The benefits of planting flowers and herbs in your vegetable garden
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EmailAlthough there is a lack of scientific research available, there is a rich history and an abundance of anecdotal evidence that flowers are a great addition to your vegetable garden.
Although there is a lack of scientific research available, there is a rich history and an abundance of anecdotal evidence that flowers are a great addition to your vegetable garden. Flowers may:
- Add beauty
- Deter pests
- Attract pollinators
- Improve soil health
- Attract beneficial insects
- Improve the overall health of your garden
In addition, there are many edible flowers you can add to your salads, baked goods and teas!
According to “Roses Love Garlic Companion Planting and Other Flower Secrets” by Louise Riotte, 1998, “companion Planting is simply planning your garden to take advantage of the natural friendships between plants.”
Among the perceived benefits, many flowers are thought to deter pests. Here are just a few examples:
- Marigolds – repel nematodes, aid in the growth of fruiting plants like tomatoes, eggplants and squash
- Sage - repels snails, cabbage moths, beetles, flea beetles and carrot flies
- Lavender – repels moths, flies, fleas and mosquitoes
- Borage – repels tomato hornworm and cabbage worm
- Catmint - deters aphids, cabbage loopers, Colorado potato beetles, cucumber beetles, flea beetles, Japanese beetles and squash bugs
- Geraniums - repel mosquitoes, ants, fleas and leaf hoppers
- Nasturtium – trap flower, especially aphids. All parts of the nasturtium are edible; the flowers, leaves, seeds and even the roots can be roasted and made into tea.
- Petunia - repels tomato hornworm
- Dill - deters pests and attracts beneficial insects
- Calendula – trap flower, especially aphids
A quick internet search provides a treasure trove of information, videos and podcasts on the subject of companion planting, including this Michigan State University Extension article, “Maximize your summer harvest with companion planting.” Researching companion planting is a fun way to learn about flowers and vegetables that will benefit from growing near each other, and others that are pickier about their neighbors.
Some easy-to-grow flowers that attract pollinators include sunflowers, salvia, zinnia, borage, marigolds and cosmos. Better pollination results in a better yield! Some gardeners even claim that companion planting leads to tastier vegetables. At the very minimum, flowers will add beauty to your vegetable garden.
