Which flowers can I grow with my vegetables?

January 2023

Do you look down on your vegetable garden and feel like something is missing? You've got all the basics of vegetable gardening right – good fertilizers, ample sunlight, and soil with the right pH balance. Yet something still seems to be off.

What was that something missing? Flowers! Not only do they add a layer of beauty to your vegetable garden, but they actually serve an important purpose: pest control. They deter pests from eating your vegetables and help attract helpful insects such as bees.

Here are some flowering plants you can grow with vegetables

1. Marigold

Marigold is a great flower to grow alongside your vegetables. Marigolds are known for their bright and cheerful blooms, which come in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, red, and white. They are also known for their ability to repel pests such as aphids, nematodes, and other insects that can damage your vegetable garden. Marigolds are easy to grow and require minimal care.

2. Calendula

Calendula is a great flower to grow with your vegetables. It is a hardy annual that blooms in shades of yellow, orange, and red. Calendula is an excellent companion plant for many vegetables, as it helps to attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies that help control pests. They are edible and have medicinal properties.

3. Borage

Borage is an excellent flower to grow alongside your vegetables. It is a hardy annual that grows quickly and blooms from late spring through early fall. The star-shaped flowers are a beautiful blue color, and they attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies to the garden. Borage also has edible leaves and flowers, which can be used in salads or as a garnish. The leaves have a cucumber-like flavor.

4. Butterfly Bush

The Butterfly Bush is a great addition to any vegetable garden. This flowering shrub is known for its vibrant blooms that attract butterflies and other pollinators, making it an ideal companion plant for vegetables. The Butterfly Bush grows best in full sun and well-drained soil and can reach heights of up to 10 feet tall. It produces fragrant clusters of flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white.

5. Lavender

Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant flower that can be grown alongside vegetables in the garden. It has many benefits, including its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which can help increase the yields of your vegetable crops. Lavender also helps to repel pests such as aphids and moths, making it an ideal companion plant for vegetables.

6. Sunflower

Sunflowers are a great way to add a splash of color to your vegetable garden. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also provide a natural source of shade for your vegetables. Sunflowers can be planted in the spring and will bloom throughout the summer months. They require full sun and well-drained soil, so make sure you choose an area with plenty of sunlight and good drainage. These tall, cheerful flowers are great for attracting bees and other beneficial insects to the garden.

7. Cosmos

Cosmos is a beautiful flower that can be grown alongside vegetables in the garden. It comes in a variety of colors, including pink, white, and yellow. Cosmos is an annual flower, meaning it will only last one season. It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. The plant has long stems with feathery foliage and daisy-like flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators.

8. Dahlia

Dahlias are great flowers to grow alongside your vegetables. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, so you can find one that fits perfectly with your garden. Dahlias are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, so make sure to give them plenty of space when planting. Dahlias also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which can help increase the yields of your vegetable crops.

9. Zinnias

Zinnias are a great flower to grow with your vegetables! They are easy to grow and come in various colors, shapes, and sizes. Zinnias are also known for attracting beneficial insects such as butterflies and bees, which can help pollinate your vegetable plants. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them perfect for growing alongside your vegetables.

10. Nasturtium

Nasturtium is a great flower to grow with vegetables in the garden. Not only are they beautiful and colorful, but they also provide many benefits to your vegetable plants. Nasturtiums act as a natural pest repellent, deterring aphids, squash bugs, and other pests from attacking your vegetables. They also attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings that can help keep your garden healthy. Nasturtiums thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.