edible properties. It’s known to be very rich in vitamin C and is believed to have antibiotic and healing properties. It’s often added to salads, soup, and desserts to enjoy.

Ideal Companion Plant

Nasturtiums are a true gem in the world of companion plants, and their presence can elevate the entire gardening experience. They provide many benefits to other plants including attracting pollinators and beneficial insects as well as fighting common pests. It can also amplify the overall flavor of many vegetables

Also Read:

• Companion Planting: A Green Thumb Guide
• Vertical Gardening Plants: A Practical Guide

Pest Control: Natural Shield

One of the standout features of nasturtiums is their ability to act as natural pest repellents – they are the perfect sacrificial plant – meaning they’ll deter pests away from your more valuable flowers and crops. Their leaves and flowers emit a distinct peppery aroma that deters a range of common garden pests. Aphids, whiteflies, carrot flies and cucumber beetles are less likely to infest your garden when nasturtiums are present.

Soil Improvement: Garden Nourisher

These versatile plants are more than just a pretty face; they also contribute to soil health. When nasturtiums decompose, they enrich the soil with essential nutrients. Additionally, their sprawling growth pattern acts as a natural blanket over the soil, preventing soil erosion and helping maintain soil moisture.

Pairing Nasturtiums with Other Plants

Creating Synergy in Your Garden

To harness the full potential of nasturtiums in your garden, it’s crucial to consider their companions carefully. Figuring out what works well together and learning about how individual plants can bolster each other can significantly improve productivity. You can plant nasturtiums with these plants to keep them healthy, pest-free, and fertile:

• Apples
• Basil
• Beans
• Carrots
• Celery
• Peas
• Peppers
• Pumpkins/Squash
• Radish
• Raspberries
• Spinach
• Tomatoes

What NOT to plant with Nasturtiums

There are a few exceptions of what not to plant next to Nasturtiums. Some herbs with extreme growing requirements don’t thrive alongside Nasturtiums – those are: mint, rosemary, sage, and cilantro.

Other companion plantings include the Brassicas family of plants including broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale. They all compete for the same nutrients which can harm both companion and crop plants.

The colorful blooms of Nasturtiums are a beacon for the Colorado potato beetle which can really damage your potato crop.

Lastly, zucchini and cucumbers prefer a dryer environment than the Nasturtiums. Best to not plant these too close.

Recommended Books

Nasturtiums and Ornamental Plants

How Nasturtiums trail and snake around other plants has been a major draw, making them perfect for borders. Pair that with their long and relatively late bloom time, and you have an excellent foreground for taller flowers.

Some of the many plants that look great when surrounded by Nasturtium include:

• Camella
• Cleome
• Daisy
• Hosta
• Marigold
• Nicotiana
• Snapdragon

As with crop plants, the nasturtium aids your ornamentals by attracting pollinators while simultaneously repelling insect pests.

Gardening Tips for Nasturtium Success

To ensure your nasturtiums thrive in your garden, consider these tips:

• Support Structures: Guide nasturtiums growth with robust trellises and supports. They are enthusiastic climbers, and well-structured support will result in a stunning vertical display.
• Watering: Maintain a consistent watering schedule, especially during hot summer months. Adequate moisture ensures your nasturtiums stay healthy and vibrant.
• Pruning and Deadheading: Regularly prune and deadhead your nasturtium plants to encourage bushier growth and a continuous display of vibrant blossoms.
• Fertilizing: Consider using a balanced liquid fertilizer to provide the necessary nutrients for your nasturtiums to thrive. This additional boost can result in more vigorous growth and more abundant flowers.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating nasturtiums as companion plants in your vertical or traditional garden is a decision you won’t regret. Their pest-repelling properties, stunning aesthetics, culinary versatility, and soil-nourishing capabilities make them indispensable.

FAQs

Q: Can I grow nasturtiums indoors as part of my vertical garden? A: Absolutely! Nasturtiums can thrive indoors with adequate light and care, making them a versatile addition to any space.

Q: Do nasturtiums attract any beneficial insects to my garden? A: Yes, nasturtiums can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which can benefit other plants in your garden by aiding in pollination.

Q: How often should I water my nasturtiums? A: While individual watering needs may vary, it’s generally recommended to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.

Q: Can I use nasturtium leaves and flowers in my cooking? A: Certainly! Nasturtium leaves and flowers are not only edible but also add a delightful peppery flavor to a variety of dishes.

Q: Can I plant nasturtiums from seeds, and when is the best time to do so? A: Yes, nasturtiums can be grown from seeds, and the best time to sow them is typically in the spring after the last frost has passed. This allows them to flourish during the warmer months.