The Ultimate Guide to Bok Choy Planting Companions
Bok Choy: A Brief
Bok Choy, also known as Chinese cabbage or Pak Choi, is a leafy vegetable that originates from China. It has gained popularity all over the world due to its high nutritional content and unique taste. Bok choy is a cool-weather crop that grows best in the spring and fall seasons. It can be grown in containers, raised beds, or in the ground.
Bok Choy Planting Companions
Bok choy is an excellent companion plant because it attracts beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on pests that damage plants. Additionally, bok choy helps improve soil health by providing nutrients to the soil. Some of the best planting companions for bok choy include:
1. Carrots
Carrots are an excellent companion for bok choy because they have similar growing requirements. Both plants prefer well-drained soil and require consistent moisture. Additionally, carrots help break up compacted soil, making it easier for bok choy roots to grow.
How to Plant Carrots and Bok Choy Together
To plant carrots and bok choy together, sow carrot seeds directly into the soil about two weeks before planting bok choy. This will give the carrots a head while allowing the soil to settle. When planting bok choy, create small furrows in the soil and plant the bok choy seedlings about 6 inches apart. Sow carrot seeds around the bok choy, leaving enough space for the carrots to grow.
2. Radishes
Radishes are another great companion plant for bok choy. They have a fast growth rate and help loosen compacted soil, making it easier for bok choy roots to grow. Additionally, radishes deter pests such as cucumber beetles and flea beetles, which can damage bok choy plants.
How to Plant Radishes and Bok Choy Together
When planting radishes and bok choy together, sow radish seeds directly into the soil about two weeks before planting bok choy. This will give the radishes time to grow while allowing the soil to settle. When planting bok choy, create small furrows in the soil and plant the bok choy seedlings about 6 inches apart. Sow radish seeds around the bok choy, leaving enough space for the radishes to grow.
3. Beets
Beets are a great companion plant for bok choy because they help improve soil health by providing nutrients to the soil. Additionally, beets have a deep taproot that helps break up compacted soil, making it easier for bok choy roots to grow.
How to Plant Beets and Bok Choy Together
To plant beets and bok choy together, sow beet seeds directly into the soil about four weeks before planting bok choy. When planting bok choy, create small furrows in the soil and plant the bok choy seedlings about 6 inches apart. Sow beet seeds around the bok choy, leaving enough space for the beets to grow.
4. Garlic
Garlic is an excellent companion plant for bok choy because it helps deter pests such as aphids and cabbage worms. Additionally, garlic helps improve soil health by providing nutrients to the soil.
How to Plant Garlic and Bok Choy Together
To plant garlic and bok choy together, plant garlic cloves about 6 inches apart in the fall or early spring. When planting bok choy, create small furrows in the soil and plant the bok choy seedlings about 6 inches apart, leaving enough space for the garlic to grow.
5. Beans
Beans are a great companion plant for bok choy because they help improve soil health by fixing nitrogen in the soil. Additionally, beans have a shallow root system that does not compete with bok choy roots for nutrients.
How to Plant Beans and Bok Choy Together
To plant beans and bok choy together, sow bean seeds directly into the soil about two weeks before planting bok choy. When planting bok choy, create small furrows in the soil and plant the bok choy seedlings about 6 inches apart. Sow bean seeds around the bok choy, leaving enough space for the beans to grow.
6. Lettuce
Lettuce is an excellent companion plant for bok choy because it has similar growing requirements. Both plants prefer well-drained soil and require consistent moisture. Additionally, lettuce provides shade for bok choy, which helps prevent it from bolting in hot weather.
How to Plant Lettuce and Bok Choy Together
To plant lettuce and bok choy together, sow lettuce seeds directly into the soil about two weeks before planting bok choy. When planting bok choy, create small furrows in the soil and plant the bok choy seedlings about 6 inches apart. Sow lettuce seeds around the bok choy, leaving enough space for the lettuce to grow.
7. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are a great companion plant for bok choy because they attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on pests that damage plants. Additionally, nasturtiums have a peppery taste that helps deter pests such as aphids and whiteflies.
How to Plant Nasturtiums and Bok Choy Together
To plant nasturtiums and bok choy together, sow nasturtium seeds directly into the soil about two weeks before planting bok choy. When planting bok choy, create small furrows in the soil and plant the bok choy seedlings about 6 inches apart. Sow nasturtium seeds around the bok choy, leaving enough space for the nasturtiums to grow.
8. Spinach
Spinach is an excellent companion plant for bok choy because it has similar growing requirements. Both plants prefer well-drained soil and require consistent moisture. Additionally, spinach provides shade for bok choy, which helps prevent it from bolting in hot weather.
How to Plant Spinach and Bok Choy Together
To plant spinach and bok choy together, sow spinach seeds directly into the soil about two weeks before planting bok choy. When planting bok choy, create small furrows in the soil and plant the bok choy seedlings about 6 inches apart. Sow spinach seeds around the bok choy, leaving enough space for the spinach to grow.
9. Peas
Peas are a great companion plant for bok choy because they help improve soil health by fixing nitrogen in the soil. Additionally, peas have a shallow root system that does not compete with bok choy roots for nutrients.
How to Plant Peas and Bok Choy Together
To plant peas and bok choy together, sow pea seeds directly into the soil about two weeks before planting bok choy. When planting bok choy, create small furrows in the soil and plant the bok choy seedlings about 6 inches apart. Sow pea seeds around the bok choy, leaving enough space for the peas to grow.
10. Dill
Dill is an excellent companion plant for bok choy because it attracts beneficial insects such as hoverflies, which prey on pests that damage plants. Additionally, dill helps improve soil health by providing nutrients to the soil.
How to Plant Dill and Bok Choy Together
To plant dill and bok choy together, sow dill seeds directly into the soil about two weeks before planting bok choy. When planting bok choy, create small furrows in the soil and plant the bok choy seedlings about 6 inches apart. Sow dill seeds around the bok choy, leaving enough space for the dill to grow.
11. Cilantro
Cilantro is a great companion plant for bok choy because it attracts beneficial insects such as hoverflies, which prey on pests that damage plants. Additionally, cilantro helps improve soil health by providing nutrients to the soil.
How to Plant Cilantro and Bok Choy Together
To plant cilantro and bok choy together, sow cilantro seeds directly into the soil about two weeks before planting bok choy. When planting bok choy, create small furrows in the soil and plant the bok choy seedlings about 6 inches apart. Sow cilantro seeds around the bok choy, leaving enough space for the cilantro to grow.
12. Chamomile
Chamomile is an excellent companion plant for bok choy because it attracts beneficial insects such as hoverflies and wasps, which prey on pests that damage plants. Additionally, chamomile helps improve soil health by providing nutrients to the soil.
How to Plant Chamomile and Bok Choy Together
To plant chamomile and bok choy together, sow chamomile seeds directly into the soil about two weeks before planting bok choy. When planting bok choy, create small furrows in the soil and plant the bok choy seedlings about 6 inches apart. Sow chamomile seeds around the bok choy, leaving enough space for the chamomile to grow.
13. Marigolds
Marigolds are a great companion plant for bok choy because they attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on pests that damage plants. Additionally, marigolds help deter pests such as nematodes and cabbage worms.
How to Plant Marigolds and Bok Choy Together
To plant marigolds and bok choy together, sow marigold seeds directly into the soil about two weeks before planting bok choy. When planting bok choy, create small furrows in the soil and plant the bok choy seedlings about 6 inches apart. Sow marigold seeds around the bok choy, leaving enough space for the marigolds to grow.
14. Sage
Sage is an excellent companion plant for bok choy because it repels pests such as cabbage moths and cabbage loopers. Additionally, sage helps improve soil health by providing nutrients to the soil.
How to Plant Sage and Bok Choy Together
To plant sage and bok choy together, sow sage seeds directly into the soil about two weeks before planting bok choy. When planting bok choy, create small furrows in the soil and plant the bok choy seedlings about 6 inches apart. Sow sage seeds around the bok choy, leaving enough space for the sage to grow.
15. Thyme
Thyme is a great companion plant for bok choy because it repels pests such as whiteflies and spider mites. Additionally, thyme helps improve soil health by providing nutrients to the soil.
How to Plant Thyme and Bok Choy Together
To plant thyme and bok choy together, sow thyme seeds directly into the soil about two weeks before planting bok choy. When planting bok choy, create small furrows in the soil and plant the bok choy seedlings about 6 inches apart. Sow thyme seeds around the bok choy, leaving enough space for the thyme to grow.
FAQs
Q1. Can I plant bok choy with tomatoes?
A: No, it is not recommended to plant bok choy with tomatoes because they have different growing requirements.
Q2. What plants should I avoid planting with bok choy?
A: Avoid planting bok choy with plants that have similar growing requirements, such as other brassicas.
Q3. Can I plant bok choy in the summer?
A: Bok choy is a cool-weather crop and prefers to grow in the spring and fall seasons. It can be grown in the summer with proper shading and consistent moisture.
Q4. How often should I water my bok choy plants?
A: Bok choy prefers consistent moisture and should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods.
Q5. How can I prevent pests from damaging my bok choy plants?
A: Use companion planting techniques to attract beneficial insects that prey on pests. Additionally, practice good sanitation by removing damaged or diseased plant material.
Post a Comment for "The Ultimate Guide to Bok Choy Planting Companions"