Nasturtiums are easy to grow and can brighten up your garden. But not all plants get along well with them. If you want your garden to thrive, it’s important to know what not to plant with nasturtiums.
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You should not plant nasturtiums near potatoes, cucumbers, or squash because they can compete for nutrients and affect each other’s growth. These combinations might cause weaker plants or lower yields.
Knowing what not to plant with nasturtiums will help you create a healthier, more productive garden. Keep reading to learn which plants will do best when planted apart from your bright, leafy nasturtiums.
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Nasturtium Companion Planting Mistakes
When planting nasturtiums, some neighbors can cause problems. Knowing which plants don’t work well near them can save you time and help your garden stay healthy.
Avoid Planting Nasturtiums Near Brassicas
Avoid planting nasturtiums right next to brassicas like cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. Nasturtiums attract aphids, which also like to feed on brassicas. This can increase pest problems for your brassicas.
Brassicas grow best with plants that repel pests, not attract them. If you want to use nasturtiums, keep some space between them and your brassicas to reduce the risk. Otherwise, the bugs attracted by nasturtiums might damage your brassica plants.
Related Article: What Not to Plant with Tomatoes
Problems with Legumes As Companions
Legumes such as peas and beans don’t do well when planted near nasturtiums. Nasturtiums compete strongly for nutrients, especially nitrogen, which legumes need to grow well.
Nasturtiums spread quickly and can overshadow legumes, reducing sunlight for them. It can stunt the growth of peas and beans if they are crowded out or shaded by nasturtiums. For better legume growth, plant them away from nasturtiums.
Issues with Growing Nasturtiums Next to Cucurbits
Cucurbits like cucumbers, pumpkins, and melons can struggle next to nasturtiums. Nasturtiums attract certain pests such as flea beetles, which can also harm cucurbits.
Additionally, nasturtiums may compete with cucurbits for water and space. Both plants like plenty of room to grow, so crowding them together can reduce yield or plant health. Give cucurbits their own space to avoid these problems.
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| Problem Area | Issue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Brassicas | Nasturtiums attract aphids | More pests on brassicas |
| Legumes | Nutrient competition, shading | Stunted growth |
| Cucurbits | Shared pests, space & water | Lower yield and plant stress |
Common Garden Plants That Clash with Nasturtiums
Some plants do not grow well near nasturtiums because they compete for nutrients or harm each other. You should be careful about what you plant next to nasturtiums to keep both healthy.
Why Fennel and Nasturtiums Do Not Mix
Fennel releases chemicals that can stop nearby plants from growing well. This process, called allelopathy, makes it hard for nasturtiums to get enough nutrients.
If you plant fennel near nasturtiums, you might see slow growth or weak plants. The fennel’s strong root system also takes up a lot of water and space, which can leave nasturtiums struggling.
To keep your nasturtiums healthy, avoid putting fennel in the same bed or close to them in containers.
Difficulties with Planting Nasturtiums Close to Potatoes
Nasturtiums and potatoes both need similar nutrients from the soil. When planted close together, they compete for food, causing lower growth and smaller yields.
Potatoes can also become more prone to pests and diseases if nasturtiums are nearby. The dense leaves of nasturtiums may trap moisture, creating a perfect place for potato diseases to spread.
You should give these plants enough space apart or avoid planting them next to each other to keep both plants strong and healthy.
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