Companion Plants for Red Cabbage: A Guide to Boosting Your Harvest
Red Cabbage: An
Red cabbage is a cool-season crop that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. It is also low in calories, making it an excellent addition to any diet. Red cabbage is versatile and can be eaten raw or cooked. It is commonly used in salads, coleslaw, sauerkraut, and pickling.
Companion Plants for Red Cabbage
Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together to maximize their growth, health, and productivity. Companion plants can help deter pests, improve nutrient uptake, provide shade, and attract beneficial insects. Here are some of the best companion plants for red cabbage:
1. Carrots
Carrots are an excellent companion plant for red cabbage. They help break up the soil and improve drainage. They also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, which feed on aphids and other pests that can damage red cabbage. In return, red cabbage helps repel carrot flies.
How to Plant Carrots with Red Cabbage
Plant carrots in the same bed as red cabbage. Make sure to space them at least 6 inches apart. You can also sow them directly into the soil or use seedlings.
2. Dill
Dill is another excellent companion plant for red cabbage. It attracts beneficial insects like wasps, which prey on caterpillars and other pests that can damage red cabbage. It also improves the flavor of red cabbage when cooked together.
How to Plant Dill with Red Cabbage
Plant dill near red cabbage. You can also sow them directly into the soil or use seedlings.
3. Chamomile
Chamomile is a herb that has insecticidal properties. It repels pests like aphids, spider mites, and cabbage moths that can damage red cabbage. It also improves the flavor of red cabbage when grown together.
How to Plant Chamomile with Red Cabbage
Plant chamomile near red cabbage. You can also sow them directly into the soil or use seedlings.
4. Onions
Onions are another excellent companion plant for red cabbage. They help deter pests like thrips, maggots, and onion flies. Onions also improve the flavor of red cabbage when cooked together.
How to Plant Onions with Red Cabbage
Plant onions in the same bed as red cabbage. Make sure to space them at least 6 inches apart. You can also sow them directly into the soil or use seedlings.
5. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are a flowering plant that attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs, which feed on aphids and other pests that can damage red cabbage. They also repel pests like whiteflies, cucumber beetles, and squash bugs.
How to Plant Nasturtiums with Red Cabbage
Plant nasturtiums near red cabbage. You can also sow them directly into the soil or use seedlings.
6. Beets
Beets are an excellent companion plant for red cabbage. They help break up the soil and improve nutrient uptake. They also repel pests like aphids, and in return, red cabbage helps repel beetles.
How to Plant Beets with Red Cabbage
Plant beets in the same bed as red cabbage. Make sure to space them at least 6 inches apart. You can also sow them directly into the soil or use seedlings.
7. Marigolds
Marigolds are a flowering plant that attracts beneficial insects like bees, ladybugs, and hoverflies, which prey on pests that can damage red cabbage. They also repel pests like nematodes, whiteflies, and flea beetles.
How to Plant Marigolds with Red Cabbage
Plant marigolds near red cabbage. You can also sow them directly into the soil or use seedlings.
8. Sage
Sage is a herb that has insecticidal properties. It repels pests like cabbage moths, slugs, and snails that can damage red cabbage. It also improves the flavor of red cabbage when cooked together.
How to Plant Sage with Red Cabbage
Plant sage near red cabbage. You can also sow them directly into the soil or use seedlings.
9. Peas
Peas are a legume that fixes nitrogen in the soil, which improves the growth and health of red cabbage. They also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on pests that can damage red cabbage.
How to Plant Peas with Red Cabbage
Plant peas in the same bed as red cabbage. Make sure to space them at least 6 inches apart. You can also sow them directly into the soil or use seedlings.
10. Spinach
Spinach is another excellent companion plant for red cabbage. It helps shade the soil and retain moisture, which improves the growth and health of red cabbage. It also repels pests like cabbage moths and aphids.
How to Plant Spinach with Red Cabbage
Plant spinach in the same bed as red cabbage. Make sure to space them at least 6 inches apart. You can also sow them directly into the soil or use seedlings.
11. Rosemary
Rosemary is a herb that has insecticidal properties. It repels pests like cabbage moths and whiteflies that can damage red cabbage. It also improves the flavor of red cabbage when cooked together.
How to Plant Rosemary with Red Cabbage
Plant rosemary near red cabbage. You can also sow them directly into the soil or use seedlings.
12. Borage
Borage is a flowering plant that attracts beneficial insects like bees, ladybugs, and hoverflies, which prey on pests that can damage red cabbage. It also repels pests like cabbage worms and tomato hornworms.
How to Plant Borage with Red Cabbage
Plant borage near red cabbage. You can also sow them directly into the soil or use seedlings.
13. Mint
Mint is a herb that has insecticidal properties. It repels pests like ants, flea beetles, and cabbage moths that can damage red cabbage. It also improves the flavor of red cabbage when cooked together.
How to Plant Mint with Red Cabbage
Plant mint near red cabbage. You can also sow them directly into the soil or use seedlings.
14. Radishes
Radishes are an excellent companion plant for red cabbage. They help break up the soil and improve drainage. They also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, which feed on aphids and other pests that can damage red cabbage.
How to Plant Radishes with Red Cabbage
Plant radishes in the same bed as red cabbage. Make sure to space them at least 6 inches apart. You can also sow them directly into the soil or use seedlings.
15. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is another excellent companion plant for red cabbage. It helps shade the soil and retain moisture, which improves the growth and health of red cabbage. It also repels pests like cabbage moths and aphids.
How to Plant Swiss Chard with Red Cabbage
Plant Swiss chard in the same bed as red cabbage. Make sure to space them at least 6 inches apart. You can also sow them directly into the soil or use seedlings.
FAQs
Q1: What is companion planting?
Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together to maximize their growth, health, and productivity. Companion plants can help deter pests, improve nutrient uptake, provide shade, and attract beneficial insects.
Q2: What are some benefits of companion planting?
Companion planting can help improve the growth, health, and productivity of your garden. It can also help reduce the need for pesticides and fertilizers.
Q3: How do I choose companion plants for my garden?
Choose companion plants that have similar growing conditions and complement each other's needs. You can also choose plants that repel pests or attract beneficial insects.
Q4: Can I plant red cabbage with other brassicas?
Yes, you can plant red cabbage with other brassicas like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. They have similar growing conditions and complement each other's needs.
Q5: What is the best time to plant red cabbage?
Red cabbage is a cool-season crop that can be planted in the spring or fall. It grows best in temperatures between 60-65°F.
That's all for now! I hope you found this guide helpful in choosing companion plants for your red cabbage. Happy gardening!
Post a Comment for "Companion Plants for Red Cabbage: A Guide to Boosting Your Harvest"