Nasturtium Companion Planting

Nasturtium functions as a trap crop for aphids (Myzus persicae, Aphis gossypii), concentrating colonies away from tomato. Nasturtium also attracts predatory hover flies (Syrphidae) that consume aphids.

Plant nasturtiums as a border around tomato beds. Inspect nasturtiums regularly for heavy aphid buildup.

Nasturtium serves as a trap crop for aphids (Aphis gossypii, Myzus persicae) and whiteflies, drawing them away from cucumber. Nasturtium flowers also attract aphid-eating hover flies.

Ring cucumber hills with nasturtiums. Inspect nasturtium colonies regularly and remove heavily infested plants.

Nasturtiums serve as a trap crop for squash bugs (Anasa tristis) and cucumber beetles (Diabrotica spp.), concentrating pest populations where they can be monitored and managed.

Plant nasturtiums in a ring around squash hills. Blue Hubbard squash is also used as a perimeter trap crop for cucurbit pests.

Nasturtium trap-crops aphids and cucumber beetles away from zucchini. The same mechanism as other cucurbit-nasturtium pairings -- volatile and visual cues redirect pest oviposition.

Effective when nasturtiums are established before cucurbit transplanting.

Nasturtium functions as a trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles (Diabrotica spp.) that attack cantaloupe. Nasturtium flowers also attract predatory hover flies.

Plant nasturtiums around cantaloupe hills. Cantaloupe requires insect pollination -- any companion that attracts pollinators is valuable.

Nasturtium trap-crops aphids and cucumber beetles away from watermelon. Same cucurbit-nasturtium pest management mechanism.

Plant nasturtiums as a border around watermelon plantings.

Nasturtium trap-crops squash bugs (Anasa tristis) and cucumber beetles away from summer squash. Same cucurbit-nasturtium mechanism.

Ring summer squash hills with nasturtiums.