Companion Planting Guide: The Best Companion Plants for Brassicas

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Brassicas are a family of vegetables that includes cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. These plants can be challenging to grow because they are susceptible to pests and diseases. However, with the right companion plants, you can reduce the risk of these problems and improve the health and yield of your brassicas.

The Best Companion Plants for Brassicas

1. Marigolds

Marigolds are one of the best companion plants for brassicas because they repel pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and cabbage moths. These insects are attracted to the brassica family, but marigolds emit a strong scent that deters them. In addition, marigolds attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which eat the pests that damage your brassicas.

How to Plant Marigolds

Plant marigolds around the perimeter of your brassica bed or intersperse them throughout the bed. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. You can them from seed or purchase them as transplants.

2. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are another great companion plant for brassicas. They attract aphids, which might seem counterintuitive, but the aphids will prefer the nasturtiums over the brassicas. This means that the nasturtiums act as a trap crop, keeping the aphids away from your valuable plants. In addition, nasturtiums have edible flowers and leaves that add a peppery flavor to salads.

How to Plant Nasturtiums

Plant nasturtiums around the perimeter of your brassica bed or intersperse them throughout the bed. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. You can them from seed or purchase them as transplants.

3. Dill

Dill is a good companion plant for brassicas because it attracts beneficial insects such as wasps, which eat pests like cabbage worms. In addition, dill improves the flavor of brassicas such as cauliflower and broccoli.

How to Plant Dill

Plant dill near your brassicas but not too close, as it can attract aphids. Dill prefers full sun and well-drained soil. You can it from seed or purchase it as a transplant.

4. Chamomile

Chamomile is a good companion plant for brassicas because it attracts beneficial insects such as hoverflies and parasitic wasps, which prey on aphids and other pests that damage brassicas. In addition, chamomile improves the flavor of brassicas such as broccoli.

How to Plant Chamomile

Plant chamomile around the perimeter of your brassica bed or intersperse it throughout the bed. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. You can it from seed or purchase it as a transplant.

5. Borage

Borage is a good companion plant for brassicas because it repels pests such as tomato hornworms and cabbage worms. In addition, borage attracts beneficial insects such as bees, which pollinate your brassicas and improve their yield.

How to Plant Borage

Plant borage around the perimeter of your brassica bed or intersperse it throughout the bed. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. You can it from seed or purchase it as a transplant.

6. Sage

Sage is a good companion plant for brassicas because it repels pests such as cabbage moths and carrot flies. In addition, sage improves the flavor of brassicas such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts.

How to Plant Sage

Plant sage near your brassicas but not too close, as it can inhibit their growth. Sage prefers full sun and well-drained soil. You can it from seed or purchase it as a transplant.

7. Celery

Celery is a good companion plant for brassicas because it attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which eat pests that damage brassicas. In addition, celery improves the flavor of brassicas such as cauliflower and broccoli.

How to Plant Celery

Plant celery near your brassicas but not too close, as it can compete for nutrients. Celery prefers partial shade and moist soil. You can it from seed or purchase it as a transplant.

8. Onions

Onions are a good companion plant for brassicas because they repel pests such as aphids and cabbage worms. In addition, onions improve the flavor of brassicas such as Brussels sprouts and kale.

How to Plant Onions

Plant onions near your brassicas but not too close, as they can stunt their growth. Onions prefer full sun and well-drained soil. You can them from seed or purchase them as transplants.

9. Thyme

Thyme is a good companion plant for brassicas because it repels pests such as whiteflies and cabbage maggots. In addition, thyme improves the flavor of brassicas such as cabbage and cauliflower.

How to Plant Thyme

Plant thyme near your brassicas but not too close, as it can inhibit their growth. Thyme prefers full sun and well-drained soil. You can it from seed or purchase it as a transplant.

10. Spinach

Spinach is a good companion plant for brassicas because it attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which eat pests that damage brassicas. In addition, spinach improves the flavor of brassicas such as broccoli and cauliflower.

How to Plant Spinach

Plant spinach near your brassicas but not too close, as it can compete for nutrients. Spinach prefers partial shade and moist soil. You can it from seed or purchase it as a transplant.

11. Peas

Peas are a good companion plant for brassicas because they fix nitrogen in the soil, which improves the growth and yield of brassicas. In addition, peas attract beneficial insects such as bees, which pollinate your brassicas.

How to Plant Peas

Plant peas around the perimeter of your brassica bed or intersperse them throughout the bed. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. You can them from seed or purchase them as transplants.

12. Beans

Beans are a good companion plant for brassicas because they fix nitrogen in the soil, which improves the growth and yield of brassicas. In addition, beans attract beneficial insects such as bees, which pollinate your brassicas.

How to Plant Beans

Plant beans around the perimeter of your brassica bed or intersperse them throughout the bed. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. You can them from seed or purchase them as transplants.

13. Carrots

Carrots are a good companion plant for brassicas because they repel pests such as root maggots and aphids. In addition, carrots improve the flavor of brassicas such as Brussels sprouts and cauliflower.

How to Plant Carrots

Plant carrots near your brassicas but not too close, as they can compete for nutrients. Carrots prefer full sun and well-drained soil. You can them from seed or purchase them as transplants.

14. Radishes

Radishes are a good companion plant for brassicas because they repel pests such as flea beetles and cabbage maggots. In addition, radishes improve the flavor of brassicas such as broccoli and cauliflower.

How to Plant Radishes

Plant radishes around the perimeter of your brassica bed or intersperse them throughout the bed. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. You can them from seed or purchase them as transplants.

15. Beets

Beets are a good companion plant for brassicas because they fix nitrogen in the soil, which improves the growth and yield of brassicas. In addition, beets improve the flavor of brassicas such as Brussels sprouts and cauliflower.

How to Plant Beets

Plant beets around the perimeter of your brassica bed or intersperse them throughout the bed. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. You can them from seed or purchase them as transplants.

Companion planting is a great way to improve the health and yield of your brassicas. By planting the right companion plants, you can reduce the risk of pests and diseases and improve the flavor and nutrition of your vegetables.

FAQs

1. What are brassicas?

Brassicas are a family of vegetables that includes cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and kale.

2. Why are brassicas challenging to grow?

Brassicas are susceptible to pests and diseases, which can damage the plants and reduce their yield.

3. How do companion plants improve the health and yield of brassicas?

Companion plants repel pests, attract beneficial insects, fix nitrogen in the soil, and improve the flavor and nutrition of your vegetables.

4. Can you plant companion plants too close to brassicas?

Yes, some companion plants can compete for nutrients or inhibit the growth of brassicas if planted too close.

5. Can you companion plants from seed?

Yes, most companion plants can be ed from seed or purchased as transplants.

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