Companion planting for kale 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 kale below.
| Companion plants for kale | Enemy plants of kale |
|---|---|
| Dill | Strawberry |
| Marigold | Tomato |
| Nasturtiums | |
| Onion | |
| Cilantro | |
| Garlic | |
| Radish | |
| Pea |
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 kale?
The following plants have positive effects on the growth of your kale. 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 kale.
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 natural protector! This fragrant plant attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which love to snack on aphids and other pests that might try to feast on your Kale. With dill standing guard, your kale stays safer from unwanted visitors.
Marigold
Marigold flourishes in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture its colorful flowers and aromatic foliage. Marigold provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Marigolds don’t just add bright pops of color to your garden; they also act as a natural pest deterrent. Their strong scent confuses and repels insects like cabbage worms and aphids, keeping your kale safe from harm. Plus, marigolds help improve soil health, making it richer and more welcoming for kale’s deep roots.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums thrive in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their vibrant flowers and trailing foliage. Nasturtiums offer invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by attracting pollinators, repelling pests, and adding a touch of vibrant color to garden landscapes.
Nasturtiums’ bright flowers lure aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles away from your kale, acting as a “trap crop.” Instead of nibbling on your kale leaves, pests will flock to the nasturtiums, leaving your greens untouched and thriving.
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 have a powerful smell that keeps aphids, cabbage loopers, and even rabbits away from your kale patch. Their underground bulbs also help loosen and aerate the soil, making it easier for kale’s roots to spread deep and strong.
Cilantro
Coriander thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic matter, it embodies adaptability and aroma. Adequate moisture and sunlight support lush growth and abundant foliage. Coriander extends general benefits to neighboring plants by attracting beneficial insects and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Cilantro does double duty in the garden—it attracts pollinators while also repelling harmful bugs like aphids and spider mites. Its fragrant leaves act as a natural deterrent, keeping your kale free from munching insects.
Garlic
Garlic flourishes in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5, it embodies adaptability and strength. Adequate sunlight and consistent moisture support robust growth and bulb development. Garlic provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by deterring pests with its strong aroma and acting as a natural fungicide against soil-borne diseases.
Garlic is like kale’s personal bodyguard! Its strong scent repels aphids, cabbage worms, and even slugs. Plus, garlic has natural antifungal properties that help keep the soil healthy, reducing the risk of diseases that can affect kale.
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 quick-growing and help loosen up compacted soil, making it easier for kale’s roots to spread and absorb nutrients. Plus, they help deter flea beetles, which are known to chew on kale leaves.
Pea
Peas thrive in diverse soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5, they embody adaptability and vigor. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their lush foliage and prolific growth. Peas provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by fixing nitrogen in the soil, enhancing fertility, and promoting overall garden health.
Peas do wonders for kale by naturally improving soil health. They take nitrogen from the air and return it to the soil, enriching it with nutrients that kale needs to grow big, strong, and leafy. Plus, peas don’t compete with kale for space, making them the perfect low-maintenance companion.
What are the enemy plants of kale?
Planting these plants next to kale 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 kale. Because of these negative effects, we don’t recomment growing the plants below next to your kale.
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 are sweet, but they sure do love to spread! These little plants send out runners that can take over garden space and crowd out your kale. Plus, they both like rich soil, meaning they’ll be competing for the same nutrients. With strawberries taking up all the room and food, your kale might struggle to grow its signature big, leafy greens.
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 kale are both heavy feeders, which means they need a lot of the same nutrients from the soil. When planted together, they end up competing for resources, leaving your kale underfed and stunted. Plus, tomatoes can attract aphids and whiteflies—pests that would love to nibble on your kale leaves too!
