Companion Plants for Brassicas: A Comprehensive Guide

Oleh Anonymous June 07, 2022 Post a Comment

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Brassicas, also known as cruciferous vegetables, are some of the most popular crops grown in home gardens. Examples of brassicas include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. These vegetables are not only delicious but also pack a nutritional punch, making them a favorite among health-conscious gardeners.

However, growing brassicas can be a challenge due to their susceptibility to pests and diseases. Fortunately, companion planting can help reduce these issues and improve the overall health and yield of your brassicas. In this guide, we'll explore the best companion plants for brassicas, how they work together, and how you can incorporate them into your garden.

Best Companion Plants for Brassicas

There are several companion plants that are particularly helpful when growing brassicas. These include:

1. Marigolds

Marigolds are one of the most popular companion plants for brassicas. They have been shown to repel nematodes, which are small worms that can damage the roots of brassicas. Marigolds also attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on common brassica pests like aphids and cabbage worms.

To use marigolds as a companion plant for brassicas, simply plant them around the edges of your brassica bed or intersperse them among your brassica plants.

2. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are another excellent companion plant for brassicas. They have a pungent scent that repels aphids, whiteflies, and other brassica pests. Nasturtiums also attract beneficial insects like hoverflies, which feed on aphids and other pests.

To use nasturtiums as a companion plant for brassicas, plant them around the edges of your brassica bed or intersperse them among your brassica plants.

3. Dill

Dill is a great companion plant for brassicas because it attracts beneficial insects like wasps and hoverflies, which prey on common brassica pests like aphids and cabbage worms. Additionally, dill can help improve the flavor of brassicas, making them taste sweeter and more flavorful.

To use dill as a companion plant for brassicas, plant it near your brassica plants or interplant it with your brassicas.

4. Chamomile

Chamomile is another excellent companion plant for brassicas. It has a sweet fragrance that attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and lacewings, which feed on common brassica pests like aphids and cabbage worms. Additionally, chamomile can help improve the flavor of brassicas, making them taste sweeter and more flavorful.

To use chamomile as a companion plant for brassicas, plant it near your brassica plants or interplant it with your brassicas.

How Companion Plants Work with Brassicas

Companion plants work with brassicas in several ways. First, they can help repel common brassica pests like aphids and cabbage worms, which can reduce the need for pesticides. Second, companion plants can attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which prey on these pests, further reducing the need for pesticides. Third, some companion plants can help improve the flavor of brassicas, making them taste sweeter and more flavorful.

How to Incorporate Companion Plants into Your Garden

To incorporate companion plants into your garden, simply plant them near your brassica plants or interplant them with your brassicas. You can also plant them around the edges of your brassica bed to create a pest-repelling barrier. Be sure to choose companion plants that are well-suited to your growing conditions and that have similar water and sun requirements as your brassicas.

Example: Brassica Companion Planting Chart

Here's an example of a brassica companion planting chart that you can use to help plan your garden:

Brassicas	Companion Plants
Broccoli	Marigolds, nasturtiums, dill, chamomile, sage
Cauliflower	Marigolds, nasturtiums, dill, chamomile, sage
Cabbage	Marigolds, nasturtiums, dill, chamomile, sage
Brussels sprouts	Marigolds, nasturtiums, dill, chamomile, sage

In companion planting is an effective way to reduce pests and diseases when growing brassicas. By incorporating companion plants like marigolds, nasturtiums, dill, and chamomile into your garden, you can improve the health and yield of your brassicas while reducing the need for pesticides. Be sure to choose companion plants that are well-suited to your growing conditions and that have similar water and sun requirements as your brassicas.

FAQs

1. What are some other companion plants for brassicas?

Some other companion plants for brassicas include borage, calendula, and thyme.

2. Can I plant brassicas and their companion plants in the same container?

Yes, you can plant brassicas and their companion plants in the same container. Just be sure to choose plants that have similar water and sun requirements.

3. How close together should I plant brassicas and their companion plants?

To maximize the benefits of companion planting, it's best to plant your brassicas and their companion plants fairly close together. Aim for a spacing of no more than 12 inches between plants.

4. Can companion planting completely eliminate the need for pesticides?

Companion planting can help reduce the need for pesticides, but it may not completely eliminate the need for them. Be sure to monitor your plants regularly and use pesticides only when necessary.

5. Are there any companion plants that should not be planted with brassicas?

Yes, there are some companion plants that should not be planted with brassicas. These include plants from the nightshade family (such as tomatoes and peppers) and plants from the legume family (such as beans and peas). These plants can compete with brassicas for nutrients and may not be good companions.