What use does it serve to grow flowers among the vegetables? Flowering plants not only enhance the quality of the soil, but they also draw in birds and insects that are helpful to the garden, assist control weeds that are out of control, and dissuade pest insects from wreaking havoc on the crops. It is possible to achieve a favorable balance by interspersing flowering plants amid or next to rows of vegetable plants. However, flowers that have huge, spectacular blooms are not necessarily the ideal choice; instead, a gardener should focus on the contributions that each plant makes to the overall success of the garden.
So, what are some easy-to-grow flowers that you can add to your vegetable garden to make it seem better?
Clover
One of the most helpful flowers that can be grown in a garden, clover is also one of the simplest flowers to cultivate. Clover is beneficial to the soil in a number of different ways, in addition to drawing in bees and other types of pollinators. It is possible to grow clover directly on pathways since it recovers fast from the impact of foot activity. This helps to avoid soil erosion while also preserving the planting beds for use with other plants in addition to veggies.
The taproot of the clover plant, which may grow to be more than three feet long, works to aerate the soil and bring nutrients to the surface that would not be available in any other way. All forms of clover are classified as legumes, which means that they are capable of extracting nitrogen from the atmosphere and transforming it into a form that can be readily absorbed by other plants. As soon as the clover has passed away, it will release the nitrogen into the earth, which will be beneficial to the plants that are nearby.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are known to attract a broad variety of helpful insects, as well as birds. These birds utilize the long stalks of the sunflowers as perches as they search for cabbageworms, different caterpillars, and other types of unwanted insects. Be aware, however, that many types of sunflowers bred specifically for use in flower arrangements do not generate pollen since it has the potential to discolor the blooms. Because they lack pollen, these specifically engineered flowers do not attract insects that are good to the environment. Be sure that the type you plant generates pollen before you start growing it.
Alliums, Onions, Garlic, and Chives
The majority of flower gardeners would probably look down their collective noses at the blooms produced by onions and garlic due to the fact that they are often rather plain, somewhat little, and do not have a pleasant odor. However, all alliums, such as onions, garlic, and chives, have a harsh odor that seems to discourage deer and rabbits, with the exception of the most determined of the two species. As a result, the presence of plants belonging to the allium family in a vegetable garden may serve to deter bigger animals from damaging the garden with their digestive systems.
The Daisy Family; Including Zinnias, Asters, and Calendula
Daisy plants are hardy perennials that are simple to cultivate in almost any kind of soil. They provide a splash of color to the landscape in addition to luring in pollinators like bees, butterflies, and moths. In addition, calendula may be used as a “trap crop” to divert aphids away from vegetable plants, which allows for its employment in this capacity. Zinnias are annuals that can give a lovely splash of color to a space and are very popular with pollinators.
Marigolds
Marigolds have a broad variety of color options, including yellows, oranges, and even reds, and they are quite simple to cultivate. Even better, they are excellent companion plants for warding off pests that may otherwise attack veggies such as basil, cucumbers, eggplant, kale, squash, tomatoes, and potatoes. Because they discourage the growth of insects, they are an excellent companion plant for cucumbers and other vegetables in the same family as squash.
Dandelions
It’s possible that you’ll think I’m crazy for suggesting that dandelions would make an appropriate flower for the vegetable garden. But, give it some thought…. In spite of the fact that you may think of them as nothing more than pesky weeds, dandelions really contribute positively to the health of a garden. As is the case with clover, their lengthy taproots transfer calcium and other minerals from a greater depth in the soil to the surface, so making these nutrients accessible to surrounding plants that have root systems that are more superficial. It is not necessary to sow or cultivate dandelion flowers since the plant may be found growing wild practically anywhere. Be careful to remove the flower heads before they produce seeds, however.
Increasing the crop output in your vegetable garden with the help of flowers is an easy and often aesthetically pleasing method to do it. Therefore, feel free to toss your flowers in with your vegetables. You’ll be pleased you did.
