Are you having trouble growing rhubarb? Yeah, trust me, you’re not alone! Many who grow rhubarb for the first time experience stunted growth and pest issues in the crop. But there are ways to fix that.
One of the best solutions I found to common rhubarb problems is companion planting. This one single practice is so helpful that everything else will just fall into place on its own.
Today, let’s go over a curated list of the best companion plants for rhubarb, and, while we’re at it, we’ll also discuss what to avoid planting near this vibrant green so that it can grow to its fullest potential.
But First…What Makes A Good Companion For Rhubarb?
Well, generally speaking, any companion plant should have a set of unique qualities that make it a good companion.
When it comes to companion plants for rhubarb, they should offer benefits like pest deterrence, space efficiency, or improved pollination – qualities that will protect or boost rhubarb growth in one way or another.
Since rhubarb has shallow roots and tends to spread very wide, you want to avoid pairing it with anything that could create unwanted competition in the soil.
For more planting strategies that actually work, take a look at our article about companion combos for a bigger harvest.
Best Companion Plants For Rhubarb
1: Chives
This fragrant herb repels insects like none other. Chives can offer great texture in the garden and grow easily between rhubarb crowns.
2: Onions
Onions generally have two important qualities that make them a good fit for pairing with rhubarb. First, they have different growth preferences and tendencies, meaning they won’t compete with rhubarb. Secondly, their strong, pungent aroma keeps aphids and beetles away for good.
If you’re growing onions too, take a look at this onion companion planting guide for more smart combinations.
3: Garlic
Like onions, garlic too has an aroma that’s sharp and pungent enough to keep pests and insects at bay. Thanks to their compact growth, they fit easily between rhubarb plants without causing unnecessary drama.
4: Beans (Bush Types)
Bush beans have nitrogen-fixing properties that can directly benefit rhubarb growth. They also grow well in small spaces, meaning you can fit them easily between or near your rhubarb rows.
5: Brassicas (Like Cabbage Or Kale)
Most brassicas share similar growing requirements to rhubarb. They all thrive in rich, fertile soil and prefer cooler temperature conditions for the best growth.
Believe it or not, rhubarb also offers pest-deterring effects, and brassicas like kale and cabbage can benefit from it massively.
Also, I think you’ll like to read this guide on the best companion plants for kale for even more pairing ideas.
6: Strawberries
Strawberry plants can work incredibly well as groundcover, which helps keep weeds suppressed. You can even grow strawberries and rhubarb in shared beds, as long as you have enough space to accommodate this simultaneous growth.
7: Celery
Celery shares very similar soil and nutrient requirements to rhubarb. Both vegetables thrive in moist environments and don’t need to fiercely compete with each other in the ground.
If you’re also growing peppers nearby, you might like this pepper companion planting guide for more ideas.
8: Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are also known as trap crops since they draw aphids away from nearby crops and allow them to grow unbothered. Thanks to their vibrant blooms, they can also add great beauty to the garden landscape.
9: Marigolds
Marigolds emit strong compounds that can confuse pests and keep aphids and nematodes at bay. You can plant them very creatively by lining up the edges of your rhubarb beds with marigolds and letting them bloom.
What Not To Plant Near Rhubarb? This Is Important!
Melons & Pumpkins:
One of the biggest reasons you want to avoid planting melons or pumpkins near rhubarb is that they can create unnecessary competition in the soil and are simply too large for efficient pairing.
Also, take a look at our article about 10 common companion planting mistakes to avoid so you don’t accidentally set your plants up for failure.
Tomatoes:
Tomatoes are heavy feeders that can deplete nutrient content in the soil fairly quick. Also, they may be attacked by the same pests as rhubarb, making them a poor companion.
Dock Or Other Weedy Perennials:
Weedy perennials tend to attract the kind of pests that would ruin rhubarb crops. They also spread at a rapid pace and can create competition in the soil. Some examples are curly dock, bindweed, and creeping buttercup.
Let’s Conclude
Growing rhubarb can be a pain in the bum and fun at the same time. It’s a pain because you’ll initially experience tons of problems, but it can also be fun because it will teach you a lot about caring for specific plants in specific ways since not all plants have the same requirements.
You’ll also learn to companion plant thoughtfully and strategically, setting your garden up for great success. If you’re curious, here’s a great list of companion plants that naturally repel garden pests to help you get started.
