Why We Grow Nasturtiums With Our Tomatoes

At Primrose, we believe in letting nature take the lead—and that includes how we care for our tomatoes. Rather than reaching for sprays or quick fixes, we look to the plants themselves.

One of our favourite companions? The vibrant, quietly powerful nasturtium.

1. Natural Pest Management

Nasturtiums act as a 'trap crop', attracting aphids, blackfly, and whitefly away from tomato plants. It’s a form of gentle pest control that respects the ecosystem, letting nature balance itself while your tomatoes grow with less stress.

2. A Magnet for Pollinators and Beneficial Insects

Nasturtium flowers are rich in nectar, drawing in bees, hoverflies, ladybirds, and other helpful insects. These visitors not only pollinate, but their larvae also prey on aphids and other pests, creating a more resilient garden system.

3. Living Mulch and Soil Protector

In a no-dig or regenerative bed, keeping the soil covered is essential. Nasturtiums sprawl naturally, acting like a living mulch. They shade the soil, retain moisture during dry spells, and gently suppress weed growth—supporting the life below ground as much as above.

4. Happier, Healthier Tomatoes

Tomatoes grown near nasturtiums often appear stronger, more disease-resistant, and produce tastier fruit. Why? Less pest pressure, more biodiversity, and a healthier growing environment. It’s a quiet collaboration that benefits the whole bed.

5. Beauty and Edibility in One

Nasturtiums offer more than garden value, they’re entirely edible. Add the peppery leaves to salads, toss in the vibrant flowers, or pickle the green seed pods like capers. Every part has a purpose. Nothing goes to waste.

In a regenerative garden, every plant plays more than one role. Nasturtiums don’t just companion tomatoes—they protect, attract, shade, nourish, and beautify.

How to Grow Nasturtiums With Tomatoes

• Sow direct: Once the soil has warmed in late spring.
• Spacing: Plant at the edges of your tomato beds and let them sprawl or trail.
• Feeding: Go easy on feeding - too much encourages leaves but fewer flowers.

Let them self-seed if you like, but thin seedlings the next spring if they get too enthusiastic.

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Want to see what else we grow together?

Follow along on Instagram @primroseorganicproduce or visit the farm to see our companion beds in full bloom.