Nasturtiums As Pest Control - Planting Nasturtiums For Pest Management

There are a couple of ways to use nasturtiums as pest control. ... Growing nasturtiums as companion plants: When planted with cucumbers and tomatoes, nasturtiums may repel cucumber beetles, whiteflies, aphids, and squash bugs. Planting nasturtiums alongside eggplant or squash plants can also help repel cucumber beetles.

Do nasturtiums repel pests?

They may repel some cucurbit pests when grown near cucumbers or squash, and nasturtium leaves and stems forms a lush green groundcover that deters weeds. Bees and hummingbirds eagerly gather nasturtium nectar, which is hidden in the long spur at the back of the flower.

What pests eat Nasturtium leaves?

Large holes in the leaves of brassica crops and nasturtiums are usually the work of cabbage white caterpillars. Before an attack you may notice large numbers of white buttlerflies around your plants, as they lay eggs.

What bugs eat nasturtiums?

Sap-sucking insects such as whiteflies and aphids often feed on nasturtiums. Whiteflies are tiny wax-covered pests with white wings and yellowish bodies. They feed on the undersides of nasturtium leaves, creating yellow spots and occasionally killing the foliage.

What flowers are good for pest control?

The marigold is probably the most well known plant for repelling insects. French marigolds repel whiteflies and kill bad nematodes. Mexican marigolds are said to “bug” many destructive insects. Marigold flowers come in scented and unscented varieties, with the scented ones are best used for pest deterrents.

How do you keep nasturtiums blooming?

Cutting off the faded/dead flowers will prolong blooming. If you're growing nasturtiums in containers, they may need to be trimmed back occasionally over the growing season. This encourages the plants to produce new foliage. In summer, nasturtiums may stop blooming if they become heat-stressed.

Are nasturtiums good for the garden?

Aside from being tasty, vitamin-rich, and beautiful, nasturtiums also provide many benefits to other plants in the garden as companion plants. ... Nasturtiums are plants that are often used as trap crops for attracting aphids or squash bugs.

Are nasturtiums good for bees?

Nasturtiums are known to be attractive to bumblebees as a source of both pollen and nectar, and the flower shape provides a landing platform for insects. ... Nasturtiums perform well in poor soil, so it will be interesting to see what effect the feeds have on flowering, and nectar and pollen production.

Do nasturtiums self seed?

Don't forget flowers either – annuals such as cornflowers (bachelor's buttons), calendula, nasturtiums and poached egg plant, together with biennials such as foxgloves, honesty and teasel are all robust self-seeders that are loved by wildlife too.

How do I kill nasturtiums?

Simple, pull them out when they are small! As soon as you see a nasturtium starting to grow in your garden, pluck it out. You may not quite get all of its roots, but it will take a little while to grow back. Even better, dig down around it with a small hand shovel and make sure you've got it all.

Do nasturtiums attract bugs?

Nasturtiums also attract hoverflies and other beneficial bugs that dine on aphids. ... Growing nasturtiums as companion plants: When planted with cucumbers and tomatoes, nasturtiums may repel cucumber beetles, whiteflies, aphids, and squash bugs.

Do squirrels eat nasturtiums?

Squirrels can not stand the smell of humans, so they leave the gardens alone.” Plant nasturtiums, marigolds, and mustard as a border around your vegetable garden; these plants have a strong aroma. A dog is a great squirrel chaser, if that's an option in your backyard!

Do nasturtiums keep aphids away?

Companion planting can be very helpful to keep aphids away from your plants in the first place. ... Nasturtiums spoil the taste of fruit tree sap for aphids and will help keep aphids off of broccoli. Garlic and chives repel aphids when planted near lettuce, peas, and rose bushes.

Are marigolds good for pest control?

Marigolds – The marigold is probably the most well-known plant for repelling insects. French marigolds repel whiteflies and kill bad nematodes. ... If you choose marigolds for your garden they must be scented to work as a repellant. And while this plant drives away many bad bugs, it also attracts spider mites and snails.

What pests do marigolds keep away?

The marigold is one of the most well-known insect-repelling plants and with good reason — they have a scent that will keep pests like mosquitoes, nematodes like cabbage worms, and other pests away. Plant marigolds to attract beneficial insects that attack and kill aphids.

What plants keep away pests?

Advice from the Pros

Marigolds. The scent of a marigold will deter plant lice, mosquitoes, and even rabbits. ...
Chrysanthemums. This might be the best plant to deter bugs. ...
Mint. Mint plants can repel spiders, ants, and mosquitoes. ...
Basil. ...
Citronella grass. ...
Lavender. ...
Chives. ...
Petunias.

Do nasturtiums bloom all summer?

Know Your Nasturtiums

They can appear in many different colors, like red, orange, cream and yellow among others, and they usually bloom from summer to fall. They tend to have a rather spicy fragrance and normally appear as either climbers or sprawling bushes.

Do I deadhead nasturtiums?

Deadhead and cut back plants after flowering. Cut back the old flower stems of perennial nasturtiums after flowering and the old foliage in autumn.

Do nasturtiums bloom first year?

Nasturtiums are usually started from seed as annuals, so you won't often find them available as plants at nurseries. However, the seeds germinate quickly, and the plants will be up and blooming in no time.

Do nasturtiums grow back every year?

They germinate quickly, grow quickly too, and the flamboyant flowers are large and colourful. But while the familiar nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is an annual, it can also be grown from cuttings.

What should I plant next to nasturtiums?

Nasturtiums are companions to broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumbers, kale, kohlrabi, pumpkins, radish, squash, tomato, and potato. Members of this family make excellent companions. They promote the health of other plants.

Are nasturtiums poisonous to dogs?

Clinical Signs: No records of toxic ingestion from this plant.