 |
| Pretty and vibrant nasturtiums next to the cucumbers. |
For beauty, I plant a few nasturtium plants around the sunny north edges of our Edmonton vegetable garden. They are a frugal way to add bright colour and greenery to the garden. Seeds can be saved from year to year. I start a few indoors and they seem to transplant well if they are still young plants. They can also be purchased as bedding plants.
The seeds can be planted directly in the ground, or started a few weeks before the last frost in large pots, to be transplanted. An overnight soaking of the seeds in water will soften them up for germination. The seeds are big, and they need room to develop roots, so tiny pots won't do. If planted directly in the ground, up they sprout without fuss, in early June. They grow with great vigor.
 |
| Nasturtiums harmonize with the kale |
Nasturtium plants can get quite large with big root systems. By August they crowd out and overtake other plants. The trailing types of nasturtiums expand over several feet. They are a bountiful plant which thrives with lots of room and sun.
In September, collect nasturtium seeds that have dried and turned a light brown. Nasturtium seeds left to overwinter on the ground will sometimes germinate in early June, once the soil warms up.
They also do well in large containers, however their vigorous growth challenges other flower varieties. Pansies next to nasturtiums lose out.
Above, they hold their own in front of the sturdy kale. Bees visit the blossoms.
And then in a peacful place, nasturtiums present a fitting frame for the Buddha.
Above, they hold their own in front of the sturdy kale. Bees visit the blossoms.
And then in a peacful place, nasturtiums present a fitting frame for the Buddha.
 |
| Buddha in the beauty of nasturtiums |