Growing nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) in your vegetable garden can be a wonderful addition for several reasons. Here are seven great reasons to consider planting nasturtiums:
Natural Pest Control: Nasturtiums act as a natural pest repellent in the vegetable garden. The pungent scent they emit can deter certain insects like aphids, whiteflies, and cucumber beetles. Planting nasturtiums near susceptible crops can help protect them from common garden pests.
Attract Beneficial Insects: While nasturtiums repel some harmful insects, they also attract beneficial insects such as bees and other pollinators. These pollinators can help increase fruit production in your vegetable garden.
Edible Flowers and Leaves: Nasturtium flowers have a peppery flavor and are edible, adding a unique taste to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. The leaves are also edible and have a similar peppery taste. They are a colorful and nutritious addition to your meals.
Trap Crops: Nasturtiums can act as trap crops, diverting certain pests away from your main crops. For example, aphids may prefer to feed on nasturtiums instead of your precious vegetables, giving you more time to address the aphid infestation.
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