Companion Planting: What to Grow Next to Cabbage

Cabbage is a popular vegetable that is loved for its crunchy texture and nutritional benefits. But did you know that the plants you grow next to your cabbage can affect its growth, yield, and taste? Companion planting is the practice of growing two or more plants together for mutual benefits. In this article, we will discuss what plants are good companions for cabbage and which ones to avoid.

What to Plant Next to Cabbage

Companion planting can be a great way to improve the growth of your cabbage crop. Here are some plants that are good companions for cabbage:

1. Beans

Beans are great companions for cabbage because they can fix nitrogen into the soil. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plants, and cabbage is a heavy feeder. By growing beans alongside cabbage, you won't have to use as much fertilizer, and your cabbage will grow bigger and healthier. Additionally, beans can attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which can help control cabbage pests.

2. Dill

Dill is another excellent companion for cabbage because it can repel cabbage moths. Cabbage moths are a common pest that can damage your cabbage leaves. Dill attracts beneficial insects like wasps and predatory insects that feed on cabbage moth larvae. Plant dill around your cabbage or scatter dill seeds throughout your garden to deter cabbage moths.

3. Onions

Onions are great companions for cabbage because they can repel cabbage maggots. Cabbage maggots are small, white flies that lay their eggs in the soil near cabbage plants. The eggs hatch into larvae that feed on the roots of cabbage plants. Onions can deter these pests and improve the growth of your cabbage. Additionally, onions can improve the flavor of your cabbage when grown together.

What to Avoid Planting Next to Cabbage

Not all plants are good companions for cabbage. Here are some plants to avoid planting next to cabbage:

1. Strawberries

Strawberries are not good companions for cabbage because they can attract cabbage worms. Cabbage worms are the larvae of cabbage moths, and they can damage your cabbage crop by eating the leaves. Strawberries also prefer acidic soil, while cabbage likes alkaline soil. Planting strawberries near cabbage can create an imbalance in the soil pH, which can affect the growth of your cabbage.

2. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are another plant to avoid planting next to cabbage. Tomatoes and other nightshade plants are susceptible to the same diseases as cabbage, such as verticillium and fusarium wilt. If you plant these plants too close together, they can cross-contaminate and spread diseases, leading to poor growth and yield.

Conclusion

Companion planting can be a great way to improve the growth and yield of your cabbage crop. By planting beans, dill, and onions alongside cabbage, you can add nutrients to the soil, repel pests, and improve the flavor of your cabbage. On the other hand, you should avoid planting strawberries and tomatoes next to cabbage to prevent disease and pest problems. Remember to plan your garden carefully to ensure a bountiful harvest of healthy and delicious vegetables.