Cabbage is a versatile, nutrient-rich vegetable that can thrive when planted alongside compatible companions. Companion planting is an age-old gardening technique where certain plants are grown together to boost growth, deter pests, and improve soil conditions. This approach not only increases your harvest but also promotes a healthier, more balanced garden ecosystem. By incorporating companion plants in your cabbage garden, you can enjoy natural pest control, enhanced soil fertility, and an overall more vibrant garden. Here are 8 best companion plants for cabbage that will help you cultivate a thriving, productive garden.
1. Dill
Dill is one of the best companions for cabbage, known for its ability to attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps. These insects are natural predators of common cabbage pests such as aphids, caterpillars, and cabbage loopers. By planting dill near cabbage, you create a natural pest management system that helps protect your crop without the use of harmful chemicals. Additionally, dill’s feathery, delicate foliage adds aesthetic appeal to your garden, and its deep roots improve soil structure, making nutrients more accessible to surrounding plants.
Sow dill seeds in well-draining soil and full sun, ensuring that it is spaced enough from the cabbage to avoid shading. Dill can also be planted in clusters near the cabbage to maximize its pest-repellent properties.
2. Onions
Onions are another excellent companion plant for cabbage due to their strong, pungent smell, which repels common cabbage pests like cabbage moths and aphids. Onions’ scent helps disguise cabbage from pests, making it harder for them to locate your plants. Onions also grow tall and narrow, so they don’t compete with cabbage for space or nutrients, making them an ideal plant to grow between cabbage rows. Additionally, onions help to improve soil structure and water retention, providing further benefits to your cabbage garden.
Grow onions around your cabbage in well-drained soil. They require plenty of sunlight and should be spaced adequately from the cabbage to prevent overcrowding.
3. Chamomile
Chamomile, known for its calming herbal properties, is also a great companion plant for cabbage. Chamomile attracts pollinators like bees and beneficial insects such as hoverflies, which help control aphid populations. The chamomile plant is said to improve the flavor of nearby plants, including cabbage, making it a valuable addition to your garden. Chamomile also has antifungal properties that help protect your cabbage from diseases.
It thrives in both full sun and partial shade, making it suitable for planting near cabbage. It prefers well-drained soil, so plant it close enough to the cabbage to provide mutual benefits without overcrowding.
4. Thyme
Thyme is a fragrant, low-growing herb that pairs perfectly with cabbage. It acts as a natural pest repellent, particularly against cabbage worms and whiteflies, thanks to its strong aromatic oils. These oils create a protective barrier around cabbage plants, helping to keep pests at bay. Beyond its pest-repelling properties, thyme is also drought-tolerant, requiring minimal maintenance once established. It’s a great choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance companion plant that also enhances the flavor of nearby vegetables.
Grow thyme along the borders of your cabbage garden. It needs full sun and well-drained soil, so give it enough space to grow without crowding the cabbage.
5. Marigolds
Marigolds are known as one of the most effective pest-repelling flowers in gardening, and they work particularly well as companions to cabbage. Their vibrant blooms attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and hoverflies, which prey on harmful pests like aphids and cabbage loopers. Additionally, the roots of marigolds secrete a substance that helps to repel nematodes, a type of worm that can damage cabbage roots. The combination of pest control and the cheerful appearance of marigolds makes them a favorite in companion planting.
Grow marigolds around the perimeter of your cabbage garden, ensuring they get full sun. They can be planted in small groups to maximize their pest-repellent properties.
6. Garlic
Garlic is an all-purpose companion plant known for its strong, sulfur-containing compounds that repel a variety of pests, including cabbage moths, aphids, and cabbage worms. The pungent odor of garlic helps disguise the cabbage from pests that rely on smell to find their food. Additionally, garlic has antifungal properties, which can help reduce the risk of fungal infections in the soil. Like onions, garlic is compact and doesn’t compete with cabbage for space, making it easy to incorporate into your garden.
Grow garlic cloves around the base of your cabbage, spacing them appropriately to allow for root growth. Garlic thrives in well-drained soil and full sun.
7. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are an ideal companion for cabbage because they serve as a “trap crop,” attracting aphids, cabbage worms, and other pests away from your cabbage plants. Pests prefer the taste of nasturtiums, leaving your cabbage relatively untouched. In addition to protecting your cabbage, nasturtiums also add vibrant color to your garden with their bright orange, yellow, and red flowers. They are easy to grow and require little maintenance, making them a valuable addition to any cabbage garden.
Grow nasturtiums around the base of cabbage plants, where they will spread out and form a protective barrier. They grow best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
8. Beets
Beets are a root vegetable that works harmoniously with cabbage, as they do not compete for sunlight or space. Beets improve soil structure by breaking up compacted soil, which helps cabbage roots spread more easily. Additionally, beets can be planted in alternating rows with cabbage, allowing you to make efficient use of space in your garden. Beets are also a nutritious addition to your harvest, providing a dual benefit of improving soil and yielding another crop.
Grow beets in alternating rows with cabbage in well-drained soil. Beets thrive in cooler weather, making them a great companion during the cabbage-growing season.
Tips for Successful Companion Planting with Cabbage
- Crop rotation: Rotate your crops annually to prevent the buildup of pests and diseases. Avoid planting cabbage or its companions in the same spot each year.
- Proper spacing: Ensure that each plant has enough room to grow without overcrowding. This improves air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
- Soil health: Enrich your soil with compost and organic matter to promote healthy plant growth and increase soil fertility.
- Pest monitoring: Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pest infestations. While companion planting helps, it’s still essential to take immediate action if pests become a problem.