Hello, fellow gardeners! My name is Laura and I work for Meadowlark Journal. Today I’m really excited to talk about what I know about planting nasturtiums with other plants. When put with the right plants, these bright flowers are more than just pretty faces—they’re garden superheroes!
Why Should You Care About Nasturtium Companion Planting?
What a surprise it was when I first started growing nasturtiums—they turned out to be the secret weapon in my garden! These bright bloomers are like good neighbors for plants—they get along with many others and even help them grow.
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
I learned the hard way that nasturtiums don’t get along with everything. 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
It’s not hard to plant nasturtiums with other plants, but it can make a big difference in your garden. They’re like your friendly neighbors who watch over your property while you’re away, but they do it for your vegetables!
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 types look beautiful when mixed with herbs like chives and parsley, making a mix of flowers and greens that can be eaten.
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.
Putting pests in your garden might not seem like a good idea, but the aphids will be drawn to the nasturtiums and away from your other plants.
This makes nasturtiums an excellent trap crop.
Once the aphids are on the nasturtiums, you can either get rid of and destroy the plants that are infected or treat them specifically for aphids. This will lower the number of aphids in your garden without hurting any other plants.
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.