Kale Companion Plants: 15 Ideal Plants to Grow with Kale

Kale is a vigorous cool-season crop, beloved by home gardeners for its resilience and superior nutritional value. But did you know that choosing the right companion plants can make your kale healthier, tastier, and easier to grow? In this comprehensive guide, discover the top 15 companion plants for kale, learn which plants to avoid, and explore tips and tricks for achieving lush, productive kale beds using natural, organic methods.

Why Companion Planting Works for Kale

Kale (Brassica oleracea) faces common challenges like aphids, flea beetles, cabbage worms, and soil-borne diseases. Companion planting offers a holistic solution, helping by:

• Repelling pests and attracting beneficial insects that prey on kale’s common enemies
• Improving soil health and nutrient uptake
• Enhancing growth and flavor through synergistic plant relationships
• Suppressing weeds and conserving soil moisture

Timing and spacing are critical—plant companions with enough room and in the right season for both crops to flourish.

Best Companions to Plant With Kale

The following companions offer a mix of pest control, pollinator attraction, nutrient enhancement, and natural weed suppression for kale.

1. Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)

Benefits:

• Serves as a ground cover to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
• Attracts hoverflies and other beneficial insects that munch on aphids
• Minimizes soil erosion and keeps kale leaves cleaner

2. African Marigold (Tagetes erecta)

Benefits:

• Repels nematodes, aphids, and beetles with its strong scent
• Attracts predatory insects that feed on kale pests
• Deters rabbits and some rodents from snacking on kale

3. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Benefits:

• Lures syrphid flies and parasitic wasps, both of which attack aphids
• Adds a pop of color to your garden beds

4. Cilantro/Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

Benefits:

• Strong fragrance masks kale from cabbage pests
• Attracts hoverflies that prey on aphids and caterpillars
• Functions as a multi-purpose herb for culinary use

5. Dill (Anethum graveolens)

Benefits:

• Camouflages kale’s scent, making it harder for pests to find
• Attracts predatory wasps, lacewings, ladybirds, and hoverflies

6. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Benefits:

• Strongly scented foliage repels aphids, whiteflies, and other soft-bodied bugs
• Acts as a living border for kale beds

7. Bush Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Benefits:

• Fix nitrogen in the soil, helping boost kale growth
• Provide a living mulch to shade soil and reduce weeds

8. Hot Peppers (Capsicum spp.)

Benefits:

• Can repel certain insect pests with their capsaicin compounds
• Maximize space as they mature later in the season than kale

9. Peas (Pisum sativum)

Benefits:

• Cool-weather nitrogen fixer that partners perfectly with kale’s growing season
• Can repel destructive insects and provide soil nutrients

10. Onions, Shallots, and Leeks (Allium spp.)

Benefits:

• Intense aroma repels flea beetles and aphids
• Strengthens kale’s resistance to nearby pests

11. Daylily (Hemerocallis fulva)

Benefits:

• Improves soil structure and nutrient cycling through beneficial soil microbes
• Enhances plant immunity against root pathogens

12. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

Benefits:

• Confuses pests attracted to brassicas
• Attracts good bugs like hoverflies and ladybirds

13. Green Onion (Allium fistulosum)

Benefits:

• Repels aphids naturally with its aroma
• Fits in tight spaces, maximizing bed productivity

14. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Benefits:

• Repels moths and flea beetles with strong fragrance
• Draws pollinators to boost garden diversity

15. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)

Benefits:

• Acts as a trap crop, luring aphids away from kale
• Edible flowers add color and flavor to salads

How to Plant Companions With Kale

Success with companion planting depends on proper timing, spacing, and plant selection. Here are some general guidelines:

• Spacing: Allow at least 8-12 inches between kale and its companions to ensure good airflow and root space.
• Timing: Start marigolds and alyssum early, so they are well established before kale is transplanted. Many flowers and herbs need a head start to bloom alongside young kale.
• Arrangement: Plant flowers and aromatic herbs along the borders or interplanted among kale for best pest deterrence. Beans and peas should be staggered within or just outside the kale rows.
• Maintenance: Keep the garden bed clear of debris and remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming of beneficial insect-attracting companions.

Companion Planting Chart for Kale

Kale Companion Flowers: Adding Beauty and Benefits

Flowering companions do more than beautify gardens; they directly support kale by:

• Providing pollen and nectar for beneficial insects
• Attracting natural predators for common kale pests
• Masking kale’s scent from moths and beetles

Choose a mix of early and late bloomers for season-long support.

What Not to Plant With Kale: Worst Companions

Some crops can inhibit kale’s growth or attract more pests. Avoid planting kale near:

• Other Brassicas (Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts): These can attract the same pests and compete for nutrients, increasing disease risk.
• Strawberries: Compete for nutrients and space, and may exacerbate pest problems.
• Tomatoes: Both have different soil and water needs; may stunt each other’s growth.
• Grapes: Some anecdotal evidence suggests adverse effects on kale health.

Tips for Success: Maximizing Your Kale Companion Planting

• Rotate crops yearly to prevent soil-borne disease and nutrient depletion
• Keep kale well-fertilized by adding compost or a balanced organic fertilizer, especially when paired with heavy-feeding companions
• Monitor regularly for pests and act quickly — companion planting boosts your defenses but doesn’t eliminate all threats
• Mulch deeply to keep soil moisture consistent and reduce weed competition
• Harvest outer leaves first to prolong your crop’s lifespan and yield

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I plant kale and tomatoes together?

A: Kale and tomatoes do not make great companions. Their soil and moisture needs differ, and they can compete for space, which may inhibit growth for both plants.

Q: Will planting kale with herbs reduce pest problems?

A: Yes, fragrant herbs like dill, cilantro, and parsley can help mask the scent of kale and attract beneficial insects, reducing pest pressure on your crop.

Q: How close should I plant kale to its companions?

A: Adequate spacing is crucial. Keep companion plants 8-12 inches away from kale to allow good airflow, sunlight, and room for both plants to thrive.

Q: Can I grow kale year-round if I use the right companions?

A: In many climates, yes—especially with shade from companion plants in hot weather and pest control from flowering allies. Just adjust plantings for seasonal changes.

Q: Do beans or peas really benefit kale?

A: Absolutely. Both legumes fix nitrogen, enriching soil and supporting kale development, especially in early spring and fall plantings.

Q: Should I avoid all brassicas near kale?

A: It’s best to rotate or separate brassica crops to minimize disease and pest buildup. However, in tight spaces, mixing a few may still yield a harvest—just monitor for pests closely.

By incorporating these kale companion plants and following these tips, you’ll create a thriving, resilient, and productive organic kale patch for months of delicious, leafy harvests!

Author

medha deb

 

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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