Plants That Make The Best Companions For Kale

Kale is a versatile and delicious vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It's also a relatively easy plant to grow, but there are a few things you can do to help it thrive. One of those things is companion planting.

Companion planting is the practice of planting certain plants together in order to benefit each other. Some plants can help to repel pests, attract beneficial insects, or improve the soil quality. When you plant kale with the right companions, you can help to ensure that it has a healthy and productive growing season.

Here are some of the best companion plants for kale:

• Alliums: Alliums, such as onions, garlic, and chives, have strong scents that can help to repel pests like cabbage moths and aphids. They can also help to improve the soil quality by adding nitrogen.
• Beans: Beans are legumes, which means they can fix nitrogen from the air. This can help to improve the soil quality for kale and other plants in your garden. Beans can also help to shade the soil around kale, which can help to keep it cool and moist.
• Carrots: Carrots and kale are both root vegetables that can benefit from being planted together. Carrots help to break up the soil, which can improve drainage for kale. Kale can help to shade the carrots, which can help to prevent them from bolting.
• Cucumbers: Cucumbers and kale both need full sun and well-drained soil. They can also benefit from being planted together because cucumbers help to attract pollinators, which can help kale to produce more flowers and fruit.
• Herbs: Many herbs, such as dill, cilantro, and basil, can help to repel pests and attract beneficial insects. They can also add flavor to kale dishes.
• Marigolds: Marigolds are another great companion plant for kale. They have a strong scent that can help to repel pests like aphids and cabbage moths. They can also help to improve the soil quality by attracting beneficial insects.
• Peas: Peas are another nitrogen-fixing plant that can help to improve the soil quality for kale. They can also help to shade the soil around kale, which can help to keep it cool and moist.
• Spinach: Spinach and kale are both cool-season crops that can be planted together. They can also benefit from being planted together because spinach helps to suppress weeds, which can help kale to thrive.

When choosing companion plants for kale, it's important to consider the size and growth habits of the plants. Some plants, such as beans and peas, can grow quite tall and may shade out smaller plants like kale. It's also important to consider the climate you live in. Some plants, such as marigolds, are more suited to warm climates, while others, such as spinach, are more suited to cool climates.

By planting kale with the right companions, you can help to ensure that it has a healthy and productive growing season. So next time you're planning your garden, be sure to consider these great companion plants for kale.

Kale is a versatile and delicious vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. But did you know that companion planting with kale can help to improve its growth and flavor?

There are a number of different plants that can be beneficially grown near kale. Some of the best companion plants for kale include:

• Alliums (such as garlic, onions, and chives): These plants help to deter pests, such as cabbage moths and aphids.
• Beans (such as bush beans and pole beans): Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which can help to improve the growth of kale.
• Cucumbers: Cucumbers can help to shade the roots of kale, which can help to keep them cool in hot weather.
• Marigolds: Marigolds help to repel pests and attract beneficial insects.
• Radishes: Radishes can help to improve the drainage of the soil around kale, which can help to prevent root rot.

For more information about companion planting with kale, I recommend visiting Gardenia Inspiration. This website has a wealth of information on the topic, including a list of the best companion plants for kale, tips on how to plant them together, and more.

FAQ of companion planting with kale

1. What are the best companion plants for kale?

Some of the best companion plants for kale include:

* Alliums (onions, garlic, leeks, chives) - These plants deter pests and add nitrogen to the soil.
* Beans and peas - These legumes fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit kale.
* Marigolds - These flowers attract beneficial insects that help control pests.
* Cucumbers - These plants help to suppress weeds and attract pollinators.
* Nasturtiums - These flowers deter pests and can be used as a trap crop for aphids.

2. What should I not plant next to kale?

Other brassicas (such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kohlrabi) should not be planted next to kale, as they can make it easier for pests to jump from one plant to the next.

3. Can I plant kale next to tomatoes?

Yes, you can plant kale next to tomatoes. In fact, tomatoes and kale can benefit each other by attracting different pollinators.

4. How far apart should I plant kale?

The spacing requirements for kale vary depending on the variety. However, most kale varieties should be spaced at least 12-18 inches apart.

5. How do I know if I'm planting kale in the right spot?

Kale prefers full sun and well-drained soil. If you're not sure if your spot is sunny enough, try planting kale in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. You can also test the soil drainage by digging a hole about 6 inches deep and filling it with water. If the water drains away within a few hours, the soil is well-drained.

Image of companion planting with kale

• Kale and tomatoes: Kale and tomatoes are a great companion planting combination because they help to deter pests from each other. The strong smell of the tomatoes can help to repel aphids and other insects that might otherwise attack the kale, while the kale's leaves can help to shade the tomatoes' roots and prevent them from getting too hot.
• Kale and beans: Kale and beans are another good companion planting combination. The beans can provide nitrogen for the kale, while the kale's leaves can help to shade the beans' roots and prevent them from getting too hot. Additionally, the beans' flowers can attract pollinators, which can help to improve the pollination of the kale's flowers.
• Kale and carrots: Kale and carrots are also a good companion planting combination. The kale's leaves can help to deter the carrot fly, a common pest of carrots. Additionally, the kale's roots can help to break up the soil and improve drainage, which can benefit the carrots' roots.
• Kale and spinach: Kale and spinach are a good companion planting combination because they have similar growing requirements. They both need full sun and well-drained soil. Additionally, they both benefit from being planted near other leafy greens, as this helps to suppress weeds and attract beneficial insects.
• Kale and marigolds: Kale and marigolds are a good companion planting combination because marigolds can help to repel pests from kale. The strong smell of the marigolds can deter aphids, cabbage moths, and other insects that might otherwise attack the kale.