Companion planting for nasturtiums is an experience-based observation developed over centuries. People have noticed that planting certain plants side by side has a positive effect on each other, increasing the quality and quantity of the harvest.
Companion planting is not set in stone and it is the least you can do for your plants. You can get the right care from the individual plant article. You can see the companion and the enemy plants of nasturtiums below.
| Companion plants for nasturtiums | Enemy plants of nasturtiums |
|---|---|
| Carrot | Potato |
| Marigold | Zucchini |
| Beans | |
| Radish | |
| Cabbage | |
| Celery | |
| Cucumber | |
| Turnip | |
| Kale | |
| Bok Choy | |
| Broccoli | |
| Cauliflower |
Why does companion planting work?
Companion planting works due to several interconnected factors:
Pest Control: Certain plants emit natural chemicals or scents that repel pests, effectively acting as natural pest deterrents for nearby plants. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fosters a more balanced ecosystem.
Attracting Beneficial Insects: Some companion plants attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, which feed on common garden pests. This creates a natural form of pest control and helps maintain ecological balance.
Soil Improvement: Different plants have varying root structures and nutrient requirements. Companion planting can enhance soil health by reducing soil erosion, suppressing weeds, and improving nutrient uptake. For example, leguminous plants fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting neighboring plants that require nitrogen for growth.
Competition Reduction: Companion planting can help reduce competition for resources such as water, sunlight, and nutrients by utilizing plants with complementary growth patterns and root structures. This allows for more efficient resource utilization and healthier plant growth.
Biodiversity and Resilience: Planting diverse species together increases biodiversity in the garden, which can enhance ecosystem resilience. A diverse ecosystem is better equipped to withstand pests, diseases, and environmental stresses compared to monocultures.
Maximizing Space: Companion planting allows gardeners to make the most of limited space by intercropping plants with different growth habits and maturity rates. This maximizes yield per square foot and promotes efficient land use.
Overall, companion planting capitalizes on the natural synergies between plant species, creating a thriving and sustainable garden ecosystem.
What are the companion plants of nasturtiums?
The following plants have positive effects on the growth of your nasturtiums. These plants can repel pests that damage your plants. These plants provide increased nutrition to the soil that your plants can use. Therefore, we recommend planting these plants next to your nasturtiums.
Carrot
Carrots thrives in well-drained, loose soil enriched with organic matter. Adequate moisture and sunlight support robust root growth and vibrant foliage. Carrots offer general benefits to neighboring plants by improving soil structure with their deep taproots, enhancing soil aeration, and creating pathways for water and nutrients to reach other plant roots.
Carrots loosen up the soil with their long, deep roots, making it easier for nasturtiums to spread out and grow happily. Plus, they help keep the ground from getting too compact, so water and nutrients can reach every part of the garden.
Marigold
Marigold flourishes in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture its colorful flowers and aromatic foliage. Marigold provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Marigolds are like a security team for nasturtiums, driving away harmful bugs such as cabbage worms, thrips, squash bugs, whiteflies and keeping the soil healthy. With marigolds nearby, nasturtiums can focus on growing big and beautiful without having to battle as many pests.
Beans
Beans are thriving in well-drained soil and basking in ample sunlight, these leguminous wonders enrich the soil with nitrogen, enhancing the vitality of their botanical companions. As stalwart providers of sustenance and greenery, beans epitomize the essence of garden bounty and vitality.
Beans help create a shady, moist environment that nasturtiums love. They also improve the soil, making sure nasturtiums get all the nutrients they need to flourish.
Radish
Radishes thrive in loose soil with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.0, they embody adaptability and zest. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their rapid growth and vibrant foliage. Radishes provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by breaking up compacted soil, improving soil aeration, and suppressing pest populations.
Radishes are great at luring away pests such as Cutworms. Flea beetles. and Aphids that might otherwise hurt nasturtiums. They keep pests busy so that nasturtiums can grow without worry.
Cabbage
Cabbage thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained soil enriched with compost, it adapts to pH levels ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. Adequate moisture and sunlight foster robust growth and ample foliage. Belonging to the Brassicaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like kale and Brussels sprouts, cabbage epitomizes the culinary versatility and natural elegance found within the garden's domain.
Cabbage and nasturtiums make great neighbors! Cabbage has big, leafy growth that provides shade, keeping the soil cool and moist—just the way nasturtiums like it.
Celery
Celery flourishes in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil infused with organic matter. Consistent moisture and sunlight support robust growth and vibrant foliage. Celery contributes to the overall health of neighboring plants by improving soil structure, enhancing water retention, and fostering beneficial microbial activity. Belonging to the Apiaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like parsley and carrots, celery symbolizes the natural vitality and elegance found within the garden's embrace.
Celery gives off a fresh scent that keeps bad bugs away, which means nasturtiums have fewer pests to deal with. A little extra protection never hurts!
Cucumber
Cucumbers thrive in diverse soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, loamy soil enriched with compost, they embody adaptability and freshness. Consistent moisture and sunlight support vigorous vine growth and abundant fruiting. Cucumbers extend general benefits to neighboring plants by shading the soil, conserving moisture, and attracting beneficial insects.
Cucumbers help keep the soil moist and cool, which is just what nasturtiums need to stay happy. Plus, their vines create a nice, natural ground cover that helps prevent weeds from taking over.
Turnip
Turnips, known for their nutritious roots and garden resilience, grow in loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their robust foliage and prolific root development. Turnips provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by improving soil structure, suppressing weed growth, and enriching the soil with nutrients.
Turnips work their magic underground, breaking up hard soil and making it easier for nasturtiums to spread their roots. They also help balance the nutrients in the soil, so nasturtiums have everything they need to thrive.
Kale
Kale, known for its robust leaves and garden vigor, thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Partial shade and consistent moisture nurture its vibrant foliage and sturdy stems. Kale provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by enriching the soil with nutrients, suppressing weeds, and attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
Kale stands tall and strong, creating a bit of shelter from harsh sun or wind. This gives nasturtiums a cozy, protected spot to grow without getting too stressed by the weather.
Bok Choy
Bok choy flourishes in diverse soil conditions, favoring well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. It thrives in partial shade and moderate moisture, displaying lush green leaves and crisp stems. Bok choy enriches the soil, attracts beneficial insects.
Bok choy holds onto moisture in the soil, which nasturtiums love. Its broad leaves also help keep the ground nice and shaded, making sure everything stays cool and comfortable.
Broccoli
Broccoli flourishes in diverse growing conditions. Thriving in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, it adapts to pH levels ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. Adequate moisture and sunlight support vigorous growth and abundant yields. Belonging to the Brassicaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like kale and cabbage, broccoli embodies the natural abundance and beauty found within the garden's embrace.
Broccoli’s big, leafy canopy provides shade, keeping the soil from drying out too fast. That means nasturtiums get to enjoy a nice, damp spot to stretch their roots.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic matter. Adequate moisture and sunlight support vigorous growth and abundant curds. Cauliflower extends benefits to neighboring plants by enhancing soil health, promoting microbial activity, and optimizing nutrient availability. Belonging to the Brassicaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like broccoli and Brussels sprouts, cauliflower epitomizes the lush abundance and natural charm found within the garden's bounty.
Cauliflower keeps the garden balanced, creating a friendly growing environment where nasturtiums can flourish. Its sturdy structure also provides a little extra protection against harsh winds.
What are the enemy plants of nasturtiums?
Planting these plants next to nasturtiums has a huge negative effect on the development of your plant. Growing enemy plants can appeal detrimental insects, change the taste of the grown plant and even consuming all of the nutrients and water from your nasturtiums. Because of these negative effects, we don’t recomment growing the plants below next to your nasturtiums.
Potato
Potatoes grows in loose soil with a pH range between 5.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their lush foliage and tuber development. Potatoes provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by improving soil structure, suppressing weed growth, and adding nutrients to the soil when left to decompose.
Potatoes are great in the garden, but they attract a whole crowd of pests that nasturtiums would rather avoid. Aphids, beetles, and other troublemakers love to feast on both plants, which means nasturtiums end up battling more bugs than they can handle.
Zucchini
Zucchini flourishes in various soil conditions, thriving in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. It embraces full sunlight and consistent moisture, yielding abundant fruits on its sprawling vines. Zucchini enriches the soil, conserves moisture, and contributes to culinary delights with its nutritious fruits.
Zucchini grows fast and takes up a lot of room, spreading its big leaves and vines all over the place. This can crowd out nasturtiums, blocking their sunlight and stealing moisture from the soil. Nasturtiums prefer a little breathing room, and zucchini just doesn’t give them enough space to thrive.
