PICTURE: PEXELS/SUNFLOWERS
Sunflowers are among the easy-to-grow spring and summer flowers. They are loved most by gardeners for their majestic beauty and ability to bring gleeful energy to any space.
Beyond the cheerful appearance, they bring a variety of practical benefits to your garden. Here are some benefits of including sunflowers in your spring and summer garden.
Pollinator-friendly
Sunflowers with their bright yellow attract an array of pollinators such as bees, butterflies and even birds. The presence of bees ensures the pollution of other plants.
Natural pest control
Sunflowers attract beneficial insects that feed on crawling and harmful pests such as aphids, slugs and snails. Natural predators like bees and birds can reduce the need for chemical pesticides. Sunflowers can act as a natural pest control making your garden eco-friendly.
Improves the soil
Sunflowers have the ability to enhance drainage and aeration of the soil. Sunflowers have strong taproots that can break up compact soil. The roots dig deep into the soil and absorb nutrients that are in deeper soil layers, bringing them closer to the surface.
Versatile seeds
Sunflower seeds are edible and delicious for humans, birds and wildlife. Humans enjoy being incorporated into meals and salads or roasted.
Easy maintenance
Sunflowers are fast-growing, low-maintenance plants. They require minimal watering and are tolerant of extreme weather conditions such as drought.
Aesthetic appeal
Sunflowers are beautiful and enchanting, They contribute to a garden’s aesthetic appeal.
Support for climbing plants
Their tall stalks grow steady and firm making them perfect companion plants for climbing plants and plants that need staking support.
Drought-tolerant
Sunflowers are resilient and can withstand periods of drought. This makes them a great option for regions with water restrictions or gardeners looking to conserve water. Sunflowers can tolerate dry conditions and still produce vibrant blooms.
Improves biodiversity
Adding sunflowers to your garden improves the biodiversity of your garden as sunflowers invite an array of insects and birds.
Source of oil
Sunflower seeds are a rich source of oil, and you can harvest them to make your own sunflower oil.
Including sunflowers in your garden offers a multitude of benefits. They are more than just a beautiful addition; they serve functional purposes, from attracting pollinators to improving soil quality and supporting other plants.
Their seeds can provide food for humans, and wildlife, and even be a source of natural oil. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, sunflowers are a fantastic choice that will brighten your garden and contribute to its overall health.
Compiled by: Thimna Matika
First published by Garden & Home
Also see: The simplest way to get those seeds out of bell peppers
