**The Must-Have Nasturtium in Every Garden**

In a world where gardening enthusiasts are always on the lookout for new and exciting plants to add to their green spaces, a humble flower has been gaining attention for its numerous benefits and versatility. Nasturtiums are often overlooked, but they deserve a spot in every garden. According to gardening expert Joseph Clark, who has written a book called “Garden To Save The World”, nasturtiums are “possibly the most useful plant” in his own garden.

Edible and Decorative

One of the most significant advantages of nasturtiums is that every part of the plant is edible. The leaves and flowers have a distinct peppery taste that complements salads and can be used as a decorative garnish. “This here is one simple plant that I recommend in every garden,” Clark exclaimed in a video on TikTok.

Benefits to Vegetable Crops

Nasturtiums are not only a delight to eat but also serve as a natural pest control measure. Slugs and snails can’t get enough of nasturtium foliage, which effectively keeps unwanted garden visitors away from prized crops. Clark noted that nasturtiums are “fantastic when planted in your vegetable patch” and are used as a nursery for cabbage butterflies’ caterpillar eggs.

Easy to Grow and Low Maintenance

One of the reasons why Clark grows nasturtiums is for their simplicity and ease of growth. “They are super simple and easy to grow,” he said. “Once planted out, they will pretty much look after themselves.” The plants are also low maintenance, requiring minimal care and attention. As Clark noted, “You will have them pretty much for life. While they will die back each year, they will self seed, giving you an almost endless supply all from a few cheap plants.”

Perfect Time to Plant

Clark suggests that now is the perfect time to pick up a few cheap nasturtium plants from the shop or sow some seeds to plant all around your garden. The plants will “grow, bloom and self seed to return every spring, giving you an almost endless supply all from a few cheap plants.” He also emphasized that the benefits of nasturtiums are not limited to one season, as they will continue to provide a natural pest control measure and edible flowers throughout the year.

Community Engagement

The gardening guru’s TikTok video has gained significant traction, with 160,500 views, 9,907 likes, and over 100 comments. Fellow gardening enthusiasts shared their own experiences with nasturtiums, including using the leaves and flowers to make pesto, growing them for 10 years with minimal maintenance, and admiring their ornamental value. “I make a pesto using the nasturtium leaves and flowers! Good way to bulk up a basil pesto, and it’s [a] delicious peppery flavour!” – A fan shared their experience with using nasturtiums in pesto. “I till my garden once a year, I planted these guys once, 10yrs ago. I’ve never had to reseed. They are currently growing now.” – A low-fuss method of growing nasturtiums was shared, with the plants thriving for 10 years with minimal maintenance. “I’ve got a bunch in purple and a white/yellow colour as they are so good to hide dodgy fencing too.” – A third person highlighted the plant’s ornamental value, using them to hide unsightly fencing. “These are possibly my favourite plant.” – A fourth person expressed their admiration for nasturtiums, considering them a favorite.

Nasturtiums: A Must-Have for Every Garden

In conclusion, nasturtiums are a must-have for every garden. They are not only edible and decorative but also serve as a natural pest control measure. With their simplicity, ease of growth, and low maintenance, they are a perfect addition to any garden.