As the winter snow melts away, our gardens start to come back to life, and with them, the promise of a bountiful harvest. But, as we watch our seedlings sprout and our vegetables grow, we must also be aware of the potential threats lurking in the garden. Spring is the time when many animals emerge from hibernation, searching for food, and can be a nightmare for gardeners. Pests can decimate our crops, leaving us wondering how to protect our hard-earned produce.
Meet the Unsung Hero of the Garden: Nasturtium
Nasturtiums are a type of edible flower that make for a peppery addition to salads. But, what makes them truly special is their ability to draw pests away from our crops. According to Jamie Walton, a horticulturist and Instagram influencer @nettlesandpettles, nasturtiums are “loved by many garden pests such as green and black flies and cabbage whites”. This means that by planting nasturtiums nearby, we can create a barrier that keeps these pests at bay.
Why Nasturtiums are the Perfect Solution
- Nasturtiums are easy to care for and grow, making them a great addition to any garden.
- They are a vigorous plant that generally outgrow the onslaught of pests, requiring minimal maintenance.
- Nasturtiums reseed easily, so you only need to grow them from seed once.
The Benefits of Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums offer several benefits to gardeners. Not only do they provide a natural pest control solution, but they also attract beneficial insects like bees. By creating a barrier of nasturtiums around our crops, we can create a balanced ecosystem that promotes healthy plant growth.
How to Grow Nasturtiums
According to Jamie Walton, growing nasturtiums is easy. “Just pop a seed into a pot, water well, and they will germinate in no time.” However, he also emphasizes the importance of using a well-draining soil mix. To ensure this, gardeners can add organic matter like compost, leaf mould, or shredded leaves to their soil.
| Soil Requirements | Organic Matter |
|---|---|
| Well-draining soil mix | Compost, leaf mould, shredded leaves |
Conclusion
In conclusion, nasturtiums are a great solution for gardeners looking to protect their vegetable garden from pests.
