Kale and Strawberries Companion Planting: A Guide to Growing Healthy Crops Together

Oleh Anonymous May 16, 2023 Post a Comment

Table of Contents

The Benefits of Kale and Strawberries Companion Planting

When it comes to growing vegetables and fruits in the same garden bed, companion planting can be a great way to maximize space, increase yields, and even improve the health of your crops. One popular combination is kale and strawberries, which provide a range of benefits for each other:

1. Soil Health

Kale is a heavy feeder, meaning that it requires a lot of nutrients from the soil to grow well. However, strawberries are light feeders, which means they require fewer nutrients from the soil. By planting these two crops together, you can help balance the nutrient levels in the soil, since the kale will use up some of the excess nutrients and the strawberries will benefit from the leftover nutrients.

2. Pest Control

Kale and strawberries also have different pest problems, so by growing them together, you can reduce the risk of an infestation affecting both plants. For example, kale is often attacked by cabbage worms, while strawberries can be damaged by slugs. Since these pests don't usually cross over to the other plant, you can minimize their impact on your crops.

3. Space Saving

Finally, growing kale and strawberries together can save you space in the garden. Since kale grows tall and takes up vertical space, you can plant strawberries around the base of the plant, using the same soil and fertilizer. This allows you to grow two crops in the same area without having to expand your garden bed.

How to Companion Plant Kale and Strawberries

Now that you know why kale and strawberries make good companion plants, let's take a look at how to grow them together in your garden:

1. Choose the Right Varieties

When selecting kale and strawberry varieties for companion planting, it's important to choose ones that have similar growing requirements. For example, you'll want to select a kale variety that grows well in your area and has a similar harvest time to your chosen strawberry variety.

2. Prepare Your Soil

Before planting your kale and strawberries, prepare your soil by adding compost or other organic matter to improve its nutrient levels. You can also add a balanced fertilizer to ensure that both crops have the nutrients they need to grow.

3. Plant Your Crops

To plant your kale and strawberries, by digging a hole for each plant. If you're planting kale and strawberries together, space them about 12 inches apart so they have enough room to grow. Once you've planted your crops, water them thoroughly to help them establish their root systems.

4. Care for Your Plants

To ensure that your kale and strawberries thrive together, it's important to provide them with the right care. This includes regular watering, weeding, and fertilizing as needed. You may also want to mulch around your plants to help retain moisture in the soil.

5. Harvest Your Crops

When it comes time to harvest your kale and strawberries, be sure to do so carefully to avoid damaging the plants. For kale, you can harvest individual leaves as they mature, or you can cut the entire head of the plant once it reaches maturity. Strawberries should be picked when they are fully ripe and have turned red.

Tips for Successful Kale and Strawberries Companion Planting

To ensure the success of your kale and strawberries companion planting, keep these tips in mind:

1. Rotate Your Crops

To keep your soil healthy and prevent disease and pest problems, it's important to rotate your crops each season. This means moving your kale and strawberries to a different location in the garden bed each year.

2. Avoid Overcrowding

While kale and strawberries can grow well together, it's important not to overcrowd your plants. Make sure they have enough space to grow and receive adequate sunlight and water.

3. Use Natural Pest Control Methods

If you do encounter pest problems with your kale or strawberries, avoid using chemical pesticides. Instead, try natural methods like handpicking pests or using companion plants that repel pests.

4. Don't Forget to Mulch

Mulching around your kale and strawberry plants can help retain moisture in the soil and reduce weed growth. Consider using organic materials like straw or leaves for best results.

5. Practice Patience

Growing healthy crops takes time and patience. Be sure to monitor your kale and strawberries regularly and make any necessary adjustments to their care as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I plant kale and strawberries in containers?

Yes! Kale and strawberries can be grown in containers, as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plants and provide adequate drainage.

2. What other plants can I grow with kale and strawberries?

Kale and strawberries can be grown with a variety of other vegetables and fruits, including tomatoes, peppers, and herbs like basil and thyme.

3. How often should I fertilize my kale and strawberries?

It's best to fertilize your kale and strawberries once a month during the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer or compost.

4. How do I know when my kale is ready to harvest?

Kale can be harvested when the leaves are about 8-10 inches tall and have a rich green color. You can also wait until the head of the plant is fully formed before harvesting it.

5. What's the best way to store fresh strawberries?

Fresh strawberries should be stored in the refrigerator and eaten within a few days of picking. To prolong their freshness, you can also freeze them for later use.