Flowers Amongst the Veggies?

Why would you want to take up valuable vegetable growing space with some pretty, but merely decorative flowers? Well, some of those darling blooms have more going for them than their looks!

Many flowers and herbs have bug repelling powers that vegetable growers use to their advantage each season. Annual marigolds are easy to take care of, inexpensive and are known to deter Mexican bean beetles, squash bugs, thrips, tomato hornworms, and whiteflies. The roots of marigolds contain a substance that is toxic to certain types of soil pests (nematodes).

One of my favorite annual heirloom beauties, the nasturtium, keep away potato bugs, squash bugs, and whiteflies.

Delicious herbs that can be used for added culinary diversity can also help keep the creepy-crawlies at bay.

Peppermint repels ants, white cabbage moths, aphids, and flea beetles. Peppermint can take over any and all space you allow it to conquer, so if you put it out, I'd suggest doing so in a container.

Garlic discourages aphids, fleas, Japanese beetles, and spider mites, while also looking absolutely fabulous with lovely spiking blooms.

So, a little dash of color and a little spice can actually help your veggie plots. So, maybe you want to make a little room for some flowers?