Companion Plants for Cabbage: Enhance Your Harvest with These Perfect Matches

Oleh Anonymous July 17, 2023 Post a Comment

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Good Companion Plants for Cabbage:

Growing cabbage is a rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging. One of the most significant challenges is keeping pests and diseases at bay. Fortunately, the right companion plants can make all the difference. In this article, we'll explore some of the best companion plants for cabbage and how they can help you enhance your harvest.

The Best Companion Plants for Cabbage

1. Beets

Beets are an excellent companion plant for cabbage because they deter pests and improve soil structure. The leaves of beets release chemicals that repel cabbage worms and other pests, making them a natural pest control option. Additionally, beets have long taproots that break up compacted soil, improving water and nutrient uptake for the cabbage roots.

How to Plant Beets with Cabbage:

Plant beets in rows alongside your cabbage, leaving about 18 inches between rows. Make sure to keep the soil moist and fertilize regularly for best results.

2. Dill

Dill is another excellent companion plant for cabbage. It attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on aphids and other pests that attack cabbage. Additionally, dill improves the flavor of cabbage when planted nearby.

How to Plant Dill with Cabbage:

Plant dill seeds directly into the soil around your cabbage plants, spacing them out about 6 inches apart. Keep the soil moist and weed-free for best results.

3. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a beautiful and practical companion plant for cabbage. They deter pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and cabbage moths with their pungent scent. Additionally, nasturtiums attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and hoverflies, which prey on cabbage pests.

How to Plant Nasturtiums with Cabbage:

Plant nasturtium seeds around the base of your cabbage plants at least 12 inches apart. Ensure that the soil is moist and well-drained for best results.

4. Chamomile

Chamomile is another excellent companion plant for cabbage. It attracts beneficial insects such as hoverflies, which prey on aphids and other pests that attack cabbage. Additionally, chamomile has natural fungicidal properties, which can help prevent diseases such as clubroot from affecting your cabbage crop.

How to Plant Chamomile with Cabbage:

Plant chamomile seeds around your cabbage plants, spacing them out about 12 inches apart. Keep the soil moist and weed-free for best results.

5. Celery

Celery is an excellent companion plant for cabbage because it shares similar growing conditions and nutrient requirements. Additionally, celery produces a chemical that repels cabbage worms and other pests that attack cabbage.

How to Plant Celery with Cabbage:

Plant celery alongside your cabbage plants, leaving about 18 inches between rows. Make sure to keep the soil moist and fertilize regularly for best results.

Other Companion Plants to Consider

1. Onions

Onions make an excellent companion plant for cabbage because they repel pests such as cabbage worms and aphids. Additionally, onions have natural fungicidal properties that can help prevent diseases such as clubroot.

How to Plant Onions with Cabbage:

Plant onion bulbs or seeds around your cabbage plants, spacing them out about 6 inches apart. Keep the soil moist and weed-free for best results.

2. Marigolds

Marigolds are a popular companion plant for cabbage because they repel pests such as whiteflies and nematodes. Additionally, marigolds attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on aphids and other pests that attack cabbage.

How to Plant Marigolds with Cabbage:

Plant marigold seeds around your cabbage plants, spacing them out about 12 inches apart. Ensure that the soil is moist and well-drained for best results.

3. Mint

Mint is an excellent companion plant for cabbage because it repels pests such as ants, flea beetles, and cabbage moths. Additionally, mint has natural fungicidal properties that can help prevent diseases such as clubroot.

How to Plant Mint with Cabbage:

Plant mint near your cabbage plants, leaving about 12 inches of space between them. Keep the soil moist and weed-free for best results.

Companion Plants to Avoid

While some plants make excellent companions for cabbage, others can be harmful. Here are a few companion plants to avoid when growing cabbage:

1. Brassicas

Brassicas, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, should not be grown near cabbage because they share similar pests and diseases. Planting brassicas near cabbage can increase the risk of pest infestations and disease outbreaks.

2. Tomatoes

Tomatoes also make poor companions for cabbage because they attract pests such as aphids and whiteflies. Additionally, tomatoes have high nutrient requirements, which can compete with cabbage for resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How close together should I plant my companion plants?

It depends on the specific companion plant, but a general rule of thumb is to leave about 12-18 inches between rows.

2. Should I fertilize my companion plants separately from my cabbage?

No, you can fertilize them at the same time. Just make sure to use a balanced fertilizer that meets the nutrient needs of both your cabbage and your companion plants.

3. Can I plant more than one type of companion plant around my cabbage?

Yes, you can plant multiple types of companion plants around your cabbage to maximize their benefits.

4. Do I need to rotate my companion plants each year?

Yes, it's a good idea to rotate your companion plants each year to prevent the buildup of pests and diseases in the soil.

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

While companion planting can significantly reduce the need for pesticides, it may not eliminate the need entirely. It's important to monitor your plants regularly for pest and disease outbreaks and take appropriate action when necessary.

Companion planting is an excellent way to enhance your cabbage harvest while reducing the risk of pests and diseases. By choosing the right companion plants and following proper planting techniques, you can enjoy a bountiful crop of healthy, delicious cabbage.