What Can You Plant With Kale? Growing Companion Plants for a Thriving Garden
Companion planting with kale involves selecting plant partners that can boost growth, deter pests, and enhance the overall health of your garden; many herbs, vegetables, and flowers are excellent companions for kale, creating a mutually beneficial ecosystem.
Introduction: The Power of Companion Planting with Kale
Companion planting is an ancient gardening practice leveraging the natural interactions between different plant species. When applied to kale, a nutritious and versatile leafy green, this strategy can yield impressive results. It’s about creating a miniature ecosystem in your garden that promotes healthy growth, natural pest control, and improved yields. By choosing the right companions, you can minimize the need for chemical interventions and foster a more sustainable gardening environment. Understanding these synergistic relationships can truly transform your kale patch.
Benefits of Companion Planting with Kale
Companion planting offers numerous benefits that extend beyond simply filling garden space. Consider these advantages:
- Pest Control: Certain plants repel common kale pests like aphids, cabbage loopers, and flea beetles.
- Attracting Beneficial Insects: Other plants attract predatory insects that feed on these pests, offering natural pest management.
- Improved Soil Health: Some companion plants improve soil structure or fix nitrogen, benefiting kale’s growth.
- Increased Yields: By optimizing space and resources, companion planting can lead to a greater harvest.
- Weed Suppression: Densely planted companions can outcompete weeds, reducing maintenance.
Top Companion Plants for Kale: A Detailed Look
The success of companion planting hinges on selecting the right partners. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best choices for kale:
- Herbs:
- Rosemary: Repels cabbage moths and flea beetles.
- Thyme: Deters cabbage worms and other pests.
- Sage: Repels cabbage moths and flea beetles.
- Dill: Attracts beneficial insects like lacewings and ladybugs.
- Mint: Repels aphids and cabbage moths (plant in containers to control spread).
- Vegetables:
- Onions: Repel aphids, cabbage loopers, and cabbage moths.
- Garlic: Repels aphids, cabbage loopers, and cabbage moths.
- Carrots: Repel cabbage root flies.
- Beets: Improve soil health and deter certain pests.
- Celery: Deters the cabbage white butterfly.
- Flowers:
- Marigolds: Repel nematodes and other soil pests.
- Nasturtiums: Act as a trap crop for aphids, drawing them away from kale.
- Calendula: Attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies.
- Chamomile: Attracts beneficial insects and improves the flavor of kale.
Plants to Avoid Planting Near Kale
Just as some plants benefit kale, others can hinder its growth or attract pests. Avoid planting these near your kale:
- Strawberries: Can be susceptible to the same pests and diseases as kale.
- Tomatoes: Compete for nutrients and water, and can attract pests that also affect kale.
- Beans and Peas: While legumes fix nitrogen in the soil, they can also attract aphids, which can then move onto the kale. Careful observation is needed if planting these near kale.
- Other Brassicas: Planting other brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, etc.) nearby can increase competition for resources and the risk of pest infestations and disease outbreaks, because they share the same problems.
Planning Your Kale Companion Planting Strategy
Effective companion planting requires careful planning. Consider these steps:
- Assess Your Garden: Analyze your soil type, sunlight exposure, and existing pest problems.
- Choose Your Companions: Select plants that address your garden’s specific needs.
- Plan Your Layout: Determine the optimal spacing and arrangement of your plants. Use companion planting charts as a guide.
- Plant Strategically: Plant your companions alongside your kale, ensuring they have enough space to grow.
- Monitor and Adjust: Regularly check your plants for pests and diseases, and adjust your strategy as needed.
Common Mistakes in Companion Planting with Kale
While companion planting is a beneficial practice, it’s easy to make mistakes that can undermine its effectiveness.
- Overcrowding: Planting too densely can lead to competition for resources and increased disease risk.
- Ignoring Soil Health: Healthy soil is crucial for all plants, including companions. Don’t neglect soil amendments and fertilization.
- Choosing Incompatible Companions: Research carefully to avoid planting plants that harm each other.
- Neglecting Maintenance: Even with companions, you still need to water, weed, and monitor your kale regularly.
- Assuming Instant Results: Companion planting takes time to work. Be patient and observe your plants carefully.
Tables: Companion Planting Chart for Kale
| Companion Plant | Benefits | How to Plant |
|---|---|---|
| Rosemary | Repels cabbage moths, flea beetles | Plant nearby, allowing space to grow large. |
| Thyme | Deters cabbage worms | Plant around the base of the kale. |
| Marigolds | Repels nematodes, soil pests | Plant around the perimeter of the kale patch. |
| Nasturtiums | Trap crop for aphids | Plant as a border or interspersed among kale. |
| Garlic | Repels aphids, cabbage moths, loopers | Plant around the base of the kale. |
Bullet Points: Quick Tips for Success
- Always research the specific needs of your chosen companion plants.
- Ensure adequate spacing between plants to prevent overcrowding.
- Use organic gardening practices to promote healthy soil and plant growth.
- Rotate your crops each season to prevent soil depletion and pest buildup.
- Observe your plants closely and adjust your strategy as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will companion planting completely eliminate pests on my kale?
No, companion planting won’t entirely eradicate pests, but it will significantly reduce their impact. It’s a natural form of pest control, but you may still need to use other organic methods if infestations become severe.
How close should I plant companion plants to my kale?
The ideal distance depends on the specific companion plant and its growth habit. As a general rule, plant herbs and smaller vegetables within a foot of your kale plants, while larger companions may need a bit more space to prevent overcrowding.
Can I grow kale in containers with companion plants?
Yes, kale grows well in containers, and you can incorporate companion plants like herbs or marigolds to create a miniature ecosystem. Choose a large container to accommodate both the kale and its companions.
What if my companion plants start attracting more pests to my kale?
This is rare, but it can happen if your chosen companions are not well-suited for your garden or attract different types of pests. If this occurs, remove the problematic companions and replace them with more effective alternatives.
How long does it take to see the benefits of companion planting?
You may start to see some benefits within a few weeks, such as fewer pests or improved soil health. However, the full effects of companion planting may take a season or two to become fully apparent.
Can I use companion planting with all varieties of kale?
Yes, companion planting can be used with all varieties of kale, from curly kale to dinosaur kale. The principles remain the same regardless of the specific kale variety.
What if I don’t have space for a full garden; can companion planting still help?
Absolutely! Even in small spaces or raised beds, companion planting can significantly improve growth and reduce pest issues. Focus on selecting compact companion plants like herbs and flowers.
Is companion planting only for organic gardeners?
While companion planting is strongly associated with organic gardening, anyone can benefit from it. It’s a sustainable and natural way to improve garden health, regardless of your gardening philosophy.
Does companion planting affect the taste of kale?
In some cases, companion planting can subtly enhance the flavor of kale. For example, planting chamomile near kale may impart a slightly sweeter taste.
How do I know which companion plants are right for my specific climate?
Research the specific climate requirements of both kale and your chosen companion plants. Select plants that are well-suited to your local growing conditions for best results.
Can I use companion planting in a greenhouse or indoor garden?
Yes, companion planting is effective in controlled environments as well. It’s important to provide adequate light and ventilation to ensure the success of both the kale and its companions.
What should I do with my companion plants at the end of the growing season?
Some companion plants, like perennial herbs, will continue to grow year after year. Others, like annual flowers, may need to be replanted each season. Consider composting or using cover crops to enrich the soil after the growing season.