As a former florist, I take great pleasure in growing flowers. I am still called on upon occasion to make an arrangement and it gives me untold joy to be able to go into my garden and pick flowers for the vase. Until we took up gardening on a larger scale and I starting researching techniques, I had not given serious consideration to companion planting. I should have known God would have a practical plan for all that beauty.
As Troy and I began expanding our garden, I began studying different methods of mulching, composting, watering, seed sources, types of equipment – whew! Who knew there was so much involved in farming! When my grandfather share-cropped years ago they basically dug a hole, planted the seed and prayed for rain. Things are much more complicated or easier these days - depending on your perspective. Flowers bring me so much joy – who knew they could make a beneficial contribution to the garden as well. I dove into the books and discovered wonderful things about the flowers I loved…..companion planting!
These are some of my favorite companion flowers.
Borage – In addition to being a beautiful flower for cutting and arranging, borage is a wonderful companion plant for the garden. It is a deterrent for horn worms in tomatoes and a great pollinator. Borage is also an old folklore remedy and herb used in teas and salves as a curative for various ailments and both flowers and leaves are edible with a fresh, cucumber flavor.
Nasturtiums – Favoring cooler weather, nasturtiums are another wonderful contribution to a garden. They have bright, vibrant blooms, usually in fall tones and lily pad shaped foliage in a soft green or variegated green and white color. The plants help prevent squash bugs, wooly aphids, white flies, bean beetles and cucumber beetles. These too have edible blooms that are a lovely addition to salads.
Marigolds – This wonderful old fashioned is a tried and true favorite. While they do give off a rather pungent scent, it is this scent that discourages Mexican beetles, squash bugs, thrips, horn worms and some say mosquitos. They are a reliable cut flower for arrangements with a long vase life and a variety of colors ranging from pale yellow to orange to brick red.
Calendula – Another flower that favors the cooler climes of early spring and late fall, Calendula is a multitalented contributor. While deterring asparagus beetles and horn worms, it also acts as a trap crop for aphids. Their blooms are lovely in arrangements and yummy when added to a salad or dessert plate.
Cosmos – An old fashioned flower that’s been around for years, cosmos make a terrific companion plant. Available in a multitude of colors with a wildflower flair, cosmos attract lacewings which are ravenous eaters of thrips, aphids and scale. A naturally grown bug repellent!
Sunflowers – Everyone loves a sunflower with their bright, happy faces. These are a fantastic addition to any garden just for appearance alone. On a more practical note they also act as a trap crop for the notorious leaf footed bug! I really hate those things!
Another significant contribution of companion planting with flowers is they attract pollinators. I can’t tell you the number of times people have asked me for advice on gardening, saying they had beautiful plants with lots of blooms and no fruit. You have to have those pollinators or pollinate by hand. Keeping this in mind incorporate flowers known for attracting the bees and butterflies. Plant flowers in your garden, keep a vase in the house to enjoy and help protect and nurture your veggies! Who knew?