Trap Crops

Like marigolds, nasturtium is a good garden companion because it reputedly repels pest insects, but it is also beneficial for attracting insects. In this case, black aphids. I pulled the whole plant out and discarded it, and I have not seen any aphids infesting anything else. There's plenty more nasturtiums at the ready--and they are not busy blooming or anything, as I think the garden soil is too rich for them. Hopefully some of the ones I have planted around the yard will bloom soon. There's nothing prettier than a nasturtium blossom floating in a bowl of cucumber soup in summer!