If you’ve ever grown dill before, you’ve probably seen wasps, hoverflies, and the like darting around it happily. Many companion plants are beneficial for onions and vice versa, improving health, repelling harmful pests and diseases, as well as attracting beneficial insects. Obviously, these kale companion plants should have like growing requirements. Either way, you will need to let some of your cilantro flower to provide nectar for the beneficial bugs. They are easy and inexpensive to buy at the market, so I’d rather keep my garden real estate for the vegetables that are harder to come by. And although you’ll want to leave some for the insects, of course you won’t want to go the whole summer without using some of this aromatic yourself. Kristina loves the challenges of dryland gardening and teaching others to use climate compatible gardening techniques, and she strives towards creating gardens where there are as many birds and bees as there are edibles. Uncredited photos: Shutterstock. It produces high yields of classic green beans that will be ready to harvest in 50-70 days. Just be sure to plant it to the south of your kale. ‘Bouquet’ seeds from Mountain Valley Seed Co. come in packets of various sizes and are available at True Leaf Market. Product photos via Burpee, Eden Brothers, and True Leaf Market. You’ll find both seeds and live plants available at Burpee. And as a cooking ingredient, it should have a place in your kitchen. Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) can be a buddy to your kale in many different ways. There are a wide selection of buddies available for your kale, and I recommend that you pick not just one, but several of them. Kale likes full to partial sun. As with city planning, the way your lay out your vegetable garden is crucial. Love it or hate it, cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) attracts hoverflies (Syrphidae) and other beneficial insects, so it’s a great addition to your garden. Garlic. Basil. The only logical explanation I can think of is that pole beans, if left untrellised, would sprawl and compete with kale for space and light. There are many annual flowers that can provide benefits for your garden kale, but some have a more established track record than others, and are more commonly found. So you add roses, then garlic, then potatoes. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. But don’t let its mounds of pretty flowers fool you. One of the beneficial insects buckwheat attracts is the minute pirate bug, which feeds on aphids, thrips, and small caterpillars. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Avoid planting kale and its companion plants in areas where the soil remains muddy or where water forms puddles. Kristina considers it a point of pride that she spends more money on seeds each year than she does on clothes. I’ll try to remember to come back and report on how it went. Simply by placing certain plants next to others, you can naturally repel pests and stimulate growth. Along with attracting beneficial insects, sorghum has another benefit related to its growth habit. Companion planting is maybe the easiest organic way to encourage health and growth in your garden. Kale chips are very popular right now and are great with salads as well. Kale can tolerate temps down to 20 degrees F. (-6 C.) but becomes rather tough when temps exceed 80 F. (26 C.). Organic buckwheat seeds from Mountain Valley Seed Co. can be found in a variety of sizes at True Leaf Market. Learn about growing nasturtium flowers here. Hoverflies – one of my favorite beneficial insects to observe – are more attracted to yellow and white flowers than other colors, and dill fits this description. In one study, published in the Weed Technology Journal in 2009, kale grown with hairy vetch doubled yields compared to the control plot grown without it. They are also very easy to grow, so if you’re a beginning gardener, growing beans from seed will help build your gardening confidence. ‘American Flag,’ an heirloom, is a cold-hardy, overwintering leek variety. I make an exception for bunching onions, though. Companion planting is part experience, part folklore, and part wishful thinking. It’s useful to be aware of allelopaths in order to prevent and diagnose mysterious garden problems unattributable to disease or pests. Dill (Anethum graveolens) is perhaps the only garden herb I love as much as cilantro, and the beneficial insects seem to agree. Organic chives seeds are available from True Leaf Market. protect cole crops from cabbage loopers (Trichoplusia ni). Its seeds produce bushy plants that grow up to 14 inches high and have huge flower heads that reach 4-5 inches across. The only logical explanation I can think of is that pole beans, if left untrellised, would sprawl and compete with kale for space and light. Insectary plants provide nectar, pollen, and shelter for predatory and parasitoid beneficial insects – the kind we want around. If you plant in the cool season, kale should be planted in full sun, but if you plant during the warm season, plant kale in partial shade. Onions. It also helps repel aphids, … Cabbage: onions and others within the allium family like the leeks and chives, are excellent companion plants for cabbage. I can never really pin down a favorite variety when it comes to nasturtiums, but I do find varieties with red flowers particularly attractive in the garden. It is considered to be closer to wild cabbage. Companion planting is the practice of placing species adjacent to one another to take advantage of mutual benefits that help both plants thrive. Wallflower Care: How To Plant A Wallflower Garden Plant, Radish Companion Plants: What Are The Best Companion Plants For Radishes, Growing Indoor Calla Lilies – Care For Calla Lilies In The Home, Jade Plant Look Wrinkled – Reasons For Wrinkled Jade Leaves, Different Dieffenbachia Varieties – Different Types Of Dieffenbachia, What Are Pheromone Traps: Information On Pheromone Traps For Insects, Mint Plant Companions – What Plants Grow Well With Mint, Deadheading Bachelor’s Buttons: Learn When To Cut Back Bachelor’s Buttons, Buying Plants Online – How To Know If An Online Nursery Is Reputable, Dream Garden Improvement - Back To Nature, Propagating Houseplants 101: Tips For Propagating Plants, Sprengeri Fern Plant: Growing Houseplants As Family Heirlooms. Many veggies make good companions for kale, and they all help out in their own unique ways. Kale also doesn’t require nitrogen rich soil, another consideration when choosing companion plants for kale. If you want a fresh supply of your own for such recipes, you can plant lemongrass from seed or buy an established plant. Kale is considered a moderate to heavy nitrogen feeder. Read on to find out about kale companion planting. In my garden, kale is pretty indestructible and I direct sow it into pots on the deck so I can get at it quickly and easily. ‘Empress of India’ is one such variety with deep scarlet flowers. Post navigation ← swiss chard companion plants Companion Planting Leeks → Companion plants offer shade and shelter, repel crop-destroying insect pests, and enhance garden soil with essential nutrients. From gorgeous quiches to soups that have a certain je ne sais quoi, the leek will elevate your cooking. Generally considered cool weather crops , brassicas – such as cabbages, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, and brussel sprouts – serve as a pretty easy going companions to most plants. Planting Kale in your Garden. Diversity, diversity, diversity – always an important mantra in the garden. The ripe tomatoes have a gorgeous purplish red color with a bit of green on top, and the seeds are surrounded by a lovely green gel. One of my favorite varieties is the heirloom, ‘Blue Lake,’ a type of snap bush bean. This wonderful garden plant will get you cooking all of those French dishes you’ve always wanted to try. This doesn’t mean you can’t plant it with other heavy feeders, but if you do, make sure you add an extra source of nitrogen – such as well-rotted manure – to your soil. Seeds for the white-flowered ‘Tiny Tim’ variety, which grows only 3 inches tall, can be found at True Leaf Market. Read more about growing bunching onions here. If you plant in the cool season, kale should be planted in full sun, but if you plant during the warm season, plant kale in partial shade. Sweet alyssum’s low-growing, mounding form will make it an excellent ground cover in your garden, and since it’s not a heavy feeder, it won’t compete with your main crop for nitrogen. always delights me, letting me know that summer has really arrived. Call them herbs if you like, but for companion planting purposes, you can also call them “insectary plants.”. Nasturtiums and marigolds repel squash bugs and other types of pests that afflict Brussels sprouts. Spatial interaction of plants occurs in most gardens naturally. Tomatoes are also compatible with chives and onion. Kudos, that is an excellent choice. In fact, it can be grown throughout the year in some areas. When I have lemongrass on hand, I love to use it to whip up a Thai curry for dinner. It isn’t happy growing next to beans, strawberries, or tomatoes. Companion Planting With Collards. There’s evidence that nasturtiums (Tropaeolum spp.) The primary purpose of planting herbs along with kale is to attract predatory insects that will keep pests in check. While it grows without a lot of work, it’s not foolproof. Kale companion planting is a great way to ensure a good harvest. GARDENER'S PATH® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. Check out the delicious leek, artichoke, and red pepper quiche recipe at Foodal. While these plants are suitable for kale, some plants are detrimental to kale when planted alongside it. It’s great for eating sliced with just a little salt, pepper, and olive oil. Carrots should be planted near onions because onions will repel the carrot fly. Alternatively, the planting of disruptive plants can quickly bring your garden to ruins. Also, many plants grow well with kale – receiving and giving benefits to each other. Are there any other companions you have had personal experience with in your garden? Brassicas tend to be prone to the same pests and diseases, so planting them together can easily lead to an outbreak. At this writing, I have kale tucked into a large decorative pot along with some grasses, a wallflower and some trailing lobelia. It starts blooming in early spring, providing a source of early nectar for beneficial insects. Go ahead and plant tomatoes and kale together. This is a list of companion plants.Many more are in the list of beneficial weeds.Companion plants assist in the growth of others by attracting beneficial insects, repelling pests, or providing nutrients, shade, or support.They can be part of a biological pest control program. And that is an excellent question. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Onions are a lot like people. It’s also an important host for, Black walnut – producing a chemical known as juglone, plants grown within about 50 feet from. Dill goes well with cucumbers, naturally, but my favorite way to use it in the kitchen is with potatoes. One of my favorite tomato varieties is ‘Cherokee Purple,’ an heirloom with an unusual color. This refers to the effect of certain chemicals produced by one type of plant on another plant growing close to it. Plant near: most garden crops It’s the good life indeed when your beans and rice are blessed by the fresh, bright taste of homegrown cilantro. Although it’s not a legume, it is a nitrogen fixer, so will add nutrients to your entire garden. 2. There are a number of veggies, herbs, and flowering plants that make great companion plants for kale. . Kale can tolerate temps down to 20 degrees F. (-6 C.) but becomes rather tough when temps exceed 80 F. (26 C.). Also known as “broom corn,” sorghum attracts parasitic wasps, which are predators of several pests that affect kale. Most companion plant guides say that bush beans are a good kale companion but pole beans are not. Kale. With additional writing and editing by Clare Groom and Allison Sidhu. If you’re only growing sorghum as a beneficial plant, rather than to harvest the gluten-free grain, you might try planting ornamental broom corn. This type of chart easily organizes the mind when designing a plant guild and forest garden — which is a different way of thinking about species cooperation as compared to companion planting. Not only will you have a ready list of companions by the end of this article, but you will also understand the ways in which these plants will help your kale thrive. Chives are easy to find at plant nurseries, but why not try starting your own from seed? Originally published on December 11, 2019. Brussels sprouts are good companion plants for the majority of garden vegetables except for strawberries, tomatoes, and pole beans.The list of friendly neighbors includes celery, beets, cucumbers, onions, dill, turnips, garlic, sage, rosemary, potatoes, spinach, and Swiss chard. White garlic and onions repel a plethora of pests and make excellent neighbors for most garden plants, but the growth of beans and peas is stunted in their presence. They are an all-purpose crop that earn their keep. If you are planting during the warm season, or in a warmer climate, plant kale in partial shade. These two types of beans are the exact same species, so why would there be a difference? In a study conducted in 1998, published in the Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology, hot peppers (Capsicum annuum) were found to attract Trichogramma chilonis, a type of parasitic wasp, so add hot peppers to your list of insectary plants. This variety grows 10-12 inches high with an 8 to 10-inch spread, and seeds are available from True Leaf Market. If you’re looking for seeds to get your cilantro patch going, try the slow-bolting ‘Leisure’ variety. This is quite a low heat when you consider that the hottest peppers can reach into the millions! You can find organic ‘Blue Lake’ bush bean seeds at True Leaf Market. There are many types of hot pepper out there, so even if you aren’t a fan of scorching, spicy heat, you might enjoy discovering some of the milder ones just for their intriguing flavors. You can order ‘Zavory’ hot pepper seeds from Burpee. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) was found to lower populations of tobacco cutworm (Spodoptera litura) in Chinese kale crops. acephala) in your vegetable garden. Thanks for this wonderful Hub. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are another easy to grow garden plant. One study in Kenya in 2003 published by the International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology, found that tomatoes interplanted with kale reduced infestations of diamondback moths (Plutella xylostella), a damaging pest, as well as other pest insects and diseases. Thanks for the compliment – I’m glad you enjoyed the article! Peas. Onions, leeks, garlic, shallots, and chives – I’ve never met an allium I didn’t like. I’ve read that it is good, and I’ve read that it is bad! Most companion planting teachings are passed down by gardeners who experimented with pairing plants with some success. Learn more about growing hot peppers here. About Kale Companion Plants. You’ve made the smart decision to include kale (Brassica oleracea var. On the other hand, if you’re a cilantro hater, leave it in the garden. Read more about growing various types of beans here. Radishes. Many of these insects are pollinators as well, so try to think of them as beneficial buddies instead of tiny, heartless monsters. COPYRIGHT © 2021 ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. There is a wide range of suitable companions for this cruciferous plant, and they offer their assistance in different ways. These come in four different colors, or if you can’t decide, go for the variety mix, available at True Leaf Market. I will share this with my wife and my mother, as they are the gardeners in my family. You can buy a single pack of ‘Leisure’ cilantro seeds, or you can buy five pounds of it – because there is no such thing as too much cilantro! Light Requirements. All will act as insectary plants, while some have additional benefits. In my neck of the woods, the Pacific Northwest, kale thrives with our cooler temps and plentiful rain. Just make sure you feed them with supplementary fertilizer, because they both want a lot of nitrogen. Thanks again! The above list is not exhaustive, but it will give you a start in learning who your kale might like to rub shoulders with – and why! We occasionally link to goods offered by vendors to help the reader find relevant products. Beans are nitrogen fixers, so they are good friends for this cole crop since they won’t compete for nitrogen, and will add it to the soil. I got my first bunching onions from a plant swap, but if you don’t have one of those in your neck of the woods, you can plant them from seed. Onions will … If you garden in a climate where kale does not thrive in full sun, you can use a taller plant such as sorghum to provide it with a little shade. Among … It’s a nitrogen fixer, a ground cover, and it attracts beneficial insects. Kale is a type of cabbage that grows with green or purple leaves that do not form a head in the center. Here is more about what we do. Interested in pursuing your education in all things kale a bit further? Bunching onions (Allium fistulosum) are low-maintenance, easy-going plants to have in the garden. However there are a lot of variables that can impact the effectiveness of plant companions. Proper Spacing with Companion Planting. If you are a cilantro lover like I am, you will enjoy the wonders of harvesting it fresh from your garden whenever you need it. Kale also prefers loamy, well-drained, moist (but not soggy) soil of average fertility. Companion planting brings long-term soil stability, harmony, color, and diversity to the homestead garden. Onions are especially good companions to certain plants because of their ability to deter bugs. Read on to find out about kale companion planting. Read more about growing various types of beans here, Learn more about growing hot peppers here, Read more about growing bunching onions here, Learn about growing nasturtium flowers here, How to Naturally Kill Insects on Kale: The Best Organic Solutions, Kale Spacing: How Far Apart to Plant for the Best Harvest, How to Protect Rosemary Plants in the Winter, Lemongrass Winter Care: How to Prepare for the Cold, How to Plant and Grow the Classic Perennial Peony, Give an Old-Fashioned Beauty New Life: Grow Wax Begonia, Gardening at Home: 31 of the Best Kits to Get Started, How to Make Your Own Fresh Cut Flower Food, Identifying and Controlling Cabbage Maggots, Tips for Growing Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) in the Garden, 25 of the Best Early Spring Blooming Flowers, insectary, ground cover, nitrogen fixer, shade, Insectaries: attract predatory and parasitoid insects with nectar, pollen, and shelter, Repellents: deter pests through smell or visual confusion, Nitrogen fixers: add nitrogen to the soil, Light feeders: have low nitrogen requirements so won’t compete for nitrogen, Shade providers: offer protection in the form of shade, Tree of heaven – this invasive species contains phytotoxic chemicals in its roots and bark, which inhibit root growth in plants growing nearby. ‘Cherokee Purple’ plants are indeterminate with fruits growing 1 pound each, or more. And most herbs are light feeders, which means they don’t compete with your crop for nitrogen. We have more for you right here: Photo by Meghan Yager © Ask the Experts, LLC. Onions. – Does not grow well with. The following allelopathic plants can have harmful effects on neighboring plants, including kale: Here’s a convenient reference chart to help you plan your vegetable patch: You knew kale was popular as a health food, but now you know it’s pretty popular with its garden friends, too. Kale Companion Planting Chart companionplant 2020-05-06T16:41:36+00:00. A companion planting guide such as this one will show you which vegetables and flowers support or inhibit the growth of other plants and/or which pests they deter. Kristina Hicks-Hamblin lives on a dryland permaculture homestead in the high desert of Utah. Peppers: Pepper plants won’t compete with kale for the nitrogen that kale needs lots of to thrive. See our TOS for more details. Depending upon who you ask, kale either likes tomatoes or it doesn’t. Help! I have not been able to find any scientific data on kale planted with pole beans – either… Read more », Thank you so much for the very thoughtful and quick response Kristina! And lemongrass isn’t just great in the garden. For example, tall-growing, sun-loving plants may share space with lower-growing, shade tolerant plants. This entry was posted in Companion Planting and tagged artichokes, brassicas, celery, chamomile, chives, companion planting, garlic, grapes, kale, mint, Nasturtiums, onions, radishes, rosemary, sage, strawberries, thyme, tomatoes on 3rd October 2019 by Steve Jones. It thrives with a pH of 5.5 – 6.8 in loamy, well-draining, damp soil. Just be aware that it self-seeds very easily and if you’re not careful it can have a tendency to take over. Hairy vetch is a plant that works overtime. The ‘Bouquet’ variety will be sure to make you – and your beneficial insects – happy. They have beautiful flowers, are not fussy, and provide a useful culinary ingredient. Kale enjoys companion plants such as beets, celery, herbs, onions and potatoes, but does not enjoy being planted near beans, strawberries or tomatoes. Kale is buddy-buddy with beets, celery, cucumbers, herbs, onions, spinach, chard, and potatoes. Seeds are available at Eden Brothers. Companion planting brassicas helps to save space, prevent disease and pests, and keep weeds at bay, while improving the taste and flavour of your crops. Hi There, These cover crops can also act as a “green manure” when you dig them into the soil at the end of the growing season, adding nutrients and organic matter. Kale looks lovely in a mixed veggie and flower bed, and a low growing variety of sweet alyssum will make an excellent border for such plantings. However, you may want to avoid planting it with its brassica relatives. Companion planting also works in a physical way. ‘Zavory’ is a variety of habanero that is really mild, measuring in at only 100 on the Scoville scale. Onions, garlic and other onion-family plants also do well with celery and carrots because they repel insect pests that favor these vegetables. Some of the excellent companion plants of kale include dills, garlic, onions, nasturtium, and herbs of the mint family such as rosemary, thyme, and sage. Some of these links may be affiliate in nature, meaning we earn small commissions if items are purchased. Collards, a form of kale, feature rosettes of large, waxy leaves held on sturdy stems. Sign up for our newsletter. I think I will go ahead and give it a try. Too much sunlight and hot summer temperatures are the plant’s biggest enemies, but if you have a long spring and fall season, you should be able to harvest biannually. Get your own fresh supply of leeks by growing them as companions to your kale. And I’m not the only one who likes that smell – hoverflies do, too, and their larval form feeds on aphids, a common pest for growers of cruciferous vegetables. It can act as a ground cover crop, encouraging water retention and preventing soil degradation. Attract beneficial insects. Peppers are also light feeders, making good companions in this way, as well. Onion Companion Planting Chart companionplant 2020-05-06T16:43:06+00:00 Planting Onions in your Garden One of the easiest, and most foolproof, vegetables that can be grown in a home garden, the onion is a gardener’s staple that are a foundational part of so many of the foods we eat. As another pest repellent, the leek (Allium ampeloprasum) should have a place in your garden. Keep reading to learn more about companion planting with onions. Even if they didn’t help prevent damage from pests, I would include these in my garden anyway, just because they are such a cheery little flower. Dill is easy to grow from seed. You’ll need to either treat this tropical plant as an annual, or overwinter it indoors in Zones 8 and lower. Most companion plant guides say that bush beans are a good kale companion but pole beans are not. Anita Hasch from Port Elizabeth on February 21, 2017: Love this article on companion planting. Some herbs also help by repelling pests. They get along with some companion plants but not others. Packets of organic ‘Cherokee Purple’ seeds are available at Eden Brothers. Lettuce. This fragrant plant attracts hoverflies, and is therefore an excellent aphid control. You can find ornamental broom corn seeds at True Leaf Market. Originally from the temperate suburbs of North Carolina, she enjoys discovering ways to meet a climate challenge. Basil is a great herb to plant next to tomatoes to help improve their flavor. Learn more about growing lemongrass here. I bet this variety will become one of your favorites, just as it is mine. Marigolds: Marigolds are a natural way to keep a wide range of garden pests out of the way of your plants, because lots of bugs can’t stand the smell of marigold flowers. Onions: Onions and other alliums repel a whole slew of pesky insects from your kale plants and the rest of the garden. I like to add several varieties of marigold to my garden every year, including those that are nice and tall. Among the veggie plants compatible with kale are: Kale also enjoys the company of many herbs such as: Hyssop, marigolds and nasturtium companions get a thumb’s up from kale as well. Hi Kristyn! The first time I had a fresh habanero pepper, I was amazed at the delicious fruitiness behind the heat. We’d love to hear about them here – and even better, we’d love to see them growing alongside your kale if you have photos to share. Lettuce. In my opinion, there is no beating the leek. And buckwheat attracts foraging beneficial insects that will help your kale in the pest department. This wonderful herb acts as a repellent for certain pests. Seeds for this garden gem are available from Eden Brothers. Many backyard gardeners overlook planting grains and cover crops in their garden, but these plants can serve important roles in protecting your kale – along with adding some visual interest to your garden. You’d think sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima) was all looks and no substance. If the mere mention of the words “Thai” and “curry” have you salivating, I suggest you have a look at this gorgeous recipe for red coconut curry chicken with lemongrass and toasted sesame noodles over at our sister site, Foodal. Or you could put it on sandwiches and hamburgers, or dice it up for a salad. For example, some species may have natural pest-deterrence properties that benefit a neighbor, while the neighbor plant might bolster nutrients in the soil. It seems to be quite happy there. This pest deterrent will certainly make you smile when you see it bravely guarding your kale. I planted a apple tree from a pip. Kale is a cool weather green with ruffled leaves that grows in USDA zones 7-10. Low growing varieties of marigold can also make a good ground cover. These chemicals can get into the soil either by leaves falling on the ground and decomposing, or by rainfall washing them from living leaves onto surrounding plants and soil. Kale: Kale’s a Brassica plant, so it needs a lot of the same care as your Brussels sprouts will, making your job easier when the two are planted together. I use them as scallions in salads, salsas, and stir-fries. Along with kale’s friends, there are a few plants that are particularly unfriendly in the garden – these meanies are called “allelopaths.”. On How it went pepper seeds from Mountain Valley Seed Co. can be throughout... The soil remains muddy or where water forms puddles in check companions to certain plants next to beans,,! Each year than she does on clothes to help the reader find relevant products overwintering leek.. 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