Kale is a superstar vegetable that deserves a spot in every garden. This hardy nutritious green can withstand cold temperatures and keep producing leaves long after other crops have finished. However kale is prone to pest pressure from insects like cabbage loopers, flea beetles, and aphids. The good news is that strategic companion planting can help create a thriving kale garden free of chemical pesticides.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of interplanting and reveal the best plants to grow with kale. We’ll also provide tips to maximize your harvest through smart garden design. Let’s dive in!
Why Companion Planting Matters
Companion planting is the practice of strategically combining mutually beneficial plants together in your garden beds. The right plant partners can help deter pests, attract pollinators, improve flavor, maximize space, and enrich the soil.
Research shows that interplanting kale with certain herbs flowers and vegetables can
- Repel cabbage worms, flea beetles, cabbage loopers, and other kale-loving pests
- Attract beneficial insects like ladybugs that prey on pests
- Provide shade and moisture retention
- Add nutrients like nitrogen to the soil
- Mask the scent of kale to confuse pests
By building a strong plant community, you can avoid pesticides and foster biodiversity. Companion planting is organic gardening at its best!
How to Choose the Best Companion Plants for Kale
The ideal kale companion plants share similar needs and form symbiotic relationships.
Here are some key factors to consider:
Climate preferences: Pick plants that do well in cool weather like kale. Friends that grow well in warm weather can help shade kale when it gets hot.
Sun needs: Most plants that grow with kale should be able to meet its 4-6 hour sun needs. Exceptions are taller “nurse plants” that provide shade.
Watering needs: Kale needs consistent moisture. Pick companions with similar thirst.
Growth habits: Choose plants that occupy space differently than kale. For example, pair low-growing lettuces with upright kale.
Pest resistance: Plant companions that deter common kale pests like cabbage looper moths.
Beneficial flowers: Add blooms that attract pollinators and predatory insects to patrol for pests.
Soil enrichment: Legumes add nitrogen. Dynamic accumulators pull nutrients from deep in the soil.
The Best Companion Plants for Kale
Here are some top plant picks to grow with kale:
Herbs
- Basil – Repels pests and attracts pollinators
- Oregano – Deters cabbage worms with its scent
- Dill – Its flowers support beneficial insects
- Cilantro – Smell deters pests, flowers feed good bugs
- Rosemary – Repels slugs and masks kale’s scent from pests
- Thyme – Anti-aphid properties protect kale
Flowers
- Marigolds – Pest deterrent and pollinator magnet
- Calendula – Pretty blooms distract problematic insects
- Nasturtiums – Trap crop that lures pests away from kale
Leafy Greens
- Lettuce – Fast growing and shares kale’s preferences
- Spinach – Adds green bulk and thrives in cool weather
Alliums
- Chives – Anti-pest scent and perennial nature
- Garlic – Potent aroma confuses pests
- Onions – Strong odor drives away cabbage moths
Root Crops
- Carrots – Grow well with kale and don’t compete for space
- Radishes – Fast growing and fit in empty spots
- Beets – Just space enough to prevent too much shade
Fruiting Plants
- Peas – Nitrogen fixer that benefits kale
- Beans – Another nitrogen producing legume
- Tomatoes – Can shade kale in warmer weather
Designing Your Kale Companion Planting Garden
Now let’s look at how to strategically lay out your kale companion plants for maximum effect:
Use companion flowers wisely – Plant pest-deterring flowers like marigolds and calendula around the outer edges of your garden beds. This creates a beneficial bug border around your kale.
Interplant herbs throughout – Scatter herbs like dill and cilantro among all your plants. They will mask scents, enrich soil, and attract pollinators.
Add alliums judiciously – Tuck alliums like garlic and chives in the middle and on borders. They pack a protective punch so a little goes a long way.
Add dynamic accumulators. Comfrey and yarrow are two plants that get nutrients from deep in the soil. Work them in beds with heavy feeders like kale.
Get the most out of legumes. For natural soil improvement, plant nitrogen-fixing peas and beans near kale.
Use taller crops as shade – As weather warms, large crops like tomatoes and trellised cucumbers can shade moisture-loving kale.
Plant densely but wisely – Pack companion plants densely but be mindful of each plant’s mature size and habits.
Growing a Healthy Kale Garden with Companions
By thoughtfully combining compatible plant partners, you can create a thriving, low-maintenance, and organic kale garden. Companion planting promotes plant and soil health while keeping pests at bay.
A diverse garden is a resilient garden. Mixing kale with herbs, flowers, roots, and soil enriching plants minimizes the need for chemical interventions. Adopt companion gardening practices, and enjoy the fruits (and veggies) of your symbiotic labor!