Gardening expert Joe, who shares his tips and tricks on TikTok, has revealed the one plant he recommends for every garden – and it’s not just because it looks pretty
Pick up one plant that acts as a natural pest repellent(Image: Getty)
Gardeners throughout the UK are being urged to plant one surprisingly potent flower that not only adds colour to borders but also serves as a natural, chemical-free pest deterrent.
In a recent video posted to his popular TikTok account, gardening enthusiast @JoesGarden explained why nasturtiums are his number one choice for any garden, particularly vegetable plots. He said: “A plant that I recommend in every garden. Every part of my garden has to have nasturtiums.”
Nasturtiums, recognised for their brilliant orange, red and yellow flowers, offer more than just visual appeal.
READ MORE: Birmingham Council accused of ‘stitch-up’ consultation on divisive park proposals
Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp
According to Joe, they’re remarkably successful at drawing garden pests like slugs, snails and cabbage butterflies away from your treasured vegetables.
“Slugs and snails can’t get enough of nasturtium foliage, and cabbage butterflies love laying their caterpillar eggs underneath the leaves,” he explained, reports the Express.
“This means they act as a natural pest control, as they help to keep these unwanted garden visitors away from your crops.”
Gardeners refer to this as a “trap crop” – a sacrificial plant cultivated to attract pests away from more precious or delicate plants, such as lettuces, cabbages, and beans. The concept is that pests will be attracted to the nasturtiums and leave the remainder of your vegetables undisturbed.
However, nasturtiums aren’t merely practical, they’re also consumable. “What’s really cool is the whole plant, including the flowers, seed pods and even the leaves, are 100% edible,” Joe added.
“You can toss the peppery leaves into salads, pickle the seed pods like capers, or use the petals to garnish dishes.”
He also highlighted that now is the ideal time to add them to your garden. “Pick up a few cheap nasturtium plants from the shops, or even better, sow some seeds all around the garden,” Joe said.
“They’ll grow, bloom, and self-seed, returning every spring for an almost endless supply, all from just a few plants.”
With their vibrant colours, edible qualities, and remarkable pest-deterring abilities, nasturtiums could well be the most industrious flower in the garden this summer.
Comments are closed.