Instead of using chemicals to boost the growth of vegetables or control pests and diseases, there also is a great alternative. Try growing companion plants as it is one of the most beneficial ways to grow any vegetable garden. In our list today, you will find natural methods that are not only useful but also safe for both your health and your garden.
Plants grow together, they will support each other’s growth, encourage healthy growth, repel harmful insects, and at the same time attract beneficial insects. In addition, they can give your garden a beautiful landscape by producing colorful flowers. The flowers can be planted in your vegetable garden to achieve a healthier and thriving garden. If you want to grow an organic garden with fresh vegetables, these flowers will be great friends to go with your garden for natural growth.
#1 Lavender
Source: Highcountrygardens
Lavender is a stunning herb with charming flowers that have a strong scent attracting pollinators. Butterflies and bees love lavender and will visit your garden more frequently if planted nearby. Lavender should be grown near brussel sprouts, celery, broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower.
#2 Nasturtiums
Source: Bhg
The bright flowers of Nasturtiums attract hoverflies, which kill and eat aphids, so plant this flower with aphid-prone vegetables. They repel black flies and slugs too. It works well with vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts, beets, pumpkin, and zucchini.
#3 Marigolds
Source: Proflowers
#4 Borage
Source: Harvesttotable
Growing Borage in the vegetable garden is a great way to attract pollinators, like bees and butterflies, and also repel hornworms. Both the leaves and blooms of the Borage plant can be eaten and have a cucumber-like flavor.
#5 Sweet Alyssum
Source: Pinterest
Known as a ground cover plant, the Sweet Alyssum attracts many beneficial insects including predatory wasps, crab spiders, lacewings, and ladybugs. Also, it acts as a living mulch to help in retaining moisture for its companion plants. Plant it near chives, broccoli, carrots, and onion.
#6 Calendula
Source: Gardenerspath
Plant this pretty flower near your veggies like peas, carrots, asparagus, and spring salad lettuces. It will help repel aphids and attract pollinators visit to the garden. Also, it also does as a living mulch, protecting to soil from the sun and retaining moisture for your vegetable garden because of its `thick roots.
#7 Zinnia
Source: Smudgef
The colorful of the Zinnia attracts so many pollinators, especially hummingbirds and butterflies. These good insects eat whiteflies, which like to feast on tomatoes, cucumbers, and potatoes. It is also helpful in repelling cucumber beetles and tomato worms. Grow it near your tomatoes, cucumbers, and potatoes.
#8 Chamomile
Source: Gardenersworld
This small flower is helpful in improving the growth and flavor of many plants. It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties as well, helping with mold, mildew, and blight. Chamomile grows best near broccoli, beans, cabbage, cucumbers, kale, and brussel sprouts, and onions.
#9 Cosmos
Source: Gardengatemagazine
The gorgeous and colorful flowers of the Cosmos are a great natural method to attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Cosmos also repel aphids too.
