If you didn’t already know, kale is a leafy green that grows best with company! This is not the kind of plant you want to grow alone in a dark corner of the garden; it needs socialization to thrive.
In today’s article, we’re going to discuss a long list of companion plants that are perfect for kale.
As a bonus, you’ll also get to know a few plants that are best kept away from kale as they may hinder its growth.
Let’s dive deep into it, shall we?
Why Companion Planting Works (Especially For Kale)
Companion plants can help kale in both direct and indirect ways. In most cases, they help the leafy green with pest and insect-related issues, space efficiency, and soil improvement.
Because kale is a part of the brassica family and attracts certain kinds of pests, planting allies nearby can help ease pressure naturally.
How To Choose The Right Neighbors For Kale
As confusing and complex as choosing between different neighbours might seem, it’s actually not that difficult if you know what to look for. Here are some points that actually matter:
9 Perfect Companion Plants For Kale
1: Garlic
Garlic is super useful for repelling cabbage worms and aphids with its strong, pungent smell.
I find that the biggest advantage of growing garlic in your garden is that it’s always needed in the kitchen, so you won’t have to make last-minute runs to your grocery stores just to get some garlic for your pasta dinner.
2: Dill
While many call dill just an herb, I call it the perfect garnish for savory dishes. Dill can attract beneficial insects like parasitic wasps and ladybugs that prey on harmful pests in the garden, benefitting the entire garden ecosystem.
3: Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums act as a natural trap crop for aphids and flea beetles by distracting them away from the main plants.
4: Beets
Beets have a very non-competitive root system, meaning they can share space well and thrive in close proximity to kale. Beets can also provide a contrasting color to kale in the garden and make the landscape look more colorful and interesting.
5: Celery
Celery naturally repels white cabbage moths and blends really well with other plants in cooler-weather gardens.
Celery is the perfect little snack for when you’re hungry around midnight, but it can also help other plants in your garden grow. Talk about killing two birds with one stone, eh?
6: Mint (In Containers)
Mint is ideal for repelling flea beetles. However, you must keep it contained as the herb has a tendency to spread fast and become invasive.
7: Onions
Onions are great for deterring pests thanks to their strong, sharp aroma. They also don’t take up too much space, maximizing space efficiency.
8: Chamomile
I’ve often said this, but I just can’t emphasize this enough: Chamomile is not just for chamomile tea! The daisy-like flower is believed to enhance the flavor of kale and generally lead to better plant health in the long run.
9: Calendula
Calendula attracts aphids away from kale and invites predatory bugs that feed on different garden pests, rendering the area safe for healthy kale growth. If you want visual interest and popping color, calendulas can also be great for that.
Don’t Grow These Plants Near Kale
These green vegetables tend to attract the same pests as kale and compete for nutrients in the soil.
Strawberries and kale together may slow down each other’s growth and attract harmful fungal diseases.
Tomatoes are heavy feeders that can compete with kale for essential nutrients and garden space.
Conclusion
Like I said before, kale grows best with company. Unlike lettuce or cabbage, this is not the kind of leafy green you want to be growing solo.
Give your kale some much-needed companions that aid in its growth, don’t unnecessarily compete for nutrients, and keep the hardy green safe from pest damage.
Kale is most susceptible to pest infestations. In my initial years of gardening, my kale plants were attacked by aphids and cucumber beetles often. Keep kale safe from pests, and the rest of the issues will seem pretty minor.
