When it comes to growing kale, we’ve got you covered with some great companion plants that can make your garden thrive. Adding companion plants to your kale can help you conserve space, deter pests, and improve the flavor of both plants.
One of the best companion plants for kale is sage. Sage is an aromatic herb that not only adds a wonderful scent to your garden, but also helps repel pests. When planting kale and sage together, you’re not only providing a source of scent to deter pests, but also adding a flavorful twist to your greens.
Lettuce is another great companion for kale. These two leafy green vegetables are frequently planted together and they show great compatibility. Lettuce and kale have similar growing needs and they don’t compete for the same resources. So, if you’re looking to grow a variety of greens, planting kale and lettuce side by side is a great idea.
Herbs like marigolds and radishes are also excellent companion plants for kale. Marigolds, with their vibrant flowers, not only add beauty to your garden but also help deter pests. Similarly, radishes are known for deterring pests like moths and can be easily planted alongside kale for added protection.
One of the most frequently asked questions about companion planting with kale is whether or not potatoes can be planted nearby. While potatoes are not the best companion for kale due to their competing growth needs and the potential for transmitting diseases, there are other herbs and plants that can thrive alongside kale.
Ultimately, the key to successful companion planting with kale is to choose plants that complement each other well, provide benefits such as pest repellence or improved flavor, and conserve space in your garden. By carefully selecting the right companions, you can create a vibrant and thriving kale garden.
What is a good companion plant for kale
Kale is a nutritious and popular leafy green vegetable that thrives in cooler temperatures. When it comes to growing kale, choosing the right companion plants can be beneficial for its health and overall growth. So, what is a good companion plant for kale? Let’s explore some suitable options:
1. Radishes
Radishes are often planted alongside kale as they help improve its flavor. The pungent scent of radishes can deter pests, such as cabbage worms. These pests are particularly harmful to kale leaves.
2. Onions
Onions are a great companion for kale because they show off their growth and don’t overshadow each other. Onions also help repel pests and improve the overall health of the kale plant.
3. Pole beans
Planting pole beans near kale can provide a great source of shade for the kale during hotter months. This shade helps prevent the kale from bolting or going to seed too quickly.
4. Garlic
Garlic is well-known for its ability to deter pests, making it an excellent choice as a companion for kale. The strong scent of garlic can repel harmful insects, such as aphids and cabbage loopers.
5. Leeks
Leeks make a good companion for kale, as they have similar growing requirements. Plus, leeks deter pests and help improve soil health.
6. Nasturtiums
Planting nasturtiums alongside kale is a great option. Nasturtiums attract beneficial insects that help control pests, such as aphids. They also provide a beautiful flowering display.
Remember, companion planting is not an exact science, and different vegetable combinations may work better for some gardeners than others. It’s essential to assess the needs and characteristics of each plant before deciding which companions to grow alongside kale.
By choosing suitable companion plants, you can improve the health and harvest of your kale, as well as conserve space and resources in your garden. Happy planting!
Kale Companion Plants: Friends For Your Greens
If you’re planting kale in your garden, it’s always a good idea to consider companion plants. Companion planting is the practice of growing certain plants together to benefit each other in some way. In the case of kale, there are several plants that can be its friends, deterring pests, improving soil fertility, and enhancing its overall health.
One popular companion for kale is alliums, such as garlic, onions, and shallots. These aromatic plants help deter pests like aphids and cabbage worms, which are common enemies of kale. Additionally, alliums are known to improve the flavor of nearby plants.
Marigolds are another excellent companion for kale. Not only do they attract pollinators, but their strong scent helps repel pests like nematodes and aphids. To get the most benefit from marigolds, plant them throughout your garden, not just near your kale.
Some herbs also make great companions for kale. Oregano, for example, can help deter pests and conserve moisture in the soil. It’s best to plant oregano near kale, as its roots help to feed nearby vegetables.
Radishes are another good option as they can be planted alongside kale and compete with it for space and nutrients. Radishes are quick-growing, so they won’t take much time or resources from your kale plants. Plus, their leaves can act as a natural mulch to help conserve moisture in the soil.
When it comes to flowers, there are a few choices that can benefit your kale plants. Nasturtiums, for instance, attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on aphids and other pests. Additionally, nasturtiums can help add a pop of color to your garden.
Potatoes are another companion plant option for kale. Planting them together can help repel pests and improve the overall health of both plants. However, be mindful of the amount of space both plants will need, as they can compete with each other for resources.
Overall, when choosing companion plants for your kale, it’s essential to consider their compatibility and the benefits they provide. The companions listed here are just a few examples, and you can experiment with other plants to find what works best for your garden. By planting kale with its friends, you can create a more balanced and thriving garden.
What Is Companion Planting
Companion planting is the practice of planting different crops together in a way that benefits both plants. By strategically placing companion plants in your garden, you can improve plant health, deter pests, and increase yields.
When plants are planted next to their companions, they work together to create a balanced ecosystem. Some plants emit strong scents that repel insects, while others attract beneficial insects that prey on garden pests. There are also plants that can help improve soil health by fixing nitrogen or adding organic matter.
Companion plants for kale:
| Companion Plants | Reasons |
|---|---|
| Lettuce | Great for planting between kale to maximize garden space and provide shade to the kale’s roots. |
| Radishes | They attract leafminers away from kale and can be harvested before kale reaches its full size. |
| Marigolds | Their strong aroma deters pests, such as nematodes, that could damage kale roots. |
| Oregano and Sage | They attract beneficial insects that feed on pests like aphids and cabbage worms. |
| Garlic | Planted near kale, it helps repel pests and improves overall garden health. |
| Flowering plants | Plants like marigolds and calendula can attract bees and other pollinators, benefiting kale and other crops in your garden. |
Companion planting is a great option for small gardens or apartment dwellers who have limited space. By planting companions together, you can make the most out of your garden space and create a thriving ecosystem that benefits all plants involved.
If you want to learn more about companion plants and which ones are best for your greens, there are many resources available online with detailed information on specific plant combinations and their benefits.
Adding companion plants to your garden is a good way to naturally control pests and improve overall plant health. Give it a try and see the difference it can make in your garden!
Good Kale Companion Plants
Kale is a nutrient-rich leafy green vegetable that can benefit from the presence of certain companion plants. These companions can help enhance the health and growth of kale, while also deterring pests and providing additional benefits.
Marigolds
Marigolds are one of the best companion plants for kale. They have a strong aroma that can help repel pests, such as aphids and nematodes, that might otherwise attack kale plants. Marigolds also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, which feed on aphids and other harmful pests. Planting marigolds near kale can create a natural barrier that keeps pests away.
Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic are good companion plants for kale due to their strong scent, which can help repel pests. These aromatic plants can deter pests like aphids and cabbage worms, keeping them away from your kale. Additionally, onions and garlic are fast-growing and do not compete for the same nutrients as kale, making them a great choice for planting together.
Leeks are another alternative if you don’t have onions or garlic on hand.
Beans
Beans, especially pole beans, can be a good companion plant for kale. They help replenish the soil by fixing nitrogen, which is an essential nutrient for plant growth. The presence of beans can benefit kale by providing it with a natural source of nitrogen. Additionally, beans can act as a living trellis for kale, allowing it to grow vertically and making the most of the available space.
However, keep in mind that beans are toxic to some plants, so they should not be planted near all vegetable companions.
Swiss Chard and Spinach
Swiss chard and spinach are also good companion plants for kale. These leafy greens have similar growing needs and can thrive when planted together. Additionally, they can help provide shade for each other, which is beneficial during hot summer months. Planting kale, Swiss chard, and spinach together can create a dense and productive green patch in your garden.
Other good companion plants for kale include sage, which can help repel pests, and pepper plants, which can provide additional deterrence. Planting these companions alongside kale can create a harmonious growing environment and support each other’s growth.
