Flowers in the Vegetable Garden – 7 Best Flowers Which Will Protect Your Plants

Today, more than ever, we need to be conscious of our actions and the way they affect our ecosystem. Many pesticides that are frequently used are harmful to the environment, which is why they should be avoided. Pesticides will kill the bad insects, yes – but they may also kill the good and the neutral ones.

Luckily, other alternatives can help you protect your vegetables without damaging the environment. As a result, your garden will reap the benefits of a balanced ecosystem.

For example, there are plenty of flowers that will not only make your garden look beautiful, but will also attract pollinators and keep harmful pests at bay.

1. Zinnia Elegans – Zinnia

The Zinnia plant is famous for having multiple species to choose from, making it a fabulous asset for your garden. Depending on the species that you go for, the plant can grow anything between 6 and 40 inches, creating a natural cover for your veggies.

This plant first blooms in early summer and will keep blooming until the first frost comes. This means that you will have continuous protection for your plants.

Zinnia can attract pollinators, as well as ladybugs, which are the number one enemy of aphids. Plus, Zinnia plants are gorgeous to look at, so they will also add a pop of color to your vegetable garden.

2. Helianthus Annuus – Sunflower

Sunflowers are a great asset for vegetable gardens, for a variety of reasons. First, they double as natural trellises for climbing vegetables such as beans, offering support for their growth.

Secondly, they can act as a pest trap for numerous insects that can damage your vegetables. Rather than attacking your vegetables, pests such as the leaf-footed bugs will be drawn to the sunflower. They will remain there until you hand-pick or spray them with a natural pest-control method (i.e. essential oils, chili, or even detergent sprays).

Third, sunflowers are packed with pollen, so they are a real feast for pollinators – helping you serve the environment. Plus, we know how good sunflower seeds can be – so upon harvest time, you will also reap a little snack from this flower.

3. Calendula Officinalis – Pot Marigold

Calendula Officinalis, also commonly known as “pot marigold,” is a pretty golden plant that can be highly efficient against asparagus beetles, tomato hornworms, and insects that attack beans.

These pests dislike the scent, and marigold’s sap will deter them naturally. One thing to remember is that these plants also attract aphids. So, you should not plant marigolds right next to apple trees or other crops that are appealing to aphids.

4. Tagetes Lucida – Mexican Tarragon

Mexican tarragon is a sturdy plant that is very efficient at keeping pests away. Its stem is also very tough, so even if pests climb on it, the flower will not die. However, this rarely happens, mainly because harmful insects are often repelled by the strong scent.

The flower keeps root-knot nematodes away, as these can be quite devastating for your vegetables. Plus, it can be used as a culinary herb and has a long history as a medicinal plant. It is a highly versatile flower to have in your garden.

5. Cosmos Bipinnatus – Cosmos

Cosmos plants are a great thing to have in your vegetable garden, mainly because they attract lacewings – green insects that like to have aphids for dinner.

If you have plants such as beans that can attract aphids, scale, and thrips, then Cosmos can help you keep them away. Plus, cosmos flowers are beautiful and packed with pollen, making them highly beneficial for pollinators.

6. Asarum Caudatum – Wild Ginger

Ginger is frequently used to protect vegetables. This plant leads to the growth of small yellow flowers with a strong scent, which can repel a variety of pests.

It’s mostly effective against ants, aphids, and mealybugs, but it can be helpful with other pests as well. For instance, if you have a hang-out spot near the vegetable garden, ruffling the wild ginger flowers in the evening can also keep mosquitoes away.

7. Tropaeolum Majus – Garden Nasturtium

Garden nasturtium is often planted in gardens due to its potential to attract beneficial insects. Bees and butterflies love these flowers, and they efficiently do their job for the environment through pollination. The insects will feed on the pollen and transfer it from one plant to another, allowing fertilization.

The advantage of this plant is that it has a very strong scent, which means that it can keep various pests away. Nasturtium can deter cabbage moths, aphids, and other insects, but can also be used for culinary reasons due to its slightly peppery taste.

The flower prefers sandy soils, making it a great choice for areas that frequently go through periods of drought. It can also grow very tall and dense, providing a cover for the crops and keeping airborne pests away. This plan acts as a natural barrier that allows your veggies to grow healthily.

The Bottom Line

Some plants have the potential of keeping pests away but bear in mind that placement is key. If you have an infestation, use the plant which repels that specific insect.

Depending on the situation, organic pest control may also be required to keep a problem under control. Steer clear of chemicals and use natural pest control instead, such as chilli or diatomaceous earth. This will help you protect not just your garden, but the wider ecosystem as well.