Flowers That Help Around the Vegetable Garden
Flowers can do more than make a vegetable garden attractive.
They can support:
- Pollinators
- Beneficial insects
- Biodiversity
- Better use of garden edges
The key is choosing flowers for a real function rather than relying on companion-planting myths.
Zinnias
Zinnias attract:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Beneficial insects
They also make excellent cut flowers.
Sweet Alyssum
Sweet alyssum produces clusters of tiny flowers that attract small beneficial insects.
It works well along bed edges.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers attract bees and provide structure.
Place tall varieties where they will not shade vegetables.
Cosmos
Cosmos provide open flowers accessible to many beneficial insects.
They tolerate heat and lean soil.
Marigolds
Marigolds add color and may provide habitat value.
Do not expect them to repel all pests.
Calendula
Calendula works well during cooler weather.
Its flowers attract beneficial insects and can fit into spring and fall gardens.
Dill and Cilantro
These are herbs, but when allowed to flower they become excellent beneficial-insect plants.
They attract:
- Parasitic wasps
- Hover flies
- Bees
Native Flowers
Nearby native flowers provide nectar and pollen throughout the season.
Good options include:
- Coreopsis
- Coneflowers
- Mountain mint
- Asters
- Goldenrod
Where to Plant Flowers
Use:
- Bed ends
- Borders
- Path edges
- Containers
- Nearby perennial strips
Avoid crowding vegetables.
GardenGrowz Tip
The best flowers around vegetables are the ones that support insects without stealing too much light, water, or root space from the crop.