What Not to Plant With Nasturtiums: Essential Gardening Tips

Avoid Planting Nasturtiums With Cruciferous Vegetables

When it comes to gardening, knowing which plants to pair together can make a significant difference in the health and productivity of your garden. One plant that should be kept away from cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, and radishes, is the vibrant and versatile nasturtium.

Nasturtiums, known for their beautiful flowers and edible leaves, can have a negative effect on the growth and flavor of these cruciferous vegetables.

The primary reason to avoid planting nasturtiums with cruciferous vegetables is their ability to attract pests, such as aphids and cabbage worms. Nasturtiums, with their distinct aroma, tend to attract these troublesome insects, which can cause damage to the leaves and hinder the growth of the cruciferous vegetables.

Additionally, nasturtiums release volatile compounds into the air that can interfere with the natural growth pattern of cruciferous vegetables, resulting in stunted growth and reduced yields.

Furthermore, the aggressive nature of nasturtiums can lead to overshadowing. These plants have a tendency to spread quickly and have large, sprawling leaves that can block sunlight from reaching the cruciferous vegetables. This lack of sunlight can lead to weaker plants that are more susceptible to diseases and pests.

To promote the healthy growth of cruciferous vegetables, it is essential to keep nasturtiums at a safe distance.

Summary:

• Nasturtiums should be kept away from cruciferous vegetables.
• Nasturtiums attract pests like aphids and cabbage worms.
• Volatile compounds from nasturtiums interfere with the growth pattern of cruciferous vegetables, causing stunted growth and reduced yields.
• Nasturtiums can overshadow cruciferous vegetables, blocking sunlight and making them more susceptible to diseases and pests.

Incompatible Crops: Nasturtiums And Root Vegetables

Root vegetables, such as potatoes and radishes, are essential in many gardeners’ harvests. However, it is important to keep nasturtiums away from these crops as they can interfere with their growth and quality. Nasturtiums, with their vigorous growth habit and high nutrient requirements, can compete with root vegetables for essential resources such as water, nutrients, and space.

One particular issue that arises when nasturtiums are planted near root vegetables is their tendency to rob the soil of nutrients. These plants have a high nitrogen demand and can deplete the soil of this essential nutrient, leaving root vegetables struggling to grow and develop properly. Additionally, the invasive nature of nasturtiums can lead to overcrowding, limiting the space and resources available for the root vegetables. This results in smaller and less flavorful harvests.

Furthermore, the sprawling nature of nasturtiums can hinder the growth of root vegetables by preventing proper root development. Nasturtiums, with their long trailing vines, can entangle the delicate roots of root vegetables, causing them to become stunted and misshapen. To ensure robust and healthy root vegetable crops, it is best to keep nasturtiums separate and plant them in different areas of the garden.

Keep Nasturtiums Away From Nightshades

Nightshades, such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, are beloved garden staples known for their delicious fruits. However, it is important to keep nasturtiums away from nightshade plants due to the potential negative impact they can have.

One major concern is the risk of disease transmission when nasturtiums are paired with nightshades. Nasturtiums are susceptible to diseases like powdery mildew and bacterial leaf spot. If planted too close to nightshade plants, these diseases can easily spread, resulting in significant damage and reduced yields.

Additionally, nasturtiums can outcompete nightshade plants for essential resources, leading to weaker and less productive nightshade crops. With their rapid growth rate, nasturtiums can quickly overshadow the nightshade plants, depriving them of sunlight. The aggressive root system of nasturtiums further exacerbates the issue as it absorbs a significant portion of available water and nutrients, leaving the nightshades struggling to thrive.

To ensure healthy and disease-free nightshade plants, it is crucial to keep a safe distance between nasturtiums and nightshades. Providing sufficient space between these two plant groups will promote optimal growth and productivity for both.

Beware Of Planting Nasturtiums Near Cucurbits

Cucurbits, like cucumbers and zucchinis, are popular crops in many home gardens. However, it’s important to carefully consider their companions. Nasturtiums are vigorous growers with specific nutrient requirements, so it’s best to keep them separate from cucurbits to avoid potential issues that can hinder their growth and development.

Competitive Nature: Planting nasturtiums near cucurbits can be problematic due to their rapid growth and sprawling vines. Nasturtiums can easily overpower the cucurbits, resulting in reduced yields and stunted growth. These plants compete for vital resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients. Additionally, the dense foliage of nasturtiums can limit air circulation around the cucurbits, making them more susceptible to diseases like powdery mildew.

Odor and Chemical Compounds: Nasturtiums release distinct aromatic compounds that may attract pests and repel beneficial insects. When planted near cucurbits, nasturtiums can disrupt the natural balance of pest control, leading to an increase in pest damage to the cucurbits. To promote the healthy growth of cucurbits, it is advisable to keep these two plant groups separate.

Key points:

• Nasturtiums can overpower cucurbits, leading to reduced yields and stunted growth.
• Nasturtiums compete with cucurbits for sunlight, water, and nutrients.
• Nasturtiums’ dense foliage limits air circulation, making cucurbits more prone to diseases.
• Nasturtiums release aromatic compounds that can attract pests and repel beneficial insects.
• Planting nasturtiums near cucurbits can disrupt the natural balance of pest control.

Best To Keep Nasturtiums Separate From Brassicas

Brassicas, which include cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower, are a favorite among home gardeners. However, it is best to keep nasturtiums at a distance from these crops due to several reasons:

• Pests: Nasturtiums tend to attract pests such as aphids and cabbage worms. These pests can cause significant damage to the leaves and flowers of brassicas, compromising their overall health and productivity.

• Competition for resources: Nasturtiums have a rapid growth rate and can easily overshadow the brassicas, limiting their access to sunlight. Additionally, the aggressive root system of nasturtiums can deplete the soil of nutrients, negatively impacting the growth and development of brassicas.

To ensure a thriving and pest-free brassica crop, it is advisable to keep nasturtiums separate. By providing enough distance between these plants, gardeners can ensure the optimal growth and productivity of their brassicas.

• Nasturtiums attract pests such as aphids and cabbage worms, which damage brassicas.
• Nasturtiums compete with brassicas for resources, limiting sunlight and depleting soil nutrients.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What goes well with nasturtium?

Nasturtiums make excellent companions for a variety of vegetables in a garden. Their vibrant flowers and peppery leaves not only add beauty but also provide practical benefits. Nasturtiums thrive alongside brassicas, cucurbits, legumes, and nightshades by deterring pests and attracting beneficial insects. With their natural pest-fighting properties and visually striking presence, nasturtiums offer a perfect pairing for these vegetables, ensuring a harmonious and productive garden.

Do nasturtiums like tomatoes?

While basil and chives are known to be great companions for tomatoes, nasturtiums have a different relationship with them. Nasturtiums, although easy to grow, do not particularly thrive when planted alongside tomatoes. They can compete with the tomato plants for nutrients and sunlight, hindering their growth and potentially reducing their yield. It is recommended to plant nasturtiums in separate areas of the garden or in containers for optimal growth and to fully enjoy their beautiful flowers and peppery leaves.

Where is the best place to plant nasturtiums?

The best place to plant nasturtiums is a location with moist, well-drained soil. To ensure successful establishment, it is important to water the plant well until it becomes established, and then continue to provide regular watering. In warmer climates, it is beneficial to grow nasturtiums in partial shade, receiving 4-6 hours of sun, as this helps prolong their growing season. However, in cooler climates, it is ideal to plant nasturtiums in a location with full sun exposure.

Can nasturtiums get too much sun?

While nasturtiums thrive in full sun and require at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight a day to grow and bloom their best, it is possible for them to receive too much sun. Extreme exposure to intense sunlight for extended periods without any shade or protection can cause the leaves to scorch and the plant to become stressed. It is important to ensure that nasturtiums also have some shade or protection during the hottest parts of the day to prevent sunburn and maintain their overall health and vitality.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4