Companion Plants for Cabbage and Broccoli

Oleh Anonymous May 15, 2021 Post a Comment

Table of Contents

Cabbage and broccoli are two of the most popular vegetables grown in home gardens. They are both members of the Brassicaceae family, which also includes other nutritious vegetables like cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts. However, growing these plants can be challenging because they are often attacked by pests and diseases. One way to reduce the likelihood of such problems is by planting companion plants alongside them. In this article, we will explore some of the best companion plants for cabbage and broccoli.

Companion Plants for Cabbage and Broccoli

1. Celery

Celery is an excellent companion plant for cabbage and broccoli. It has a strong scent that repels many common pests, including aphids, carrot flies, and cabbage worms. Furthermore, celery releases certain compounds into the soil that can improve the growth and health of its neighboring plants. Plant celery seedlings around the perimeter of your cabbage or broccoli patch.

How to Grow Celery

Celery prefers rich, moist soil and plenty of sunlight. It is a heavy feeder and requires regular fertilization. Sow celery seeds indoors about 10 weeks before the last expected frost. Transplant seedlings outdoors when the soil has warmed up and all danger of frost has passed. Space plants 6-8 inches apart.

2. Dill

Dill is another great companion plant for cabbage and broccoli. It attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies, which prey on many common garden pests. Additionally, dill has a strong scent that can mask the smell of its neighboring plants, making them less attractive to pests like cabbage moths. Plant dill seedlings throughout your cabbage or broccoli patch.

How to Grow Dill

Dill is easy to grow from seed and prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Sow seeds directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Space plants 12-18 inches apart. Dill self-seeds readily, so you may find that it returns year after year without any effort on your part.

3. Chamomile

Chamomile is a delicate herb that makes an excellent companion plant for cabbage and broccoli. It attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies, which prey on aphids and other pests. Additionally, chamomile has a calming effect on plants and can help reduce stress caused by environmental factors like heat, drought, and wind. Plant chamomile seedlings throughout your cabbage or broccoli patch.

How to Grow Chamomile

Chamomile prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Sow seeds directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Space plants 6-12 inches apart. Chamomile can be harvested for tea or dried for culinary use.

4. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are colorful annual flowers that make excellent companion plants for cabbage and broccoli. They attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies, which prey on many common garden pests. Additionally, nasturtiums have a slightly pungent scent that can repel some pests like whiteflies and aphids. Plant nasturtium seedlings throughout your cabbage or broccoli patch.

How to Grow Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums prefer well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Sow seeds directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Space plants 10-12 inches apart. Nasturtiums are edible and can be used in salads or as a garnish.

Companion planting is an effective way to reduce pests and diseases in your cabbage and broccoli patch. By incorporating celery, dill, chamomile, and nasturtiums into your garden, you can attract beneficial insects, repel pests, improve soil health, and increase yields. Remember to give your companion plants plenty of space and care for them properly to ensure that they thrive alongside your main crops.

FAQs

1. What are some other good companion plants for cabbage and broccoli?

Some other good companion plants for cabbage and broccoli include onions, garlic, beets, and spinach.

2. Can I plant cabbage and broccoli together?

Yes, cabbage and broccoli can be planted together because they are both members of the same family and have similar growing requirements.

3. How close together should I plant my companion plants?

It's best to give your companion plants plenty of space to grow and spread out. Follow the spacing guidelines on the seed packet or consult a gardening book for more information.

4. Can companion planting eliminate the need for pesticides?

Companion planting can help reduce the need for pesticides by attracting beneficial insects and repelling pests. However, it is not a foolproof method and may not work in all situations.

5. Will companion plants compete with my cabbage and broccoli for nutrients?

Companion plants may compete with your cabbage and broccoli for nutrients, but if you space them properly and care for them well, they should not significantly impact the growth of your main crops.