I planted nasturtium because I like the way they look.
They’re cheerful, they ramble in a nice way, they bring in pollinators, and, according to garden lore, they’re excellent trap plants. The idea, as I understand it, is simple: nasturtium is tastier to aphids than your vegetables, so it lures them away and takes the hit.
This year, that theory got tested.
Verdict: nasturtium is very tasty.
Aphids have arrived in force, and they appear to be throwing some kind of rave on the underside of every leaf. The nasturtium are crawling. Crawling.
I checked under a leaf, involuntarily made a sound I shan’t be repeating, and flung it like it was haunted.
Bring on the ladybugs.
I released two little containers of them, each one said to be a bustling 250-strong community of tiny garden warriors. Honestly, I didn’t believe the numbers, so that’s why two containers. I hosed a little water in there so they could have a sip, placed them gently in the nasturtium, said a few encouraging words, and encouraged them to chow down.
I don’t know if it’ll be enough. I might be too late. But the aphids are having a little too much fun for my taste, and I’d prefer the garden drama stay more poetic and less parasitic.
I’m a pacifist, so it’s a weird thing, rooting for one bug to eat another. But here we are.
What’s Next
– Keep checking the nasturtium
– Watch for signs of ladybug progress
– Celebrate the aphids’ poor life choices if this works
– Make peace with a little garden carnage as part of the cycle of life
Every garden has its battles. This one feels a little personal.
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