If you are looking for some really unusual flowers that you like to put into beds, containers, window boxes, backyards, or gardens, you might want to try companion planting with vegetables. These types of arrangements look attractive and are good for the environment as well. They can grow well on their own or be grown with other plants in the same bed or garden space. Even if you do not have any edible plants in your garden, these plants can still be used as a decoration by adding them to your patio, decking area, porches, or patios.
First, you will need to decide whether you will grow your vegetables or flower bushes. When you have decided which type of plant you prefer, then it is time to start considering which flowers you would like to plant with your vegetables. If you know exactly what vegetables you like to eat, you can pick a plant that will complement the taste of those foods.
For example, if you like to eat red peppers, you could plant a combination of red roses and red onions along with a few collard greens. You can even mix collard greens with green onions. However, if you like to eat citrus fruits, you could plant strawberries instead of orange ones, which are bitter. However, if you prefer citrus fruit, you could grow tangerines along with sweet potatoes. The combinations are endless.
In addition, you can get ideas for companion plant ideas from pictures and catalogs found at your local gardening store or online. You might also check out “otic” books and even plant shows at the library. It is very important that the flowers you choose complement the vegetables you will be growing. If you plant tomatoes and lettuce next to each other, your garden will likely look like a forest. On the other hand, if you put soybean beans and squash together, your vegetable plants will probably look like a sea of green. You should consider what the purpose is for planting the vegetables and make sure that they will work well together.
If you are a new gardener, it is important that you do not overlook the importance of soil, especially when it comes to choosing vegetables and flowers to go with. Your soil, if not fertilized properly, will not have the right nutrients needed to grow healthy plants. Instead of planting vegetables that will compete for less-than-ideal soil, you may want to choose plants that will grow well together. The garden center may be able to help you choose the type of soil you need to improve your garden landscape. They will also help you find out what your neighbors have in their gardens and provide suggestions on what types of flowers and vegetables they like best.
When it comes to flowers, another important thing to consider is the season. Do you want to plant flowers that bloom during the summer? Or maybe you want to plant something in the winter months? Do you want to plant the vegetables before the flower buds bloom, or are you looking to plant them after the flower buds have come up? This may impact what vegetables you plant – some flowers may need the heat of the summer to survive, while some vegetables might prefer the coolness of the winter.
Another thing to consider is the spacing between the plants you plant – you do not want to plant too close or else the vegetables will have trouble growing. Also, be sure that the vegetables you plant along with the flowers get enough sun – too much sun can dry the flowers out and cause them to not come up at all! Be sure to follow the directions that come with your plants and be patient with them. Sometimes it takes a few years to get a garden you really like – patience will pay off.
Gardening can be a relaxing hobby that combines your favorite things. Flowers, vegetables, and gardening all go together to make a beautiful garden you and your family can enjoy. Take the time to learn how to plant your own garden and you will find that you love gardening even more.