From Petal to Porch

Gardening is more than just a hobby; it's a labor of love that requires patience, knowledge, and a little bit of creativity. So, let's delve into an exciting hands-on garden learning experience. Our focus today is on sowing nasturtiums, a vibrant and easy-to-grow flower that also serves as a natural deterrent for aphids, those pesky little pests that can wreak havoc on your beautiful garden.

Nasturtiums are not only attractive, but they also serve a dual purpose in your garden. They add a burst of color and can be a very effective tool in your pest management strategy. Aphids are attracted to nasturtiums, but instead of causing damage, they tend to stay on these plants, leaving your other plants alone.

To start with, you'll need to decide whether to plant your nasturtium seeds directly in the ground or start them off in pots. Remember, nasturtiums don't transplant well, so if you decide to go with pots, make sure they're biodegradable so you can plant the whole thing into the ground when the time comes.

Once you've decided where to plant, the next step is to prepare the soil. Nasturtiums prefer poor soil conditions, so avoid using too much fertilizer. If your soil is too rich, your nasturtiums will produce more leaves than flowers. So, it's best to plant them in a part of your garden where the soil is less tended.

Sow your seeds about half an inch deep and ten inches apart. These plants need room to grow, so don't crowd them. After sowing the seeds, water them, but do not overwater. Nasturtiums are drought tolerant and prefer dry conditions.

Nasturtiums should start to germinate within 10-14 days. Once the plants have germinated, they are pretty self-reliant. They need little attention, so they're perfect for those of us who are always on the go but still want a beautiful garden.

Strategically placing your nasturtiums can increase their effectiveness at deterring aphids. Plant them near your vegetable garden or other plants that are often attacked by aphids. The nasturtiums will act as a sacrificial plant, attracting the aphids away from your other plants.

In addition to deterring aphids, nasturtiums also attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which are natural predators of aphids. So, by growing nasturtiums, you're creating a more balanced ecosystem in your garden that will help keep aphid populations under control.

So, there you have it. By sowing nasturtiums in your garden, you can add a splash of color and help keep those pesky aphids at bay. This is just one example of how understanding the relationships between different plants and insects can help you create a healthier, more vibrant garden. Happy planting!

Pest & Wildlife Management