I want to grow something easy along the edge of my allotment, and figure nasturtiums are a good bet. Only problem is that in the past I have found that they do get blackfly. Question is, would that discourage them from attacking my crops, or encourage them in to the area?
Help.
If they are a bad idea, any suggetions for something else instead (bearing in mind it will have to be something easy - I have enough trouble keeping up with the lottie, without taking on a 'border' there as well.
Thanks ???
Yes, it might attract the blackfly which wouldn't be well for your broad beans. I would suggest African Marigolds, they repel a lot of pests.
Nasturtiums are a great companian plant, attracting both blackfly and cabbage whites away from your crops. I say go for it. :)
G x
The query is. Do you grow plants which attract a pest near to the species you want to protect hoping that the pest will be drawn away from the productive plants?
It may well work for a lot of people but after a twenty year of unscientific research, I can confidently confirm that plants which attract a certain pest and nice grubs too. Planted near to the area where insect damage has caused problems It hardly helps at all. 00
Thanks for the advice - I have compromised and put them at one end of the plot and marigold at the other (poppies in the middle) - whatever happens it should look pretty!