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Every spring in my Zone 5 Wisconsin garden, I eagerly plan my vegetable beds, but I always make sure to include flowers, not just for their beauty, but for their incredible benefits to the garden ecosystem. Companion planting flowers has transformed my gardening experience, enhancing pollination, deterring pests, and improving soil health.
Why I Plant Flowers Among My Vegetables
Incorporating flowers into my vegetable garden isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a strategic move to create a thriving, balanced environment.
Here’s why:
Attracting Pollinators: Flowers like borage and zinnias draw bees and butterflies, essential for pollinating crops like tomatoes and cucumbers.
Deterring Pests: Marigolds and nasturtiums emit scents that repel harmful insects, protecting my vegetables naturally.
Improving Soil Health: Plants like borage have deep roots that break up compacted soil, enhancing aeration and nutrient availability.
Providing Habitat for Beneficial Insects: Flowers offer shelter and food for predatory insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which help control pest populations.
My Favorite Companion Flowers and Their Benefits
1. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
Marigolds are a staple in my garden. Their vibrant blooms not only add color but also repel nematodes and aphids. I plant them alongside tomatoes and peppers, and I’ve noticed a significant decrease in pest issues.
2. Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus)
These trailing flowers are both beautiful and functional. Nasturtiums act as a trap crop, luring aphids away from my vegetables. I often plant them near cucumbers and squash, and their edible flowers are a delightful addition to salads.
3. Borage (Borago officinalis)
Borage’s star-shaped blue flowers are a magnet for pollinators. I interplant borage with tomatoes and strawberries, and I’ve observed improved fruit set and flavor. Additionally, borage self-seeds, ensuring its presence year after year.
4. Zinnias (Zinnia spp.)
Zinnias are easy to grow and attract a variety of pollinators. I plant them along the borders of my garden beds, and their continuous blooms keep bees and butterflies coming throughout the season.
5. Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)
Towering sunflowers not only provide shade for heat-sensitive plants like lettuce but also serve as natural trellises for climbing beans. Their seeds attract birds, which help control insect populations.
6. Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
This low-growing flower is perfect for edging garden beds. Sweet alyssum attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps, which prey on aphids and caterpillars. I get these at my local flower shop and they never disappoint.
7. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula’s bright orange and yellow flowers are not only medicinal but also repel pests like aphids and whiteflies. I plant them near beans and brassicas for added protection.
8. Cosmos (Cosmos spp.)
With their delicate, daisy-like flowers, cosmos attract pollinators and beneficial insects. I intersperse them among my vegetable rows, and their tall stems add vertical interest to the garden.
9. Bee Balm (Monarda spp.)
Bee balm is a favorite among hummingbirds and bees. I plant it near my squash and melons to enhance pollination. Its aromatic leaves also deter pests. I also buy these at my local flower shop, but you can start them from seed as well.
10. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Lavender’s fragrant blooms repel moths, fleas, and mosquitoes. I grow it along the garden’s perimeter, and its scent creates a calming atmosphere. I have tried starting lavender from seed multiple times and have never been successful. Buying lavender at your local flower shop is a much easier route, at least for me!
Tips for Integrating Flowers into Your Vegetable Garden
Plan Ahead: Consider the mature size of both flowers and vegetables to prevent overcrowding.
Succession Planting: Stagger planting times to ensure continuous blooms and benefits throughout the season.
Use Containers: If space is limited, grow flowers in pots and place them strategically around your garden. I just bought these white planters this year and they blend well with the garden and give it a little more of an aesthetic.
Attract Beneficial Insects: Choose a variety of flowers to attract a diverse range of pollinators and predatory insects.
Avoid Invasive Species: Be cautious with plants like mint, which can overtake garden beds if not contained. ALWAYS, plant in a container if planting within your garden- learned this the hard way the first year, taking over your garden is an understatement.
The Impact of Flowers in My Garden
Last summer, I noticed an aphid infestation on my kale. Instead of resorting to pesticides, I planted sweet alyssum nearby. Within weeks, hoverflies were frequent visitors, and the aphid population declined significantly. This experience reinforced the power of companion planting with flowers.
Incorporating flowers into your vegetable garden is a rewarding practice that enhances biodiversity, improves plant health, and adds beauty to your space. By selecting the right companion flowers, you can create a harmonious and productive garden environment.
Remember, gardening is a journey of learning and experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try new flower combinations and observe their effects on your vegetables.
Happy gardening!
With love,
Bri & Cat
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