Companion planting is typically focused on maximizing space, utilizing soil nutrients properly, managing pests, and providing mutual support. Let us explore this list of plants that can be grown with cabbages.
Other plants in the garden benefit from cabbages’ slow growth. Cabbages are low-growing, keeping the soil shaded and moist even on the hottest days. Because of their shallow roots, they can also be successfully interplanted with certain deep-rooted plants.
1. Brassicas
Brassicas are easy to grow generally, and most varieties enjoy the same growing conditions. Many brassicas can be planted close to cabbage since they require similar nutrients.
Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, swiss chard, and brussels sprouts are some of the varieties that would complement your cabbage garden. However, make sure not to overcrowd the area with brassica plans and ensure that the soil can provide adequate nutrients to all crops.
2. Carrots
Carrots and cabbage make good companion plants due to their different growth patterns, lack of common pests, and ability to flourish in milder climates.
Cabbage requires more above-ground space and less root space than carrots, so both crops can be planted in the same space without competing. Carrots mature faster than cabbages so that the cabbage can take over the space for the rest of the growing season.
3. Beets
All cabbage family members thrive in the garden when paired with beets. Beets add beneficial nutrients to the soil that cabbages can gradually absorb.
The beet taproots or tubers aid in soil nutrient aeration. As they develop, they absorb nutrients from the top layer of the soil and distribute them to plants with shallower roots, such as cabbage.
4. Celery
Celery’s strong scent keeps many harmful insects and pests at bay, especially the white cabbage moth, a pest that typically infests cabbages. Cabbage acts as a natural windbreak for the juvenile, often delicate celery. Both plants thrive in nutrient-dense soil.
5. Legumes
Brassicas need full sun for proper development but require midday shade to prevent leaf scorch. Growing pole beans on the southwest and west side of your garden can help block the intense afternoon sun.
Bean and pea plants also contribute nitrogen to the soil, which is necessary for healthy plant growth; this is the main reason they make a superb cabbage companion plant.
6. Marigolds and Geraniums
Marigolds can repel mosquitos, Japanese beetles, whiteflies, aphids, and nematodes. They also attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps that attack cabbage pests.
Geranium is another flower that protects cabbages from cabbage worms and beetles. They come in various colors and fragrances, some with peppery, rose-like, or even minty scents.
7. Herbs
Many herbs thrive next to cabbage plants. Consider planting your cabbage plants among herbs such as wormwood, rosemary, sage, and dill. They either attract beneficial insects that prey on pests or repel these pests with their scents.
In addition to repelling cabbage moths, rosemary improves the soil’s potassium, calcium, and sulfur which helps improve the taste and nutrition of the cabbage.
