Planting flowers and plants in the garden can have a soothing and calming effect on the mind, while engaging in appropriate gardening activities can also be beneficial for physical health. Although there are many plants that can be grown in the garden, experts recommend planting a plant that is easy to grow and has multiple benefits.
According to a report from the British newspaper “Daily Express,” gardening expert Joseph Clark, who often shares gardening experiences and advice on social media, recommends planting nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus), also known as nasturtium flowers, in your garden regardless of its size. These plants are suitable for any location.
In a recent video shared by Clark, he mentioned that planting nasturtiums is simple, as once they are planted, they essentially grow on their own. The main reason for planting these plants is that they serve as a natural method to control pests. This is because they attract slugs and other small animals, which helps to prevent pests from damaging more valuable plants in your garden.
Moreover, cabbage white butterflies also like to lay eggs underneath nasturtium leaves, keeping these pests away from your cruciferous plants and other more valuable flora. Clark mentioned that nasturtiums can be found all over his garden, as they are not only easy to grow but also produce beautiful flowers, making them one of the most useful plants in his garden.
Additionally, every part of the nasturtium plant is edible, adding them to summer salads can be very delicious as they taste “similar to watercress.”
Clark further praised the plant by saying that once you plant one or two, they are likely to stay in your garden “forever.” Although they may die back each year, they self-seed and continue to propagate on their own.
He mentioned that come the second spring, you will notice many nasturtium seedlings sprouting in that area. You can thin out the seedlings, leaving the strongest ones, and start the cycle anew.
So, when is the best time to choose nasturtiums for planting? Clark suggests, “Now is the best time to purchase some cheap nasturtium plants from the store. Even better, sow some seeds all around your garden, they will grow, flower every year, and self-seed in the spring. With just a few inexpensive plants, you’ll have a continuous supply.”
A comment from an online user corroborated Clark’s viewpoint. The user said, “I turn over my garden once a year. I planted these plants 10 years ago and have never replanted. They are still growing. Once they drop seeds, they will continue to grow.”
As reported by the British magazine “Gardeners’ World,” nasturtiums are one of the easiest annual herbaceous plants to grow. You can sow them in the ground from March to May if you want them to flower, or plant them in pots indoors. Unlike other flowers, nasturtiums can thrive in poor soil.
From midsummer to early fall, nasturtiums will bloom with an abundance of brightly colored flowers in various shades including yellow, orange, red, cream, pink, burgundy, and deep red. Some plants have leaves with beautiful marble patterns or spotted patterns.
Nasturtiums are not only visually appealing and edible flowers, but they also bear seeds that are relatively large and easy to collect. These seeds can be pickled into capers, which are both inexpensive and delicious, making them a versatile addition to dishes.