The Ultimate Guide to Beetroot Companion Plants

Oleh Anonymous April 17, 2021 Post a Comment

Table of Contents

What are Beetroot Companion Plants?

Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together in a way that benefits them both. Some plants have natural affinities for each other and can help each other thrive by improving soil quality, deterring pests, or attracting beneficial insects. Beetroot, also known as beets, is a root vegetable that can benefit from companion planting.

In this article, we'll explore some of the best beetroot companion plants to help you grow healthy and productive beet crops.

Why Companion Planting is Important for Beetroot?

Companion planting offers many benefits to beetroot. First, it can improve soil health by adding nitrogen and other essential nutrients through the use of legume companions like clover or beans. Second, it can help repel pests and diseases that commonly affect beetroot, such as aphids or leaf miners. Finally, companion planting can attract beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs which help pollinate flowers and control pest populations.

Best Beetroot Companion Plants

1. Carrots

Carrots make excellent companions for beetroot. They both prefer well-drained, loose soil and have similar nutrient requirements. Plus, carrots can help break up compacted soil and provide a natural mulch for the beetroot roots.

How to plant:

Sow carrots and beetroot seeds at the same time, but make sure to plant them in rows and not intermixed. Leave about 30 cm between rows so that the carrots have enough space to develop properly.

2. Onions

Onions are another great companion plant for beetroot. They can help deter pests and diseases that affect both plants, such as carrot fly, onion fly, or rust. Onions also add sulfur to the soil, which can help improve the taste of beetroot.

How to plant:

Plant onions and beetroot together, but make sure to keep them in separate rows. Leave about 15-20 cm between each plant and make sure they receive plenty of sunlight.

3. Cabbage

Cabbage is a good companion for beetroot because it can help repel pests like aphids and moths. It also has similar nutrient requirements to beetroot, making it an ideal planting partner.

How to plant:

Plant cabbage and beetroot in alternating rows, leaving about 30 cm between each row. Make sure to give the cabbage plenty of space to grow, as it can become quite large.

4. Lettuce

Lettuce makes a great companion plant for beetroot because it has shallow roots and won't compete with the beetroot for nutrients. It also provides shade for the beetroot during hot weather, which can help prevent bolting.

How to plant:

Sow lettuce seeds around the perimeter of your beetroot patch, making sure to leave enough space for both plants to grow. Harvest the lettuce before it becomes too large and s to shade the beetroot too much.

5. Garlic

Garlic is a natural pest deterrent and can help keep beetroot safe from pests like aphids and spider mites. It also has natural fungicidal properties that can help protect the beetroot from diseases like downy mildew.

How to plant:

Plant garlic and beetroot in separate rows, leaving about 20 cm between each plant. Make sure to plant the garlic cloves pointy side up and cover them with about 2-3 cm of soil.

Other Beetroot Companion Plants

Some other plants that make good companions for beetroot include:

Beans
Peas
Swiss chard
Radishes

Companion planting is an effective way to improve the health and productivity of your beetroot patch. By choosing the right companion plants, you can help deter pests, improve soil quality, and attract beneficial insects. Consider trying some of the companion plants we've mentioned in this article to see how they work for you.

FAQs

1. Can I plant beetroot and tomatoes together?

No, it's not recommended to plant beetroot and tomatoes together as they both have similar nutrient requirements and can compete with each other for resources.

2. What are the best herbs to plant with beetroot?

Herbs like thyme, dill, and chamomile can make good companions for beetroot as they can help repel pests and attract beneficial insects.

3. How close should I plant my beetroot and companion plants?

It depends on the specific companion plant, but generally, you should leave enough space between each plant so that they have room to grow without competing with each other.

4. Can I plant beetroot and potatoes together?

No, it's not recommended to plant beetroot and potatoes together as they both belong to the same family and can be vulnerable to the same diseases and pests.