Are you looking to increase the yield and health of your Cabbage harvest? A well-known secret in farming is that cabbages thrive when planted alongside certain companion plants.

What is Companion Planting, and why should you use it? I’ll cover all this and a lot more.

In this article, you’ll learn why the practice of companion planting can help your garden thrive, which plants are some of the best cabbage companion plants, and a few to avoid at all costs.

Key Takeaways

• Companion planting with specific plants can benefit cabbage by enhancing its growth, flavor, and overall health.
• Beans, beets, buckwheat, celery, onions, peas, and potatoes are excellent vegetable companions for cabbage due to their beneficial effects on soil health and pest control.
• Herbs and flowers such as borage, chamomile, coriander/cilantro, dill, and marigolds can help improve the overall health and yield of cabbage plants by using natural pest control and disease prevention.
• Incorporating companion planting techniques in your cabbage garden can create a harmonious ecosystem that naturally repels pests and nourishes the soil for healthier plants and higher yields.

What is Companion Planting and Its Benefits?

Companion planting is a gardening technique where specific plants are grown together to help each other’s growth and protect against pests and diseases.

This organic farming strategy turns your vegetable patch into a symbiotic ecosystem, leveraging the natural strengths of different plant species for mutual benefit.

It plays a critical role in determining the health, robustness of flavor, and yield size of your garden vegetables.

The advantages of this ecological method go way beyond disease control and pest deterrence.

Companion planting increases soil health by facilitating nutrient cycling among different crops, thereby improving nutrient availability for all plants involved.

Cabbages like cauliflower, broccoli, kale, Bok choy, collard greens, and Brussels sprouts (just to name a few) can help enhance your plant’s health using companion planting.

Some plants include beans, beets, celery, onions peas, potatoes, and many more, which act as nitrogen-fixing plants providing key nutrients that improve topsoil health.

Plus it creates an environment attractive to predatory insects like parasitic wasps ladybugs hoverflies lacewing.

These beneficial insects help manage populations of destructive pests such as cabbage worms, moth loopers, aphids, and more without any need for chemical interventions.

Benefits of Companion Planting With Cabbage

The art of cabbage companion planting demands a keen understanding of the relationships between plants and their environment.

This holistic approach to gardening enhances growth, reduces pest issues, and boosts yield on your vegetable patch.

Beans make excellent companions for cabbages due to their shading capability which lessens stress on cabbage during hot weather conditions.

They also enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen—an essential nutrient for plant development.

Beets are another great addition as they contribute valuable minerals that nourish cabbages while buckwheat’s charm lies in attracting beneficial insects that control notorious cabbage worms.

Celery offers multiple benefits as well. It deters harmful pests and provides a natural windbreak protecting young celery plants from harsh winds.

Onions use their potent aroma as an organic shield against common enemies like cabbage loopers, aphids, and Japanese beetles, which is a great example of chemistry at work in nature’s favor!

No list would be complete without acknowledging peas’ neutral compatibility with cabbages or potatoes improving both growth rate and taste profiles when sharing space with our beloved greens.

In essence, understanding these symbiotic associations is key to unlocking bountiful harvests through strategic placement within your garden.

7 Vegetable Companions for Cabbage Plants

You can improve your cabbage plant’s health and yield by planting them alongside plants like beans, beets, buckwheat, celery, onions, peas, and potatoes.

Planting some of the below plants in your garden and see how the combination can create a lush garden.

1. Beans

Add some diversity to your garden by adding beans, a superior companion plant known for its nitrogen-fixing properties.

These legumes enhance soil health by adding rich nutrients that fuel the growth and vigor of your cabbage plants.

Furthermore, planting beans near your cabbages offers an added advantage – they provide shade during hot summers reducing stress on your Brassicas.

Additionally, beans attract beneficial insects including ladybugs and hoverflies which contribute to pest control; these predatory creatures naturally keep troublesome pests like aphids or cabbage worms at bay.

Incorporating beans into your vegetable patch ensures not just a bountiful harvest but also bolsters eco-consciousness through organic farming practices.

2. Beets

Beets are great companion plants for cabbage. These vibrant root vegetables not only add a pop of color to your vegetable garden but also contribute essential minerals to the soil, benefiting the growth of cabbages.

With their deep taproots, beets help break up compacted soil and improve drainage, creating an ideal environment for cabbages to thrive.

Plus, they act as natural nutrient accumulators, drawing nutrients from deeper layers of soil and making them available to neighboring plants like cabbages.

If you’re looking to enhance your cabbage crop’s health and yield, don’t forget to plant some beets alongside them!

3. Buckwheat

One of the top vegetable companions when growing cabbage is buckwheat. This fast-growing plant not only adds beauty to your garden but also attracts beneficial insects that can help control pests like cabbage worms.

Buckwheat has the amazing ability to attract parasitic wasps, which are natural predators of cabbage worms.

By planting buckwheat near your cabbages, you can create a more balanced and diverse ecosystem that promotes overall garden health.

It’s a sustainable and effective way to enhance the growth and productivity of your cabbage plants without relying on harmful pesticides.

Because buckwheat is easy to grow and does well in a variety of climates and soil conditions, think about adding this plant to your garden to increase their harvests naturally.

4. Celery

Celery is a fantastic companion plant for cabbage, offering multiple benefits to help your garden grow well. Celery acts as a natural insect repellent, deterring damaging insects that often target cabbages.

This helps protect your cabbages from pests like cabbage worms and aphids, ensuring healthy growth and higher yields.

Also, the tall and sturdy stalks of celery provide a natural windbreak for young cabbage plants, shielding them from strong winds that can cause damage or stunting.

With its pest-repelling properties and wind protection capabilities, celery is definitely a must-have companion plant for any cabbage patch.

5. Onions

Onions are a fantastic companion plant to grow with cabbage because they naturally repel common pests and insects that can damage your precious crop.

Planting onions near your cabbages is like setting up a protective barrier against unwanted visitors like cabbage loopers, cabbage worms, aphids, and Japanese beetles.

These pesky critters just can’t handle the strong aroma of onions! By incorporating these pungent bulbs into your vegetable patch, you’ll create a pest deterrent system that saves both time and effort in controlling infestations.

If you want to keep harmful bugs at bay and enjoy healthy cabbages all season long, make sure to add onions to your gardening plan.

6. Peas

Peas are a fantastic companion plant for cabbage in your garden. They have a neutral relationship with cabbages, meaning they won’t harm each other. In fact, planting peas near cabbages can provide numerous benefits.

Peas fix nitrogen in the soil, which is essential for cabbage growth. They also offer shade to reduce stress on the cabbage plants and promote their overall health.

Plus, peas contribute nitrogen and organic matter to improve the soil’s quality.

As a cool-season crop like cabbages, peas make perfect companions in your vegetable patch.

So go ahead and plant some peas alongside your cabbages to boost your garden’s health and increase your yield!

7. Potatoes

Potatoes are an excellent companion plant for cabbage, providing multiple benefits to both crops. When planted near cabbage, potatoes can help improve their growth and enhance flavor.

Also, they act as natural mulch, helping conserve moisture in the soil and suppress weed growth.

Potatoes have a beneficial effect on the soil by increasing its organic matter content and nutrient availability for cabbage plants.

Intercropping these two vegetables can maximize your garden’s potential while enjoying delicious harvests of both potatoes and cabbage.

11 Best Herbs and Flowers for Cabbage Companion Planting

There are also many herbs and flowers you can plant with cabbage. With plants like dill, marigolds, rosemary, and many more, you can enhance your cabbage companion planting experience.

1. Borage

Borage, a beloved herb in companion planting, is known for its ability to enhance the health and yield of cabbage plants.

With its strong aroma, borage acts as a natural deterrent against cabbage worms and other pests that can harm your precious crop.

But it doesn’t stop there – borage also attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which help control pests in your cabbage garden.

Additionally, this aromatic herb suppresses nematodes that can be harmful to cabbage plants, making it an essential addition to any vegetable patch.

2. Chamomile

Chamomile is a highly beneficial herb for companion planting with cabbage. It adds beauty to your garden with its delicate, daisy-like flowers, while providing multiple benefits for your cabbage plants.

Chamomile can help boost the health and yield of cabbages by attracting beneficial insects like lacewings and hoverflies, which are natural enemies of cabbage pests such as aphids and cabbage worms.

Chamomile also has antimicrobial properties that can help prevent fungal and bacterial diseases that often plague cabbages.

By including chamomile in your cabbage patch, you’re not only creating a visually appealing garden but also enhancing the overall productivity and well-being of your beloved brassicas.

3. Coriander/Cilantro

Coriander, also known as cilantro, is a fantastic companion plant for cabbage. It adds a burst of flavor to your garden and helps boost the health and yield of your cabbage plants.

When planted alongside cabbages, coriander acts as an effective deterrent against common pests like cabbage loopers, worms, aphids, and Japanese beetles.

On top of that, coriander attracts beneficial insects such as lacewings and ladybugs that prey on these pests, providing natural pest control in your garden.

This aromatic herb even suppresses nematodes in the soil which can be harmful to cabbage plants.

By incorporating coriander into your cabbage companion planting strategy, you’ll create a diverse and balanced garden ecosystem that promotes overall plant vigor and productivity – not to mention enhancing the flavors of your cabbages!

4. Dill

Dill is known as one of the best herbs for cabbage companion planting. It adds a fresh and tangy flavor to your dishes and can help protect your cabbages from pesky aphids.

The leaves of dill plants can be continuously harvested throughout the season, ensuring you always have a supply of fresh dill at hand.

Its aromatic presence in the garden acts as a natural deterrent to pests, allowing your cabbages to thrive without interference.

Next time you’re planning your garden layout, don’t forget to include dill as a beneficial companion for your cabbages!

5. Hyssop

Hyssop is a highly beneficial herb for cabbage companion planting. Known for its pest-deterring properties, hyssop can help protect your cabbage plants from common pests like cabbage moths.

This aromatic herb also attracts beneficial pollinators, contributing to a healthier and more productive cabbage crop.

Adding hyssop into your cabbage garden can create a symbiotic relationship that benefits both the herb and the cabbage plants.

If you’re looking to boost your garden’s health and yield, be sure to think about including hyssop as part of your cabbage companion planting strategy.

6. Marigolds

Marigolds are a fantastic choice for companion planting with cabbage. Known for their bright and vibrant colors, marigolds also offer numerous benefits to your garden.

These aromatic flowers not only add visual appeal but can also repel insect pests that may harm your cabbage plants.

Marigolds emit a pungent aroma that deters pests, such as aphids and cabbage moths, helping to keep your crops healthy and thriving.

Additionally, marigolds excrete a chemical that helps deter root nematodes from attacking the roots of your cabbage plants.

Planting marigolds alongside your cabbage can enhance the overall health and yield of your crop while attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies.

Whether planted directly in the soil or in containers near your cabbage plants, marigolds are an easy-to-grow addition to any garden that can provide long-lasting benefits through their natural pest-deterrent properties and pollinator attraction capabilities.

7. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are great companions for cabbages. They add a vibrant splash of color to your garden with their gorgeous orange blossoms, and they also serve as natural pest control for your cabbages.

These beautiful flowers can repel cabbage worms, keeping your precious crops safe from these pesky pests.

And the best part? Nasturtiums aren’t just beneficial, they’re also edible! Their leaves and flowers are great in salads as a garnish, adding a unique peppery flavor to your dishes.

8. Rosemary

Rosemary is a must-have companion plant for your cabbage patch. It adds a delightful aroma to your garden and has numerous benefits your cabbage plants will love, like acting as a natural pest repellent.

It keeps pesky pests like cabbage worms and aphids at bay, protecting your precious cabbage leaves from damage.

But that’s not all – rosemary also attracts beneficial insects that help control these pests and improve the health of your cabbage plants.

Another bonus of planting rosemary near your cabbage crop is its ability to suppress nematodes, which can harm the roots of your plants.

I you want healthy and thriving cabbage plants, don’t forget to include some rosemary in your companion planting mix!

9. Tansy

Tansy is a highly regarded companion plant for cabbages due to its numerous benefits.

This aromatic herb not only repels pests but also attracts beneficial insects, such as predatory wasps and lacewings, which help keep cabbage worms at bay.

Tansy also suppresses nematodes, microscopic worms that can damage plant roots, and deters unwanted pests like aphids and whiteflies.

Planting tansy alongside your cabbages can increase yields and improve the overall health of your garden.

10. Thyme

Thyme, an aromatic herb with a delightful fragrance, is a fantastic companion plant for cabbages in your garden.

Its strong aroma acts as a natural pest repellent, keeping harmful insects like cabbage worms at bay.

Plus, thyme attracts beneficial insects such as predatory wasps and ladybugs that prey on pests, further protecting your cabbage plants.

This multi-purpose herb also suppresses nematodes and improves soil health, contributing to the overall vigor of your cabbage crops.

Not only does thyme benefit the health and yield of your cabbages, but its pleasant flavor can enhance the taste of this nutritious vegetable too.

As you plan out your companion planting strategy for cabbages, consider integrating thyme into your garden landscape for its many valuable properties and benefits.

11. Yarrow

Yarrow is a fantastic herb to include in your cabbage companion planting strategy.

Not only does it have beautiful, feathery leaves and delicate flowers, but it also offers numerous benefits to your cabbages.

Yarrow attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which are natural predators of pests such as aphids and cabbage worms.

Additionally, this aromatic herb suppresses nematodes in the soil that can harm your cabbage plants.

Adding yarrow in your garden, you’ll not only enhance the health and vigor of your cabbages but also create a visually appealing space for both you and pollinators to enjoy.

Cabbage’s Unfriendly Neighbors: 3 Plants to Avoid

Cabbage plants grow well with many plants, however, if you don’t know which plants to stay away from you might cause extra stress as your garden grows.

Avoid planting lettuce, strawberries, and tomatoes near cabbage as they can compete for nutrients and increase the risk of disease and pest infestation.

1. Lettuce

I don’t recommend planting lettuce and cabbage together. While both are leafy greens, growing them together can actually hinder their growth and health.

Lettuce requires more water and shade compared to cabbages, which prefer full sun.

Their differing needs can lead to competition for resources and stunted growth. It’s best to keep lettuce separate from your cabbage patch to ensure that each plant gets the optimal conditions it needs to thrive.

2. Strawberries

Strawberries may not be the best companion plants for cabbage in your garden.

While strawberries are delicious and have many benefits, they can potentially impair the growth and yield of your cabbage plants.

Cabbages can also impair the growth of strawberry plants, so it’s best to just keep these two plants away from each other.

When planning your garden layout and choosing which plants to grow together, make sure you keep strawberries away from your cabbage.

Instead, consider other vegetables and herbs that will promote healthy growth and provide valuable nutrients for your cabbages.

3. Tomatoes

One important thing to keep in mind when planning your cabbage companion planting is to avoid planting tomato plants near your cabbages.

Tomatoes and brassicas, like cabbage, belong to different plant families and can have negative effects on each other’s growth.

It’s best to separate these two plants in order to ensure the health and vitality of both crops.

Keep this in mind and you can create a harmonious garden environment that maximizes the potential of each plant.

Important Considerations in Companion Planting

Companion planting is a spectacular strategy for improving the health and productivity of your garden, but here are a few things to keep in mind if you want to use this strategy in your garden.

First, it’s crucial to understand the specific needs and preferences of each plant you’re growing.

For example, some plants may require more sunlight than others or have different soil nutrient requirements.

By carefully selecting companion plants that have similar needs, you can ensure they thrive together.

Another consideration is crop rotation. It’s important to rotate your crops each season to prevent the buildup of pests and diseases that may target specific plants.

This also helps maintain soil health and fertility by preventing nutrient depletion in one area of the garden.

In addition, consider the size and growth habits of your companion plants. Make sure they won’t overshadow or crowd out other plants in your garden bed.

Proper spacing will ensure adequate airflow and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Lastly, observe how different companion plant combinations work together over time in your particular growing conditions.

Each garden is unique, so experimentation and observation are key to finding the most successful companion planting combinations for your specific circumstances.

Final Thoughts: Are Cabbage Companion Plants Right For You?

Companion planting has been proven to have a significant impact on both the health and yield of your crops.

Strategically pairing cabbages with plants like beans, beets, buckwheat, celery, onions, peas, and potatoes can create a harmonious ecosystem that naturally repels pests and nourishes the soil.

Herbs and flowers like borage, chamomile, coriander, and rosemary can also be used to further help your cabbages and enhance their growth and flavor.

Embracing the power of companion planting cabbage and other plants can help create the flourishing garden you’ve been looking for.

FAQs About The Best Companion Plants for Cabbage

How can companion planting benefit my cabbage garden?

Companion planting offers various benefits to your cabbage garden. It can help repel pests that commonly attack cabbage, attract pollinators and beneficial insects that aid in pollination and pest control.

It can also provide shade or wind protection to delicate cabbage leaves, improve soil fertility through nutrient cycling, suppress weeds by filling empty spaces in the garden bed, and even enhance the flavor of your cabbages when certain plant combinations are used.

Can I use companion plants to deter common pests from attacking my cabbages?

Absolutely! Companion planting can help deter common pests from attacking your cabbages.

For example, interplanting dill or chamomile with cabbages can repel aphids while attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that feed on aphids.

Planting marigolds around your cabbages can also discourage nematodes from damaging the roots of your crops.

Utilizing these natural pest control methods reduces reliance on chemical pesticides while promoting a healthier and more balanced garden ecosystem.

How can companion planting benefit cabbage?

Planting companion crops with cabbage can help maximize space in your garden, reduce weed growth, and create a diverse and visually appealing garden.

What pests can companion planting help control for cabbage?

Companion planting can help control a wide variety of pests in your garden. Some of them include cabbage worms, cabbage moths, cabbage maggots, aphids, and flea beetles.

Can companion planting improve the flavor of cabbage?

Yes, some companion plants, like onions and herbs, can enhance the flavor of cabbage when grown together.