About Nasturtiums

My nasturtiums are abundant again for the Autumn/ Winter season and are popping up everywhere! They make a beautiful lush ground cover and are so easy to grow! Once you have them in your garden they will pop up every year without any effort on your behalf. They have so many uses and integrated relationships within your garden which makes them one of my favourite permaculture plants. Their lily pad-like leaves also give all the magical fairy vibes.

Growing Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums seem to thrive well in most soil types and you will often see them spilling out onto the street from gardens or popping up in the wild. They have quite a weed-like growth because they are so easy to grow and self-seed. They come in a few different varieties and range in colours from yellow, red, orange, peach, white, and a beautiful scarlet red that I have my eye on.

They can also make a companion plant as they keep the soil protected and create a great space for beneficial insects to live. They are a great addition to any garden and one of my top permaculture plants due to the number of beneficial uses and positive relationships with other plants and animals.

Medicinal

Nasturtiums have many medicinal and healing qualities. They are rich in vitamin C, boost your immune system, as well as a natural aid to antibacterial and fungal infections. Plus most of the plant is edible which I love! Please note it is best to try things in moderation and I am by no means a medical professional.  I did read that you should possibly avoid Nasturtium if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have kidney disease. 

Chickens

Growing Nasturtiums can also attract snails, aphids, and other bugs which keeps them away from your sensitive crops and then you can just harvest patches of affected plants and feed them to your chickens. The chickens will love the snails/bugs and the Nasturtium itself is a great natural medicine for the chickens. Nasturtium can improve reproductive health and immunity and help as a natural antibiotic.

Ways to Eat Nasturtiums

There are so many ways to use this plant and I have only tried a few so far. It is so important to learn how to use your edible plants so that you can get the most out of them! Here is a list of ways along with links to any recipes I have on my blog.

• Salad Greens
• Pickled/poor man’s capers
• Nasturtium wraps
• Nasturtium Bread
• Nasturtium Oil
• Nasturtium Mini Quiche
• Stuffed flowers
• Nasturtium Vinaigrette
• Decoration
• Dolmades
• Sandwich Substitute for Mustard
• Pesto
• Nasturtium chips
• Nasturtium salt

Are you growing Nasturtiums? Do you use Nasturtium in any other ways? I would love to know, please leave a comment below.

Holly🌱

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