Discovering Companion Plants for Kale and Collards

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Kale and collards are two of the most nutritious vegetables available in the market. They contain an abundance of vitamins and minerals that make them a popular choice among health-conscious consumers. However, they can be susceptible to pests and diseases, which can affect their growth and yield. One way to address this issue is through companion planting.

What is Companion Planting?

Companion planting is the practice of planting different crops together to enhance their growth and reduce pest problems. This method has been used for centuries and has proven to be effective in improving crop yields and quality. In essence, companion plants work by either repelling harmful insects or attracting beneficial ones.

15 Best Companion Plants for Kale and Collards

1. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are excellent companion plants for kale and collards. They have a pungent smell that repels aphids, whiteflies, and cabbage worms. Additionally, their bright flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which help with fertilization.

How to Plant Nasturtiums with Kale and Collards:

Plant nasturtiums around the base of your kale and collards. Alternatively, you can plant them in pots and place them near your vegetable garden.

2. Marigolds

Marigolds are another great companion plant for kale and collards. They have a strong scent that repels pests such as nematodes, whiteflies, and cabbage moths. Moreover, marigolds are known to attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and hoverflies.

How to Plant Marigolds with Kale and Collards:

Plant marigolds around the perimeter of your kale and collard beds. Make sure to space them out evenly to maximize their effectiveness.

3. Dill

Dill is a herb that can be used in companion planting with kale and collards. It attracts beneficial insects such as parasitic wasps, which help control aphids and cabbage worms. Additionally, dill also enhances the flavor of kale and collards when used as a seasoning.

How to Plant Dill with Kale and Collards:

Plant dill near your kale and collards. Alternatively, you can plant them in pots and place them near your vegetable garden.

4. Sage

Sage is another herb that can be used in companion planting with kale and collards. It repels pests such as cabbage moths and carrot flies. Moreover, sage is known for its medicinal properties and can be used as a natural remedy for sore throats and digestive problems.

How to Plant Sage with Kale and Collards:

Plant sage near your kale and collards. Alternatively, you can plant them in pots and place them near your vegetable garden.

5. Borage

Borage is a herb that can be used in companion planting with kale and collards. It attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which help with fertilization. Additionally, borage repels pests such as tomato hornworms and cabbage worms.

How to Plant Borage with Kale and Collards:

Plant borage around the base of your kale and collards. Alternatively, you can plant them in pots and place them near your vegetable garden.

6. Chives

Chives are a herb that can be used in companion planting with kale and collards. They repel pests such as aphids and carrot flies. Moreover, chives have a mild onion-like flavor that complements the taste of kale and collards.

How to Plant Chives with Kale and Collards:

Plant chives near your kale and collards. Alternatively, you can plant them in pots and place them near your vegetable garden.

7. Beans

Beans are a legume that can be used in companion planting with kale and collards. They fix nitrogen in the soil, which is essential for plant growth. Additionally, beans also repel pests such as aphids and spider mites.

How to Plant Beans with Kale and Collards:

Plant beans near your kale and collards. Alternatively, you can plant them in pots and place them near your vegetable garden.

8. Peas

Peas are another legume that can be used in companion planting with kale and collards. Like beans, they fix nitrogen in the soil. Moreover, peas also attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and hoverflies.

How to Plant Peas with Kale and Collards:

Plant peas near your kale and collards. Alternatively, you can plant them in pots and place them near your vegetable garden.

9. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a fruit that can be used in companion planting with kale and collards. They repel pests such as cutworms and aphids. Moreover, tomatoes also attract beneficial insects such as parasitic wasps.

How to Plant Tomatoes with Kale and Collards:

Plant tomatoes near your kale and collards. Alternatively, you can plant them in pots and place them near your vegetable garden.

10. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a vegetable that can be used in companion planting with kale and collards. They repel pests such as ants and beetles. Additionally, cucumbers also attract beneficial insects such as bees and wasps.

How to Plant Cucumbers with Kale and Collards:

Plant cucumbers near your kale and collards. Alternatively, you can plant them in pots and place them near your vegetable garden.

11. Radishes

Radishes are a root vegetable that can be used in companion planting with kale and collards. They repel pests such as flea beetles and cucumber beetles. Moreover, radishes also help break up the soil and improve drainage.

How to Plant Radishes with Kale and Collards:

Plant radishes near your kale and collards. Alternatively, you can plant them in pots and place them near your vegetable garden.

12. Onions

Onions are a bulb vegetable that can be used in companion planting with kale and collards. They repel pests such as aphids and carrot flies. Additionally, onions also enhance the flavor of kale and collards when used as a seasoning.

How to Plant Onions with Kale and Collards:

Plant onions near your kale and collards. Alternatively, you can plant them in pots and place them near your vegetable garden.

13. Garlic

Garlic is another bulb vegetable that can be used in companion planting with kale and collards. It repels pests such as aphids and cabbage worms. Moreover, garlic also has medicinal properties and can be used as a natural remedy for colds and flu.

How to Plant Garlic with Kale and Collards:

Plant garlic near your kale and collards. Alternatively, you can plant them in pots and place them near your vegetable garden.

14. Beets

Beets are a root vegetable that can be used in companion planting with kale and collards. They repel pests such as leafhoppers and flea beetles. Additionally, beets also help improve soil quality by breaking up hard soil.

How to Plant Beets with Kale and Collards:

Plant beets near your kale and collards. Alternatively, you can plant them in pots and place them near your vegetable garden.

15. Carrots

Carrots are another root vegetable that can be used in companion planting with kale and collards. They repel pests such as aphids and carrot flies. Moreover, carrots also help improve soil quality by breaking up hard soil.

How to Plant Carrots with Kale and Collards:

Plant carrots near your kale and collards. Alternatively, you can plant them in pots and place them near your vegetable garden.


Companion planting is an effective way to enhance the growth of kale and collards while reducing pest problems. By planting these 15 companion plants alongside kale and collards, you can improve their yield, flavor, and nutritional value.

FAQs

1. What is Companion Planting?

Companion planting is the practice of planting different crops together to enhance their growth and reduce pest problems.

2. How does Companion Planting Work?

Companion plants work by either repelling harmful insects or attracting beneficial ones.

3. What are the Benefits of Companion Planting?

The benefits of companion planting include improved crop yields, quality, and flavor.

4. What are the Best Companion Plants for Kale and Collards?

The best companion plants for kale and collards include nasturtiums, marigolds, dill, sage, borage, chives, beans, peas, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, onions, garlic, beets, and carrots.

5. How Do I Plant Companion Plants with Kale and Collards?

Plant companion plants near your kale and collards. Alternatively, you can plant them in pots and place them near your vegetable garden.

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