Skeptic here, too, for the most part. I *have* found nasturtiums to work very well, though. You have to remember, however, that they're a trap crop, not a repellent. Nasturtiums are more attractive to some pests than the crop you're trying to protect, so they go to the nasturtiums first. You can then kill the pest on the nasturtiums (either by organic or synthetic pesticide or by simply removing the nasturtiums along with the resident pests). Whatever method you choose, you're sacrificing the nasturtiums on purpose to save the crop. In our in-ground garden, I plant a row of nasturtiums next to the row of crop I want to protect. With pots, I'd definitely have the nasturtiums in their own separate pots. As far as repelling pests, I still haven't found any plant that lives up to the companion planting hype. The problem is, the majority of them only work when they're jostled or crushed to release the offensive (to the pest) scent. That just doesn't happen enough in the average garden unless the plants are right on the path getting stepped on and brushed against. I just don't have the time and space for that. The dill and brassicas combo is the one other CP that has worked well for me. I have no idea why. It's just been a consistent observation that the years I plant a row of dill in between my rows of broccoli, I have healthier plants and bigger harvests. *shrug* That's not to say that that would happen for everyone, though. Another lucky gardener here who doesn't have to deal with slugs. We have them, but not many. They stay way out by the slough (pond) with the snails and the only place I've ever seen them in the garden is under the rhubarb when I haven't had time to keep it tidy and off the ground. My dad used to have them, though. Horrible things. He used to send me out with a salt shaker when I was a kid. *shudder*

I'm mainly thinking of herbs such as lemon and bee balm to attract bees and enhance flavor... Ok, attracting pollinators is always a good thing! Even tho most veggies are self pollinating it is always handy to have them for the squash and such. All around the edges of the garden works well for that purpose. And they aren't picky either - most any flowering plants will get their attention. Improving taste is another matter since it simply can't be proven/documented in any way and some problems can result depending on how planted - shading from the bigger plants, needing very different nutrient and water needs, competing for nutrients and water, attracting pests that can harm the primary crop (as marigolds do with aphids), etc. Again borders work ok, mixed in with the vegetables needs to be done with care. A herb garden or patch or even in a separate row that is just herbs is a great thing to have and since herbs prefer much lower nutrient needs than vegetables they thrive best when away from all the heavy fertilizing is. Mixed in with the tomato plants and such - not so much. Experiment with some placements and see what works for you best. I posted this question in the companion planting...and got no replies Yeah that's a problem and a clue as to the fading popularity of it. There is still alot of information to read there but it isn't active. When the fad was hot and heavy years ago it was pretty aggressive in this forum with all its claims and things got pretty heated so was given its own forum. Over time and with experience and questionable results the fad and the forum has pretty much faded. It just never developed into all it was initially cracked up to be. Dave

Ah yes, they do flower. They like a lot of water, and rich soil, because they are really heavy heavy feeders. If it is blooming, it is a happy plant. If it goes dormant in the winter, you can separate the new tubers into another pot. They can spread quite far in the ground. We are a lot warmer in winter than your zone, but still the ones planted in the garden are subject to freeze damage. They melt down after a freeze to be a pile looks like elephant poop, and that seems to protect the bulb or tuber from itself freezing. Then next spring like a Phoenix rising from its ashes, a new shoot comes through the rotted organic matter. I generally cover it with a lot of pine straw, and then if it is raining a big plastic tarp over that should it be freezing rain. But they spread easily, and they grow back readily. If you want to discuss elephant ears specifically, take a look at another garden forum, Tropicalesque. You'll discover folks there who have tropical style gardens all over the country. But then, hosta look tropical-esque as well, with their strappy leaves and magnificent flower scapes. Fits right in.

@sepulvd since we don't know the balance of your current planting design you can always follow your own thought, "maybe add different colors of heather". It would certainly be a safe solution since most of the textures will blend. Monocultures of one genus can be captivating.