Companion Planting with Kale: The Ultimate Guide

Oleh Anonymous February 28, 2022 Post a Comment

Table of Contents

The Benefits of Companion Planting with Kale

If you're a gardener, you've probably heard of companion planting. It's the practice of growing different plants together in a way that benefits both of them. In this article, we're going to focus on companion planting with kale, and explore the many benefits it can offer.

Here are some of the reasons why you might want to consider companion planting with kale:

1. Pest Control

Kale is known for being vulnerable to pests like cabbage worms and aphids. However, by planting certain companion plants alongside your kale, you can deter these pests from attacking your crop. For example, planting marigolds or nasturtiums near your kale can help repel insects thanks to their strong scent.

2. Soil Health

Another benefit of companion planting with kale is that it can improve the health of your soil. Certain plants, such as legumes like beans and peas, have the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. This means they convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that other plants can use, which can help to boost the growth of your kale.

3. Increased Yield

By choosing the right companion plants, you can also increase the yield of your kale crop. For example, planting herbs like thyme or oregano near your kale can attract beneficial pollinators like bees, which can help to increase the number of flowers and therefore the amount of kale you harvest.

How to Companion Plant with Kale

So now that you know why you might want to companion plant with kale, let's take a closer look at how to do it. Here are some tips to help you get ed:

1. Choose the Right Plants

When choosing companion plants for your kale, it's important to select ones that have complementary needs and growing habits. For example, plants like tomatoes or peppers might not be the best choice, as they have similar nutrient requirements to kale and could compete for resources.

Instead, consider planting plants like beans, peas, or herbs, which have different nutrient requirements and can help to improve soil health.

2. Plan Your Layout

When planning your garden layout, think about the spacing requirements of each plant. Kale typically requires around 18 inches of space between plants, so make sure you leave enough room for your companion plants too.

You should also consider the height of each plant, as taller plants could shade out your kale. For example, if you're planting beans as a companion, make sure to put them on the northern side of your kale so that they don't block out the sun.

3. Rotate Your Crops

To keep your soil healthy and prevent disease, it's important to rotate your crops each year. This means planting different plants in different areas of your garden to avoid depleting the soil of nutrients.

If you're companion planting with kale, consider rotating it with other brassicas like broccoli or cauliflower, which have similar nutrient requirements but different pests and diseases.

Companion Plants for Kale

Now that you know why and how to companion plant with kale, let's take a closer look at some of the best plants to grow alongside it. Here are some ideas to get you ed:

1. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are one of the best companion plants for kale thanks to their strong scent, which can help to repel pests like aphids and whiteflies. They also have shallow roots, which means they won't compete with your kale for nutrients.

2. Beans

Beans are another great companion plant for kale, as they have the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. This means they can help to improve soil health and boost the growth of your kale. Just make sure to plant them at least 6 inches away from your kale to avoid shading it out.

3. Thyme

Thyme is a useful herb to grow alongside your kale, as it can attract beneficial pollinators like bees. It also has antifungal properties, which can help to prevent diseases in your garden.

4. Marigolds

Marigolds are another great option for repelling pests, thanks to their strong scent. They're also easy to grow and add a pop of color to your garden.

Tips for Success

If you're new to companion planting with kale, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your garden:

1. Small

It can be tempting to go all-in with companion planting, but it's best to small and experiment with a few different plants first. This will give you a chance to see what works well in your garden before committing to a larger project.

2. Keep Good Records

To track your progress and identify any issues, make sure to keep good records of what you're planting and when. This can help you make adjustments to your garden plan as needed.

3. Experiment with Different Combinations

There's no one-size-fits-all approach to companion planting, so don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of plants to see what works best for you.

FAQs

1. Can I grow kale with tomatoes?

While it's possible to grow kale and tomatoes together, it's not the best choice for companion planting. Both plants have similar nutrient requirements and could compete for resources.

2. Can I plant kale and beans together?

Yes, kale and beans make great companion plants! Beans have the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, which can help to boost the growth of your kale.

3. Do I need to fertilize my kale if I'm companion planting?

Companion planting can help to improve soil health, but it's still a good idea to fertilize your kale as needed. Consider using an organic fertilizer or compost to avoid introducing harmful chemicals to your garden.

4. What should I do if pests still attack my kale despite companion planting?

If pests are still attacking your kale despite companion planting, consider using natural pest control methods like insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also try adding more companion plants that are known to repel pests.

5. Can I companion plant with kale in containers?

Yes, you can companion plant with kale in containers! Just make sure to choose companion plants that have similar growing requirements to your kale, and give each plant enough space to grow.

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