Companion Plants for Kale: The Perfect Pairing

Oleh Anonymous December 28, 2021 Post a Comment

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The Best Companion Plants for Kale

Kale is a nutrient-rich, leafy green vegetable that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Itâ€™s no surprise that many gardeners want to include it in their gardens. However, kale can be a bit finicky when it comes to growing conditions and pests. Fortunately, there are several companion plants that can help kale thrive while also providing a variety of benefits. Here are the best companion plants for kale:

1. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are one of the best companion plants for kale. They attract beneficial insects (such as ladybugs and hoverflies) that prey on aphids, which are a common pest for kale. Additionally, nasturtiums have a strong scent that repels flea beetles and other pests.

Nasturtiums are also edible, with both the leaves and flowers being used in salads. Plant them around the perimeter of your kale bed or intersperse them throughout for added color and beauty.

2. Dill

Dill is another great companion plant for kale. It attracts beneficial insects such as wasps and parasitic flies that prey on cabbage worms and other pests. Dill can also improve the flavor of kale by deterring aphids and attracting pollinators.

Plant dill near your kale plants or scatter seeds throughout the bed. Be sure to keep an eye on it, though, as it can easily self-seed and spread throughout your garden.

3. Beans

Beans are a great companion plant for kale because they fix nitrogen in the soil. Kale is a heavy feeder and requires a lot of nutrients, so planting it near beans can help improve its growth and productivity. Additionally, beans have shallow roots that wonâ€™t compete with kale for water or nutrients.

Plant bush beans around your kale plants or interplant pole beans throughout the bed. Be sure to rotate your crop each year to prevent soil-borne diseases from building up.

4. Marigolds

Marigolds are a classic companion plant that are known for their ability to repel pests. They emit a strong scent that deters nematodes, whiteflies, and other harmful insects. Additionally, marigolds attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings that prey on aphids and other pests.

Plant marigolds around the perimeter of your kale bed or intersperse them throughout the bed for added color and beauty.

5. Mint

Mint is a great companion plant for kale because it repels pests such as flea beetles and cabbage moths. Additionally, it attracts beneficial insects such as hoverflies and parasitic wasps that prey on aphids and other pests. Mint also has a pleasant scent that can help mask the odor of brassicas (such as kale) which can attract pests.

Plant mint around the perimeter of your kale bed or intersperse it throughout the bed. Be aware, though, that mint can be invasive, so itâ€™s best to keep it contained in a pot or planter.

6. Chives

Chives are a great companion plant for kale because they deter aphids and attract beneficial insects such as hoverflies and parasitic wasps. Additionally, chives improve the flavor of kale and other brassicas by repelling thrips and other pests.

Plant chives around the perimeter of your kale bed or intersperse them throughout the bed. Be sure to keep them trimmed back, as they can easily spread and take over your garden.

7. Garlic

Garlic is a great companion plant for kale because it repels pests such as aphids, cabbage loopers, and cabbage maggots. Additionally, garlic has antifungal properties that can help prevent soil-borne diseases.

Plant garlic around the perimeter of your kale bed or intersperse it throughout the bed. Be sure to space the cloves at least 6 inches apart, and harvest when the leaves to yellow.

8. Calendula

Calendula is a beautiful companion plant that attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and hoverflies. Additionally, its roots exude a substance that can help suppress nematodes and other harmful soil-borne pests.

Plant calendula around the perimeter of your kale bed or intersperse it throughout the bed for added color and beauty.

9. Borage

Borage is a great companion plant for kale because it attracts beneficial insects such as bees and parasitic wasps. Additionally, borage has a taproot that can help break up hard soil and improve drainage.

Plant borage around the perimeter of your kale bed or intersperse it throughout the bed. Be aware, though, that borage can easily self-seed and become invasive.

10. Sage

Sage is a great companion plant for kale because it repels pests such as cabbage moths and cabbage loopers. Additionally, sage has antifungal properties that can help prevent soil-borne diseases.

Plant sage around the perimeter of your kale bed or intersperse it throughout the bed. Be sure to prune it back regularly, as it can easily become woody and unproductive.

How Companion Planting Works

Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together for mutual benefit. In the case of kale, planting it alongside certain companion plants can help improve its growth and productivity while also deterring pests and improving soil health.

Companion planting works in several ways:

Attracting beneficial insects that prey on pests
Repelling harmful insects with strong scents or other deterrents
Improving soil health by fixing nitrogen or breaking up hard soil
Providing shade or support for other plants
Improving flavor or nutrient content of neighboring plants

By carefully selecting companion plants and planting them strategically, you can create a healthy and productive garden that requires less intervention and chemical inputs.

How to Plant Companion Plants with Kale

When planting companion plants with kale, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Plant companion plants around the perimeter of your kale bed or intersperse them throughout for added color and beauty.
Be sure to rotate your crops each year to prevent soil-borne diseases from building up.
Keep an eye on invasive plants (such as mint and borage) and contain them in pots or planters if necessary.
Choose plants that have similar growing requirements (such as sun exposure and watering needs).
Experiment with different combinations of companion plants to find what works best for your garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I plant kale with tomatoes?

Tomatoes are not a good companion plant for kale. They require similar nutrients and can compete with each other for water and space. Additionally, tomatoes are susceptible to many of the same pests as kale, such as aphids and whiteflies.

2. Can I plant kale with peppers?

Peppers are not a good companion plant for kale. They require similar nutrients and can compete with each other for resources. Additionally, peppers are susceptible to many of the same pests as kale, such as flea beetles and aphids.

3. Can I plant kale with broccoli?

Broccoli is a good companion plant for kale. They are both members of the brassica family and have similar nutrient requirements. Additionally, planting them together can help deter pests such as cabbage loopers and cabbage maggots.

4. Can I plant kale with lettuce?

Lettuce is a good companion plant for kale. They have similar growing requirements and can be planted together to maximize garden space. Additionally, lettuce can provide shade for kale during hot summer months.

5. Can I plant kale with cucumbers?

Cucumbers are not a good companion plant for kale. They require different growing conditions and can compete with each other for resources. Additionally, cucumbers are susceptible to many of the same pests as kale, such as flea beetles and aphids.

Companion planting can be a great way to improve the health and productivity of your garden while also reducing the need for chemical inputs. By planting kale alongside certain companion plants (such as nasturtiums, dill, and beans), you can help deter pests, improve soil health, and increase yields.

Remember to choose plants that have similar growing requirements, rotate your crops each year, and experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your garden. With a little bit of planning and care, you can create a thriving garden full of healthy and delicious vegetables.