Companion Planting: The Perfect Match for Beets and Kale

Oleh Anonymous January 28, 2023 Post a Comment

Table of Contents

Beets and Kale Companion Planting

When it comes to gardening, companion planting is an effective way to improve plant growth and health while reducing pest infestations. Two vegetables that work well together in this regard are beets and kale.

Benefits of Companion Planting Beets and Kale

There are several benefits of companion planting beets and kale. First and foremost, the combination helps to deter pests. For example, planting kale alongside beets can help keep away beet leaf miner, a common pest that feeds on beet leaves. Additionally, the two plants have different nutrient requirements, which means they don't compete with each other for resources.

How to Companion Plant Beets and Kale

To companion plant beets and kale, simply plant them next to each other in your garden bed. Keep in mind that beets grow best in soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5, while kale prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5. Make sure to water both plants regularly and provide adequate sunlight.

Other Plants That Work Well with Beets and Kale

In addition to each other, beets and kale also make great companions for a variety of other plants. Here are a few examples:

Carrots

Carrots and beets go hand-in-hand as they both prefer well-draining soil and benefit from regular watering. Additionally, planting carrots alongside beets can help to deter pests such as carrot rust fly.

Lettuce

Lettuce is a great companion plant for kale as it prefers similar growing conditions. Plus, lettuce is a shallow-rooted plant and can help to keep the soil moist around your kale plants.

Radishes

Radishes are known for their ability to repel pests such as cucumber beetles and squash bugs. They also grow quickly, which means they won't take up too much space in your garden bed.

Companion Planting Tips

When it comes to companion planting, there are a few tips you should keep in mind:

Plant with Purpose

Make sure to choose companion plants that offer some sort of benefit to each other. For example, don't plant two plants next to each other just because you have extra space in your garden bed.

Diversify Your Garden

Planting a variety of different crops can help to deter pests and promote healthy soil. Plus, it makes for a more interesting and visually appealing garden!

Rotate Your Crops

To prevent nutrient depletion and pest infestations, rotate your crops every year. This means planting different crops in different areas of your garden bed each season.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I companion plant beets and kale in containers?

Yes, you can companion plant beets and kale in containers. Just make sure to choose a container that's large enough to accommodate both types of plants.

2. Do I need to fertilize my companion planted beets and kale?

If you're using healthy soil, you shouldn't need to fertilize your beets and kale. However, if you notice any signs of nutrient deficiency (such as yellowing leaves), you can add a balanced fertilizer to your soil.

3. What's the best time of year to plant beets and kale?

Beets and kale are cool-season crops that grow best in spring and fall. In warmer climates, you may be able to grow them year-round.

4. Can I companion plant beets and kale with other vegetables?

Yes, beets and kale can be companion planted with a variety of other vegetables, including carrots, lettuce, and radishes.

5. How do I know if my companion planting is working?

If your companion planting is working, you should notice healthier plants with fewer pest infestations. Additionally, you may notice improved crop yields and a more diverse range of beneficial insects in your garden.