Companion planting for cabbage 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 cabbage below.
| Companion plants for cabbage | Enemy plants of cabbage |
|---|---|
| Broccoli | Pole Bean |
| Kale | Pumpkin |
| Turnip | |
| Onion | |
| Potato |
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 cabbage?
The following plants have positive effects on the growth of your cabbage. 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 cabbage.
Broccoli
Broccoli flourishes in diverse growing conditions. Thriving in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, it adapts to pH levels ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. Adequate moisture and sunlight support vigorous growth and abundant yields. Belonging to the Brassicaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like kale and cabbage, broccoli embodies the natural abundance and beauty found within the garden's embrace.
Kale
Kale, known for its robust leaves and garden vigor, thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Partial shade and consistent moisture nurture its vibrant foliage and sturdy stems. Kale provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by enriching the soil with nutrients, suppressing weeds, and attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
Turnip
Turnips, known for their nutritious roots and garden resilience, grow in loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their robust foliage and prolific root development. Turnips provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by improving soil structure, suppressing weed growth, and enriching the soil with nutrients.
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.
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.
Planting these plants next to cabbage 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 cabbage. Because of these negative effects, we don’t recomment growing the plants below next to your cabbage.
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.
Pumpkin
Pumpkins, known for their gourd-like fruits and garden splendor, grow in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Full sunlight and ample space nurture their sprawling vines and prolific fruiting. Pumpkins provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by shading the soil, conserving moisture, and suppressing weed growth with their dense foliage.
