Are you excited for the pumpkin harvest that’s just around the corner? Me too!
These captivating and delicious veggies are the favorite of many growers but only a few of them know the magic trick I’m about to show you!
There’s one adorable, scented flower that’s a perfect companion to pumpkins. It will help you improve your garden’s aesthetics and, more importantly, the yield!
The Flower Is…
The one and only, her majesty – lavender! Pink, white, and purple blossoms of lavender plants ensure them a spot in almost every garden.
They add a wonderful splash of color and the amazing fragrance is just another great thing about them. This herb also has numerous health benefits. (1) I’m sure you already know most of these things about lavender plants.
However, there’s one thing you may not know about lavender: it makes an incredible growing buddy for pumpkins.
You may think this relationship will improve the appearance of your pumpkin patch. That is true, though the real magic is in enhancing the pumpkin’s health!
Let’s learn more!
Why Use It As A Pumpkin Companion?
The fragrance of lavender is, indeed, lovely and special, but only to us. Pests, such as moths, fleas, and even deer hate this smell and they run away as soon as they sense it.
These pests can inhibit pumpkin growth and affect yield significantly. But if you add lavender close by, you’ll protect your prized pumpkins from these nuisances!
That’s not all! Pollinators such as butterflies and bees are very attracted to this herb. Once they visit your pumpkin patch, they’ll aid fertilization, which will result in an abundant yield and more pumpkins per plant!
I refer to lavender as a security guard in gardens; it only lets the good guys in!
How To Use Lavender As A Pumpkin Companion
You have three options when it comes to planting lavender next to pumpkins. The first one is to space it in intervals throughout the patch. This will act as a sort of barrier for various pests.
The second option is to add the herb around pumpkin beds or trellises with pumpkins attached. This way, you’ll also get a scented and breathtaking border.
Finally, you can plant your lavender in containers and put it around your Halloween treasures.
You should pay attention to where you plant lavender because some conditions may not suit it. For instance, these herbs thrive in full sun, so make sure the spot is fully exposed to the sun.
The soil must be free-draining because lavender roots can’t survive in standing water. You can improve the soil texture by adding organic matter to it.
Finally, you need to ensure adequate spacing between the plants. Overcrowding can significantly impact the overall health of both plants, which will result in poor pumpkin yield.
These plants won’t compete for nutrients but spacing is essential for air circulation and spreading. Making clusters or rows of lavender between these veggies, or planting the herb as borders are better approaches.
Well, Halloween is just around the corner and I know you want the best pumpkin yield ever. Many things can go wrong and result in a poor yield, low pumpkin weight, and other issues. As well as meeting the basic pumpkin requirements, add lavender to get the best harvest possible!
References
1. Zaleska. (2023, July 27). How lavender can improve your health. Cleveland Clinic