Nasturtiums: the Best Companion Plant for the Garden
Updated: May 30
If you've never grown Nasturtiums before, these trailing flowers are a must-grow in the garden. They have tons of benefits, are edible and low-maintenance, and their seeds are so simple to harvest for the next growing season.
Why should you grow Nasturtiums?
Aside from putting out endless vibrant blooms, Nasturtiums have loads of benefits for the garden.
Pest Control
They are a garden favorite for natural pest control, making them the perfect companion plant for vegetable gardens. They work in two ways: (a) as a trap crop and (b) as a repellent crop.
As a trap crop, they work to attract pests like aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage moths. These pests prefer Nasturtiums to vegetables, so they work great as a tasty distraction to keep your veggies safe from these pests. Make sure you plant them about 3-5 ft away from the vegetables you're trying to protect.
As a companion plant or repelling crop, Nasturtiums repel cucumber beetles, whiteflies, squash bugs, cabbage worms, and cabbage loopers. Just like us, pests can be picky about what they like (and do not like) to snack on. Luckily for us gardeners, lots of these detrimental pests won't get near Nasturtiums, so they make a perfect companion when planting with brassicas (kale, cauliflower, etc.), squash, cucumbers, and melons.
They're Edible!
Not only do they protect your tasty vegetables, but you can actually eat Nasturtiums themselves, too!
Because they are so colorful, they make a gorgeous addition to fresh salads and salsas and as an edible decoration on cakes, side dishes, and cocktails. The leaves have a uniquely peppery taste, and the flower petals are soft, adding a lovely, delicate texture.
Low Maintenance
Nasturtiums can grow in all types of soils and really don't need much attention. They prefer to be in a sunny location with somewhat regular watering, but once established, they are a great low-maintenance flower.
If they begin to get out of control (they can get quite large), just prune them back. Deadheading the flowers will also encourage more blooms, so do not be afraid to give them a little trim now and then.
Easy to Harvest for Next Season
If you've ever grown Nasturtiums, you know how prolific they are when it comes to seed production. Each flower produces three seed pods, meaning each plant puts out dozens and dozens of seeds. That's exactly why you see Nasturtiums pop up everywhere year after year, so don't be surprised if your garden is full of them after your first season of growing!
But, if you don't want surprise Nasturtiums popping up everywhere, simply harvest the seeds and save them to plant next season.
How to Harvest Nasturtium Seeds for Next Season
Harvesting Nasturtium seeds is simple and easy. Follow these steps, and you'll never have to buy Nasturtium seeds again!
Once the Nasturtium plant goes to seed, shake the plant vigorously to release seed pods. Collect all seed pods from the ground (any left in the ground may sprout next season).
Separate all the seed pods from any dirt or debris and lay them in a single layer on a flat surface (I used a plate).
Leave them on the plate to dry completely. The seeds should turn from bright green to light brown and feel crispy/dry to the touch.
Once they are fully dried, store them in a paper bag in a cool, dry location. Save them or give them to family and friends to plant next year!
If you decide to grow nasturtiums, share your favorite ways to use them as a companion plant in the garden or incorporate them into dishes in the kitchen in the comment section below!
As always, happy gardening!
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