Companion Plants for Mustard Greens: How to Grow Them Successfully
Mustard greens are a popular vegetable that can be grown in most gardens. They are easy to grow, tasty, and packed with nutrients. However, like all plants, they can be affected by pests and diseases. One way to prevent these issues is by planting companion plants.
Why Companion Plants?
Companion planting is the practice of growing different types of plants together to benefit each other. In the case of mustard greens, companion plants can help repel pests, attract beneficial insects, and improve soil health. By planting the right companion plants, you can increase the yield and quality of your mustard greens.
Companion Plants for Mustard Greens
Here are some of the best companion plants for mustard greens:
1. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are excellent companion plants for mustard greens because they repel aphids, whiteflies, and cucumber beetles. They also add a pop of color to the garden and are edible, with a peppery taste.
How to Plant:
Plant nasturtium seeds around the base of your mustard greens. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
Tips:
- Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms.
- Avoid overwatering as they prefer dry soil.
2. Marigolds
Marigolds are another great companion plant for mustard greens. They repel nematodes, whiteflies, and cabbage worms. They also attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings.
How to Plant:
Plant marigold seeds around the base of your mustard greens, or interplant them throughout your garden. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
Tips:
- Pinch off the dead flowers to encourage more blooms.
- Avoid overwatering as they prefer dry soil.
3. Beans
Beans are a beneficial companion plant for mustard greens because they add nitrogen to the soil, which is essential for plant growth. They also help improve soil structure and prevent erosion.
How to Plant:
Plant bean seeds around the base of your mustard greens. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
Tips:
- Provide support for climbing varieties.
- Avoid planting beans near onions or garlic, as they can inhibit growth.
4. Radishes
Radishes are an excellent companion plant for mustard greens because they break up compacted soil and attract beneficial insects such as bees and hoverflies. They also deter cucumber beetles and squash bugs.
How to Plant:
Plant radish seeds around the base of your mustard greens. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
Tips:
- Thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding.
- Harvest radishes when they are young for the best flavor.
5. Dill
Dill is a great companion plant for mustard greens because it attracts beneficial insects such as wasps and lacewings, which prey on aphids and caterpillars. It also repels spider mites and cabbage loopers.
How to Plant:
Plant dill seeds around the base of your mustard greens. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
Tips:
- Pinch off the dead flowers to encourage more growth.
- Avoid overwatering as they prefer dry soil.
6. Borage
Borage is an excellent companion plant for mustard greens because it attracts pollinators, repels tomato hornworms and cabbage worms, and improves soil health.
How to Plant:
Plant borage seeds around the base of your mustard greens. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
Tips:
- Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms.
- Avoid overwatering as they prefer dry soil.
7. Chamomile
Chamomile is a beneficial companion plant for mustard greens because it repels aphids and attracts beneficial insects such as hoverflies and parasitic wasps. It also helps improve soil health.
How to Plant:
Plant chamomile seeds around the base of your mustard greens. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
Tips:
- Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms.
- Avoid overwatering as they prefer dry soil.
8. Sage
Sage is a great companion plant for mustard greens because it repels cabbage moths and cabbage loopers. It also adds flavor to your dishes.
How to Plant:
Plant sage seeds around the base of your mustard greens. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
Tips:
- Prune regularly to encourage more growth.
- Avoid overwatering as they prefer dry soil.
9. Catnip
Catnip is a beneficial companion plant for mustard greens because it repels flea beetles, ants, and aphids. It also attracts beneficial insects such as lacewings and parasitic wasps.
How to Plant:
Plant catnip seeds around the base of your mustard greens. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
Tips:
- Prune regularly to encourage more growth.
- Avoid planting near plants in the mint family, as they can cross-pollinate.
10. Carrots
Carrots are a great companion plant for mustard greens because they help break up compacted soil and attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings. They also add a pop of color to your garden.
How to Plant:
Plant carrot seeds around the base of your mustard greens. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
Tips:
- Thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding.
- Water regularly to prevent splitting.
11. Spinach
Spinach is a beneficial companion plant for mustard greens because it adds nutrients to the soil and attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and hoverflies.
How to Plant:
Plant spinach seeds around the base of your mustard greens. They prefer partial shade and well-draining soil.
Tips:
- Harvest leaves when they are young for the best flavor.
- Avoid overwatering as they prefer moist soil.
12. Onions
Onions are a great companion plant for mustard greens because they deter pests such as aphids and slugs. They also add flavor to your dishes.
How to Plant:
Plant onion sets around the base of your mustard greens. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
Tips:
- Harvest bulbs when the tops have yellowed and fallen over.
- Avoid planting near beans or peas, as they can inhibit growth.
13. Broccoli
Broccoli is a beneficial companion plant for mustard greens because it repels aphids and attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings. It also adds nutrients to the soil.
How to Plant:
Plant broccoli seeds around the base of your mustard greens. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
Tips:
- Harvest heads when they are tight and compact.
- Avoid planting near tomatoes or peppers, as they can attract similar pests.
14. Cilantro
Cilantro is a great companion plant for mustard greens because it repels aphids and attracts beneficial insects such as hoverflies and parasitic wasps. It also adds flavor to your dishes.
How to Plant:
Plant cilantro seeds around the base of your mustard greens. They prefer partial shade and well-draining soil.
Tips:
- Harvest leaves when they are young for the best flavor.
- Avoid overwatering as they prefer moist soil.
15. Peas
Peas are a beneficial companion plant for mustard greens because they add nitrogen to the soil, which is essential for plant growth. They also help prevent erosion and improve soil structure.
How to Plant:
Plant pea seeds around the base of your mustard greens. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
Tips:
- Provide support for climbing varieties.
- Harvest pods when they are young for the best flavor.
Companion planting is a great way to improve the health and yield of your mustard greens. By planting the right companion plants, you can repel pests, attract beneficial insects, and improve soil health. Try out some of the plants listed above and see how they can help your garden thrive.
FAQs
1. What are companion plants?
Companion plants are different types of plants grown together to benefit each other. They can repel pests, attract beneficial insects, and improve soil health.
2. Why are companion plants important?
Companion plants are important because they can help prevent pest and disease issues, increase yield and quality, and improve soil health.
3. What are some common companion plants for mustard greens?
Some common companion plants for mustard greens include marigolds, beans, radishes, dill, borage, sage, catnip, carrots, spinach, onions, broccoli, cilantro, and peas.
4. How do I plant companion plants with my mustard greens?
Plant companion plants around the base of your mustard greens, or interplant them throughout your garden. Be sure to choose plants that have similar growing requirements.
5. Can I plant companion plants in containers?
Yes, you can plant companion plants in containers. Just be sure to choose plants that have similar growing requirements and provide enough space for each plant to grow.
Post a Comment for "Companion Plants for Mustard Greens: How to Grow Them Successfully"