A keen gardener has shared the ‘must have’ plant you need in your garden – and it’s not only beautiful, but it also helps to keep pests away from your other plants
He says they’re a great flower to add to your garden (stock)(Image: PaulMaguire via Getty Images)
A passionate gardener has revealed the ultimate ‘must-have’ plant to create a serene oasis in your garden, no matter its size. Gardener Joe, known as @joegardens on social media, swears by this budget-friendly plant that can completely transform your outdoor space.
He shared: “Today we are back and I am showing one simple plant which I believe has a place in every garden, no matter the size. Nasturtiums can be seen all over my garden, and there are so many reasons why I recommend you do the same.
“Not only are nasturtiums a very pretty and easy to grow flower, they are possibly the most useful plant I’ve got in the garden. Every part is completely edible, and I think is delicious when added to a summer salad, giving off a taste similar to rocket.”
Joe praises their low-maintenance nature, saying they’re “super simple and easy to grow” as they thrive on their own once planted.
He added: ” But the main reason I grow them is for organic pest control. They are a magnet for slugs and other critters, which helps keep them away from your more prized crops.
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“Not only that, cabbage butterflies love to lay their eggs underneath nasturtium leaves, which again keeps them off your brassicas and other more valuable plants.
“Not only are they super useful, but if you plant one or two nasturtium plants, you will have them pretty much for life. While they will die back each year, they will self seed.”
Come spring, you’ll spot numerous tiny nasturtium seedlings sprouting in the area – simply thin them out, retaining the strongest to restart the cycle.
Reacting to the video, one commenter mentioned: “I make a pesto using the nasturtium leaves and flowers! Good way to bulk up a basil pesto, and it’s delicious peppery flavour!”.
Nasturtium are very ‘useful’ in the garden(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Another commenter shared: “They’re so delightful! I had a beautiful bunch last spring till a tornado destroyed my garden and they never recovered. Although the rest of town was much worse.”
A third commenter noted: “That is the biggest nasturtium I’ve ever seen.”
However, some commenters cautioned about the risk of nasturtiums spreading throughout the garden if not properly managed, with one stating: “Plant once and battle them for the rest of your days.”
One more commenter chimed in: “They just so invasive thought. Planted a climbing one and dropped so many seeds another 20 tried to grow the next year.”