Your vegetables could grow bigger and better if you follow this gardening tip.

With spring finally here, those of us with a green finger will be heading out into our gardens to tidy up the mess from the winter and start making our outside spaces look beautiful so that we can use them throughout the summer.

If you’re thinking of using your garden practically this year to grow vegetables, however, one gardening expert has offered some useful advice that could help make sure your crops thrive.

Jamie Walton, an ecological horticulturist and conservationist, said that when he first started growing vegetables, he made one “big mistake” that he now sees many other beginners make – and it could compromise his crops.

The expert said that it’s not enough to just plant vegetables and hope they grow, as there’s one very important thing you also need to cultivate alongside them – flowers.

Jamie shared in a video on TikTok that he majorly “undervalued the importance of flowers” when he began his vegetable-growing journey. But since changing his garden layout to include complimentary flowers, he’s noticed “so many benefits”.

He said “companion planting” – which involves planting two or more plants together – can help to reduce pest issues, while some flowers can also draw predatory insects like ladybirds away from your crops.

What’s more, flowers increase pollination in your garden as they attract insects like bees and butterflies, meaning you could end up with better crop yields simply by planting a few flowers with your veggies.

Here are some of the flowers Jamie recommends planting.

1. Nasturtiums 

Nasturtium, also known as tropaeolum, is a genus of around 80 species of flowering plants. According to Gardeners’ World, they should be sown in April and planted in May, ready for them to flower throughout the summer months – meaning you still have plenty of time if you want to add them to your garden.

Jamie recommended planting nasturtiums next to brassicas and beans. Cabbage white butterflies and their caterpillars feed on the leaves, so they won’t be drawn to any cabbage or lettuce you might be growing. Blackfly are also attracted to the leaves, which can save your beans from being attacked.

2. Marigolds

Jamie also suggested planting marigolds and sweet alyssum to help mask the smell of other plants and deter pests. Gardener’s World states marigolds are good companion plants for the likes of tomatoes and cucumbers as they can help to keep whitefly at bay, particularly in a greenhouse.

Marigolds should be planted in beds or pots once all risk of frost has passed. While you could plant them in March, it may be a good idea to wait until the end of the month or the beginning of April to be sure that all cold spells have passed.

3. Tansy

The gardener recommended planting tansy, also known as tanacetums, in order to keep pests like ladybirds away from your vegetables. What’s more, the plant can be dried for use indoors as an insect repellant for the likes of flies and ants.

However, Gardener’s World warns those wanting to plant tansy to be careful, as all parts of the plant are toxic if consumed in large quantities, and the foliage can cause skin irritation. It is also toxic to cats and dogs, so pet owners should choose another plant for their gardens.

Concluding his video, Jamie stated: “A few of my favourites are nasturtiums, calendula, marigolds, borage and violas. And, of course, they also help lift your mood by adding so much beauty to any space!”