Fruits and vegetables have been classified according to their botanical and culinary view. People are conditioned to keep in mind the common practice of placing flowers and vegetables separated from the garden. If you are the type to follow this tradition, it is now time to re-think that idea. Professional growers are now welcoming the option of combining both in a garden.
Still, others find the idea of combining vegetables and flowers a little off-putting because they do not go together, aesthetically speaking. Or so we thought. Growers have already supported companion planting as this can be beneficial for both plants.
They have devised a way to co-exist in the same environment without compromising their quality and aesthetics. What is even more impressive is that companion planting is very much beneficial for making a garden healthy. Here are the following flowers that are perfect for growing side by side with your vegetables:
Nasturtiums
These flowers can get along well with other plants, especially vegetables. Aside from its value as plants with edible leaves and flowers, nasturtiums are companion plants to certain vegetables like broccoli, potatoes, kale, cabbage, cauliflower, and squash. It can repel pests that may attack some plants. It is especially great with vegetables from the Cabbage family.
Growers would use them as trap crops or decoy plants for aphids which are known to prefer nasturtiums over the leaves of vegetables. Some claim that aphids have a particular affinity to the yellow blooms of nasturtiums. Another benefit that nasturtiums can provide is that they can serve as living carpets and prevent the growth of weeds.
Geranium
Geranium is a beautiful flowering plant that is immensely popular among gardeners. The fact that it is extremely low maintenance could have contributed to its popularity. It is pretty versatile and can adapt to any condition.
They can also be placed in a flower bed, in a container, or can serve as hanging ornaments. As a bonus, geraniums are also suitable as a companion plant. Vegetable garden owners have found a significant ally in repelling pests from their gardens. Scented geraniums, in particular, are said to repel insects such as spider mites, leafhoppers, and cotton aphids. If you have problems like this in your garden, then it would be beneficial to plant geraniums.
Dahlia
Dahlias are known to be a favorite because they are easy to grow and inexpensive. Its bushes, abundant with blooms, provide a beautiful backdrop for any garden. It is also great as a companion plant for your vegetable garden because it protects the vegetables from destructive insects and pests. It would be nice to also add dahlias to yard for late summer color.
Cosmos
Cosmos is another excellent flower to add to your garden. It can serve as a pollinator and attract predatory insects that keep aphids and other pests at bay. Certain varieties of this flower, such as the Cosmos Orange, can attract green lacewings, a predatory insect that feeds on aphids and other soft-bodied pests.
Russian Comfrey
Russian is more of an herb than a flowering plant. It has broad leaves and produces flowers that are not often used as an ornament. It grows pretty quickly in zones 4-9 and is described as a ‘dynamic accumulator.’ Many have frequently claimed that it contains certain nutrients more than any other average plant. It has high levels of phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen.
Numerous websites have claimed that it is suitable for providing nutrients in compost and can make plants grow healthier, making it an excellent companion plant for vegetables. In other words, it is a source of fertilizer for other growing plants.
Petunia
Interspersing your garden with petunia plants is helpful because it can attract beneficial insects. Their scent can entice pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and moths. This is in addition to providing you with a lovely view of your garden.
Sweet Alyssum
These low-growing plants are perfect as borders for gardens. They look nice because of the cluster of flowers that it produces when in bloom. It comes in different colors of purple, white, pink, yellow, and salmon. These arrays of colors provide incredible eye candy for gardeners and admirers alike.
Although tolerant of many types of soil, it prefers well-drained soil with adequate moisture. It can attract beneficial insects such as predatory wasps, which prey on pests that may attack other plants. Growers have advised that these sweet-smelling flowers are good alongside potatoes.
Zinnia
This flower grows in a variety of colors and kinds. You can choose from low-growing ones and from the taller variety that often grace many a garden. However, take note that the tall ones are more attractive for pollinators. Varieties such as Whirligig are captivating for butterflies.
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