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9 broccoli companion plants and what you should avoid

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Companion planting for broccoli is an experience-based observation developed over centuries. People have noticed that planting certain plants side by side has a positive effect on each other, increasing the quality and quantity of the harvest.

Companion planting is not set in stone and it is the least you can do for your plants. You can get the right care from the individual plant article. You can see the companion and the enemy plants of broccoli below.

Companion plants for broccoliEnemy plants of broccoli
BeetrootTomato
LettuceEggplant
RosemaryPepper
CeleryPole Bean
ChamomileSquash
DillStrawberry
Potato
Radish
Onion

Why does companion planting work?

Companion planting works due to several interconnected factors:

Pest Control: Certain plants emit natural chemicals or scents that repel pests, effectively acting as natural pest deterrents for nearby plants. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fosters a more balanced ecosystem.

Attracting Beneficial Insects: Some companion plants attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, which feed on common garden pests. This creates a natural form of pest control and helps maintain ecological balance.

Soil Improvement: Different plants have varying root structures and nutrient requirements. Companion planting can enhance soil health by reducing soil erosion, suppressing weeds, and improving nutrient uptake. For example, leguminous plants fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting neighboring plants that require nitrogen for growth.

Competition Reduction: Companion planting can help reduce competition for resources such as water, sunlight, and nutrients by utilizing plants with complementary growth patterns and root structures. This allows for more efficient resource utilization and healthier plant growth.

Biodiversity and Resilience: Planting diverse species together increases biodiversity in the garden, which can enhance ecosystem resilience. A diverse ecosystem is better equipped to withstand pests, diseases, and environmental stresses compared to monocultures.

Maximizing Space: Companion planting allows gardeners to make the most of limited space by intercropping plants with different growth habits and maturity rates. This maximizes yield per square foot and promotes efficient land use.

Overall, companion planting capitalizes on the natural synergies between plant species, creating a thriving and sustainable garden ecosystem.

What are the companion plants of broccoli?

The following plants have positive effects on the growth of your broccoli. These plants can repel pests that damage your plants. These plants provide increased nutrition to the soil that your plants can use. Therefore, we recommend planting these plants next to your broccoli.

Broccoli

Beetroot

Beetroots, celebrated for their earthy sweetness and nutrient-rich composition, thrive amidst fertile soil and ample sunlight. They prefer well-drained earth with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0, ensuring optimal growth and development. Regular watering and loose soil encourage healthy root formation and vibrant foliage.

Beetroot and broccoli make a great pair because they don’t compete for the same nutrients. While beets grow deep, broccoli takes up the top layers of the soil, so they share space without stepping on each other’s toes. Plus, beets help keep the soil loose, which makes it easier for broccoli’s roots to spread. It’s a win-win for both plants.

Broccoli

Lettuce

Lettuce, known for its crunchy leaves and garden appeal, thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Partial shade and consistent moisture nurture its tender foliage and compact heads. Lettuce offers invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by providing ground cover, conserving soil moisture, and suppressing weed growth.

Lettuce and broccoli are a match made in the garden. Lettuce is a fast-growing, shallow-rooted plant, so it won’t compete with broccoli for space or nutrients. Plus, lettuce provides some welcome shade to the soil, helping to keep it cool and moist for your broccoli. Together, they create a thriving, low-maintenance duo.

Broccoli

Rosemary

Rosemary flourishes in well-drained, sandy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and moderate moisture nurture its aromatic foliage and robust growth. Rosemary provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting beneficial insects, and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.

Rosemary isn’t just a fragrant herb; it also helps keep pests away from your broccoli. Its strong scent deters aphids, cabbage moths, and other insects that tend to target broccoli. Plus, rosemary’s woody structure won’t overshadow your broccoli, making it a perfect partner for keeping pests at bay while still leaving plenty of sunlight for your veggies.

Broccoli

Celery

Celery flourishes in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil infused with organic matter. Consistent moisture and sunlight support robust growth and vibrant foliage. Celery contributes to the overall health of neighboring plants by improving soil structure, enhancing water retention, and fostering beneficial microbial activity. Belonging to the Apiaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like parsley and carrots, celery symbolizes the natural vitality and elegance found within the garden's embrace.

Celery and broccoli work well together because they both like the same cool, moist environment. Celery grows tall and thin, giving broccoli plenty of space to spread out. At the same time, celery’s scent helps deter pests like aphids and caterpillars that might otherwise bother your broccoli. It’s a calming, protective partnership for both plants.

Broccoli

Chamomile

Chamomile thrives in diverse growing conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, loamy soil under gentle sunlight, it embodies adaptability and calmness. Consistent moisture and occasional pruning support lush growth and abundant flowering. Chamomile offers general benefits to neighboring plants by attracting beneficial insects, such as pollinators, and enhancing overall biodiversity.

Chamomile is a lovely addition to any garden, and it’s especially helpful when paired with broccoli. It attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which help keep pest numbers down. Plus, chamomile can improve the flavor of nearby plants and can even help reduce stress for your broccoli. A little chamomile near your broccoli can lead to a stronger, healthier crop.

Broccoli

Dill

Dill thrives in various soil types. Flourishing in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil under the gentle caress of sunlight, it embodies adaptability and elegance. Consistent moisture and occasional pruning support lush growth and abundant foliage. Dill offers general benefits to neighboring plants by attracting beneficial insects and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.

Dill is a friend to broccoli in more ways than one! Its feathery foliage provides light shade, keeping the soil cool, which broccoli loves. Dill also attracts ladybugs, lacewings, and other beneficial insects that feast on the pests that bother broccoli, like aphids and cabbage worms. It’s a natural way to keep your garden pest-free and thriving.

Broccoli

Potato

Potatoes grows in loose soil with a pH range between 5.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their lush foliage and tuber development. Potatoes provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by improving soil structure, suppressing weed growth, and adding nutrients to the soil when left to decompose.

Believe it or not, potatoes and broccoli make great companions. Potatoes grow underground, while broccoli spreads its leaves above, so they don’t compete for space. Plus, potatoes help improve soil structure, making it easier for broccoli’s roots to spread. This partnership creates a strong, balanced garden where both plants can thrive.

Broccoli

Radish

Radishes thrive in loose soil with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.0, they embody adaptability and zest. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their rapid growth and vibrant foliage. Radishes provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by breaking up compacted soil, improving soil aeration, and suppressing pest populations.

Radishes are excellent at keeping the soil loose and well-drained, which is just what broccoli needs to grow strong. Plus, radishes grow quickly, so they can be harvested before they start competing with broccoli for space. The early harvest also frees up space for your broccoli to grow bigger. A quick-growing radish gives your broccoli a jumpstart!

Broccoli

Onion

Onions thrive in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil—preferably loamy or sandy—with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Partial sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their hearty foliage and bulb formation. Onions provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by deterring pests with their strong aroma and improving soil structure with their fibrous roots.

Onions are more than just a tasty addition to your meals—they also help keep pests away from your broccoli. Their strong smell can deter aphids, cabbage worms, and other insects that like to munch on broccoli. Plus, onions don’t take up too much space, making them perfect for growing alongside your broccoli without getting in the way.

What are the enemy plants of broccoli?

Planting these plants next to broccoli has a huge negative effect on the development of your plant. Growing enemy plants can appeal detrimental insects, change the taste of the grown plant and even consuming all of the nutrients and water from your broccoli. Because of these negative effects, we don’t recomment growing the plants below next to your broccoli.

Broccoli

Tomato

Tomatoes thrive in various soil conditions. Flourishing fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their sprawling vines and abundant fruiting. Tomatoes provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by attracting pollinators, suppressing weed growth with their dense foliage, and adding richness to culinary dishes.

Tomatoes and broccoli don’t mix well in the garden. Both plants are heavy feeders, meaning they both need a lot of nutrients to thrive. Planting them together can lead to competition for resources like water and soil nutrients. Plus, tomatoes and broccoli are both vulnerable to some of the same pests and diseases, which could lead to trouble for your garden. It’s best to keep them apart to give each plant its best chance to grow.

Broccoli

Eggplant

Eggplant thrives in well-drained, loamy soil under the nurturing warmth of sunlight. Flourishing in fertile earth enriched with organic matter, it embodies resilience and grandeur. Consistent moisture and adequate spacing support robust growth and prolific fruiting. Eggplant provides general benefits to neighboring plants by shading the soil, reducing weed growth, and promoting overall garden health.

Eggplant and broccoli are better off as neighbors from afar. They’re both part of the nightshade family, and planting them together can encourage similar pests, like aphids and caterpillars, to feast on both plants. Since they also have similar soil and nutrient needs, they might fight for the same resources, making it harder for both to thrive. It’s wise to keep eggplant and broccoli in separate spots to avoid these issues.

Broccoli

Pepper

Peppers expand in diverse soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their vibrant foliage and prolific fruiting. Peppers provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by deterring pests with their pungent compounds, attracting pollinators, and adding diversity to the garden landscape.

Peppers and broccoli don’t work well together in the garden. They both require lots of nutrients, so planting them close can cause competition for water and soil. This can lead to a lack of resources for both plants, making it hard for them to grow strong and healthy. It’s best to keep peppers and broccoli apart to help both plants thrive and avoid stress.

Broccoli

Pole Bean

Pole beans flourish in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Full sunlight and adequate support nurture their vigorous growth and prolific fruiting. Pole beans provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by fixing nitrogen in the soil, enhancing soil fertility, and promoting overall garden health.

Pole beans and broccoli aren’t the best pals. Beans grow tall and need a lot of space, which can overshadow your broccoli and block it from sunlight. Plus, pole beans are known to attract pests like aphids, which also love to feast on broccoli. To avoid these issues, it’s better to plant beans and broccoli in different areas of the garden.

Broccoli

Squash

Squash thrives in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Full sunlight and ample space nurture its sprawling vines and prolific fruiting. Squash provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by shading the soil, conserving moisture, and suppressing weed growth with its broad leaves. Belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like pumpkins and cucumbers.

Squash and broccoli don’t get along too well. Squash plants have large leaves that can shade out your broccoli, depriving it of sunlight. They also spread out a lot, taking up space that could be better used by other plants. Plus, squash plants can attract pests like squash bugs, which might also bother your broccoli. Keeping squash and broccoli apart helps both plants grow without stepping on each other’s toes.

Broccoli

Strawberry

Strawberries grow in loamy soil with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their delicate fruits and lush foliage. Strawberries provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by attracting pollinators, suppressing weed growth with their dense foliage.

Strawberries and broccoli are best planted apart. Strawberries like a different kind of soil than broccoli, and they can compete for nutrients and space in the garden. Also, strawberries tend to attract pests that may move on to broccoli, causing trouble for both. It’s better to give each plant its own space to grow without any unwanted competition or pest problems.

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