Companion planting with cabbage starts with choosing the right companion plants and garden layouts. By tapping into nature's symbiotic relationships you can create a garden environment that helps this vegetable companion plant to thrive.
Use this list to learn about the different types of beneficial cabbage companion plants and refer to the below garden layouts for how to successfully arrange these specific plants along with your cabbage plants into beautiful bountiful gardens.
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Cabbage Companion Plants:
1. Celery: Celery (Apium graveolens) is an ideal vegetable companion plant for cabbage due to its strong aroma and growth habits. The aromatic compounds released by celery help deter pests that commonly target cabbage, such as cabbage worms and aphids. Additionally, celery's upright growth provides a natural shade canopy, protecting the cabbage from intense sunlight and reducing the risk of sunscald.
2. Dill:
Dill (Anethum graveolens) is a tall herb with feathery leaves and an
umbel-shaped flower head. It's a fantastic companion for cabbage because it
attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps. These insects
are natural predators of pests that feed on cabbage leaves, such as aphids and
cabbage loopers. By attracting these allies, dill acts as a form of biological
pest control, reducing the need for chemical intervention.
3. Onions
and Alliums: Onions (Allium cepa), garlic (Allium sativum), and other members
of the allium family are excellent for companion planting with cabbage due to
their pest-repelling properties. The sulfur compounds released by allium plants
act as natural insect repellents, deterring a wide range of pests that could
damage cabbage. This makes alliums particularly effective against cabbage
worms, aphids, and even certain soil-borne pests.
4.
Nasturtium: Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is a vibrant flowering plant that
offers multiple benefits when planted near cabbage. Its showy flowers attract
pollinators, enhancing the reproductive success of both nasturtium and cabbage
plants. Additionally, nasturtium acts as a trap crop, diverting pests like
aphids away from the cabbage. This sacrificial function not only protects your
cabbage but also encourages a healthier overall garden ecosystem.
5.
Chamomile: Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a delightful herb known for its
aromatic properties and gentle white daisy-like flowers. When companion
planting with cabbage, chamomile serves as a natural pest repellent due to its
strong fragrance. This scent helps deter insects that might otherwise damage
cabbage plants. Additionally, chamomile's aromatic compounds can contribute to
the overall health of your garden by creating an environment that is less
favorable to pests.
6.
Rosemary: Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a fragrant perennial herb with
needle-like leaves. Its aromatic qualities extend to its companion planting
benefits for cabbage. The strong scent of rosemary acts as a deterrent to
cabbage flies and other pests. The upright growth of rosemary bushes can also
provide some shade for cabbage plants, preventing excessive sun exposure and
helping to moderate soil temperature.
7. Mint:
Mint (Mentha spp.) is known for its powerful scent and rapid growth, which
makes it an effective companion plant for cabbage. The strong aroma of mint
acts as a natural repellent against cabbage pests, deterring them from
approaching your cabbage patch. However, be cautious when planting mint, as it
can be invasive and spread rapidly. Consider growing mint in containers or
using barriers to contain its growth and prevent it from overpowering other
plants.
8. Thyme:
Thyme (Thymus spp.) is another aromatic herb that can contribute to the health
and protection of cabbage plants. Thyme's fragrant leaves release oils that
repel pests, making it a valuable addition to your cabbage companion planting
scheme. Its low-growing habit also makes it an excellent ground cover that
helps suppress weed growth, maintaining a cleaner and more manageable garden
bed.
9. Beets:
Beets (Beta vulgaris) make excellent companions for cabbage due to their
different root structures. Beets have taproots that can help break up compacted
soil, improving drainage and soil aeration for the cabbage plants. This
benefits cabbage by allowing its roots to access nutrients and water more
easily. Additionally, the deep-rooting nature of beets can help create channels
for water penetration, reducing the risk of waterlogging.
10.
Marigold: Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are renowned for their pest-repelling
properties, making them a valuable companion for cabbage. Marigolds emit a
scent that deters pests like aphids, nematodes, and whiteflies, all of which
can damage cabbage leaves. By planting marigolds near your cabbage, you can
help create a protective barrier against these common pests, reducing the need
for chemical interventions.
11.
Lettuce: Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is a complementary vegetable companion plant
for cabbage due to its similar growth habits and shade tolerance. Lettuce can
act as a living mulch, covering the soil around cabbage plants and conserving
moisture. This protective layer helps prevent soil erosion and moderates soil
temperature, benefiting both the cabbage and lettuce. Additionally, since
cabbage and lettuce are both leafy greens, they can coexist harmoniously
without competing for resources.
12.
Spinach: Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) shares many of the same benefits with
cabbage as lettuce does. Its dense, leafy growth can provide shade to the soil,
preventing it from drying out too quickly and creating a favorable microclimate
for both spinach and cabbage roots. The shade provided by spinach can also
reduce weed growth and minimize soil temperature fluctuations, helping cabbage
maintain optimal growth conditions.
13.
Radishes: Radishes (Raphanus sativus) pest-deterring properties and
soil-enhancing effects make them excellent for companion planting with cabbage.
Radishes emit compounds that help deter root maggots, a common pest that
affects cabbage and other brassicas. Planting radishes alongside cabbage can
help reduce the risk of maggot infestations. Additionally, radishes have a fast
growth rate and can help break up compacted soil, improving soil structure and
aeration for both radishes and cabbage.
14. Bush
Beans: Bush beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are leguminous plants that have a
symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This means they can
convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use. Planting bush
beans near cabbage can help improve the soil's nitrogen content, which is
essential for cabbage growth and overall health. Additionally, the low-growing
habit of bush beans can serve as a natural ground cover, suppressing weed
growth and conserving soil moisture.
15.
Carrots: Carrots (Daucus carota) and cabbage can make compatible companions
when planted thoughtfully. Carrots have fine, thread-like roots that don't
interfere with cabbage's root system. Additionally, cabbage leaves can provide
some shade for carrot plants, which prefer cooler soil temperatures. This
co-planting arrangement can benefit both crops without causing competition for
space or resources. Be sure to leave enough space between cabbage and carrot
plants to accommodate their growth.
16. Borage:
Borage (Borago officinalis) is a versatile herb that can bring multiple
benefits to your cabbage garden. Its attractive blue flowers are not only
visually appealing but also attract pollinators like bees and beneficial
insects, enhancing the overall health of your garden ecosystem. Borage can act
as a dynamic companion by improving pollination for both cabbage and other
nearby plants. Additionally, borage leaves can be used as a compost activator,
contributing to soil health and fertility.
17.
Sunflowers: Tall sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) can serve as beneficial
companions for cabbage due to their height and attracting properties. The
towering presence of sunflowers can provide shade for cabbage plants,
protecting them from intense sunlight during peak hours. Sunflowers also
produce large and colorful flowers that attract pollinators and beneficial
insects. The presence of these insects can lead to increased pollination rates
and natural pest control in your cabbage patch.
18.
Oregano: Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is an aromatic herb that offers
pest-repelling properties when planted alongside cabbage. Its strong scent can
help deter pests like cabbage worms and aphids, reducing the risk of infestations.
Oregano is also a valuable culinary herb that can be harvested for culinary
purposes. By incorporating oregano into your cabbage garden, you not only
provide protection against pests but also enhance the flavors of your dishes
with freshly harvested herbs.
When
introducing these companion plants into your cabbage garden, consider their
growth habits, space requirements, and care preferences. By selecting a diverse
array of companions, you create a garden ecosystem that supports each plant's
unique strengths. Over time, you'll develop a deeper understanding of how
different plant combinations contribute to the health and vitality of your
cabbage and your entire garden space.
Below are 10
specific garden layouts to help get you started.
Garden Layouts for Companion Planting with Cabbage:
Layout 1:
Herb-Infused Cabbage Patch
In this
layout, create a triangular bed with cabbage plants in the center and
a mix of companion herbs around them. Place celery, dill, and onion companion plants at the
corners of the triangle. This arrangement ensures that each cabbage plant is
surrounded by pest-repellent herbs, maximizing protection.
• Celery: Plant one celery plant at each
corner of the triangle. Their upright growth will provide shade and deter
pests.
• Dill: Plant a row of dill along one side
of the triangle, between the celery plants. This will attract beneficial
insects and provide natural pest control.
• Onions: Plant onions and garlic on the
remaining side of the triangle, forming a barrier against pests.
Layout 2:
Colorful Pest Control Zone
In this
vibrant layout, create a circular bed with cabbage in the center and a mix of
flowering companions around it. This will attract pollinators and beneficial
insects while deterring pests.
• Nasturtium: Plant nasturtiums around the
outer edge of the circle. Their flowers will attract pollinators and divert
pests.
• Chamomile: Create a ring of chamomilearound the inner edge of the circle. Its fragrance will help repel pests.
• Marigold: Plant marigolds in clusters
between the cabbage plants to form a protective barrier against aphids and
whiteflies.
Layout 3:
Aromatic Herbal Border
For this garden layout, create a rectangular bed with cabbage plants in the center
and a border of aromatic herb companion plants along the edges. These herbs will help deter
pests and enhance the overall health of the garden.
• Rosemary: Plant rosemary at each corner
of the rectangle. Their scent will deter cabbage flies.
• Mint: Create a dense row of mint along
the longer sides of the rectangle. Ensure containment to prevent it from
spreading.
• Thyme: Plant thyme between the cabbage
plants in neat rows. Its fragrance will help repel pests and suppress weeds.
Layout 4:
Brassica Haven
This layout
focuses on companion plants that improve soil structure and aeration,
benefiting both cabbage and root vegetables.
• Beets: Plant rows of beets along one side
of the garden bed. Their taproots will break up compacted soil.
• Radishes: Create another row of radishesnext to the beets. They will further improve soil structure and deter root
maggots.
• Cabbage: In the center of the bed, plant
your cabbage with enough space between rows to allow proper growth.
Layout 5:
Leafy Green Harmony
This layout
combines leafy green vegetable companion plants that can coexist without
competition for resources, creating a harmonious and productive garden.
• Lettuce: Plant rows of lettuce in between
the rows of cabbage. The lettuce will act as living mulch, conserving soil
moisture.
• Spinach: Create a border of spinacharound the garden bed. Its shade will help moderate soil temperature and
prevent erosion.
• Cabbage: Plant cabbage in the center of
the bed, with enough space to accommodate its growth.
Layout 6:
Culinary and Pest-Repelling Herb Spiral
Create a
spiral-shaped garden bed for visual interest and accessibility. Plant cabbage
in the center and let the spiral tiers house a variety of culinary and
pest-repelling herbs.
• Cabbage: Plant cabbage plants
in the center of the spiral where it can receive adequate sunlight.
• Oregano: Place oregano companion plants on the upper tiers
of the spiral. Its aroma will deter pests from the entire garden.
• Mint: Plant mint on a lower tier, being
mindful of its invasive nature. This will help repel pests and offer a culinary
herb.
• Dill: Position dill on another tier to
attract beneficial insects that prey on cabbage pests.
Layout 7:
Insectary Border with Cabbage Centerpiece
Surround
your cabbage with an insectary border of flowers and herbs to attract
beneficial insects that protect your cabbage.
• Cabbage: Plant cabbage in the center of
the garden bed.
• Borage: Create a border of borage around
the cabbage. Its flowers attract pollinators and predators.
• Marigold: Place marigolds along the
borage border. Their scent deters aphids and nematodes.
• Nasturtium: Plant nasturtiums on the
outer edge of the garden bed. They'll divert pests from the cabbage.
Layout 8:
Three Sisters Guild with Cabbage
Adapt the
Native American "Three Sisters" guild by incorporating cabbage as a
central element. This guild benefits from the interactions between the
different plants.
• Cabbage: Plant cabbage in the center.
• Beans: Surround the cabbage with bushbeans. They'll fix nitrogen and shade the soil.
• Squash: Plant squash around the beans and
cabbage to provide ground cover, conserving moisture.
Layout 9:
Root Vegetable Harmony
Create a
diverse planting bed with root vegetable companion plants and cabbage,
benefiting each other through their different growth habits and root systems.
• Cabbage: Plant cabbage in rows at one end
of the bed.
• Carrots: Plant rows of carrots adjacent
to the cabbage. They'll benefit from the cabbage's shade.
• Beets: Plant rows of beets next to the
carrots. Their taproots will improve soil aeration.
Layout 10:
Sunflower Shaded Cabbage Patch
Design a
sunflower cabbage companion plants "canopy" that provides shade and attracts pollinators for
your cabbage plants.
• Cabbage: Plant cabbage in
rows in an area that receives morning sun and some afternoon shade.
• Sunflowers: Plant tall sunflowers on the
southern or western side of the cabbage rows. They'll provide shade and attract
pollinators.
These garden layouts are just starting points for companion planting with cabbage. Adapt each
garden layout to fit the specific dimensions and conditions of your
garden. When implementing companion
planting, consider factors such as spacing, sunlight requirements, and growth
habits to ensure the success of your garden. Companion planting can be a
creative and effective way to enhance the health and productivity of your
vegetable garden.
