Sasha CampbellA fantastic practice to protect your garden from common pests while also increasing crop yield is companion planting. What can be planted alongside cabbage?
You’ll be amazed at how many plants you can grow with cabbage. Planting specific flowers, herbs, and vegetables beside cabbages can help them thrive.
Good Companion Plants for Cabbage
Here is what to plant with cabbage:
- Carrots
- Borage
- Peas
- Lentils
- Rosemary
- Onions
- Tansy
- Hyssop
- Thyme
- Peppermint
- Nasturtium
- Oregano
- Sage
- Dill
- Beets
- Chives
- Potatoes
- Celery
- Chamomile
- Marigolds
- Geranium
- Yarrow
- Parsnips
What NOT to Plant with Cabbage
Below is a list of bad companion plants for cabbage.
- Strawberries
- Lettuce
- Mustard plants
- Grapes
- Pole beans
- Rue
- Corn
- Tomatoes
- Pumpkins
Growing Cabbages
Cabbage plants need at least one inch of water weekly to produce large, firm heads. Don’t, however, overdo it. Cabbage grows best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
A pH level of 6 to 7 is also suitable for growing cabbages. For fall planting, make sure the risk of frost is over when transplanting into the garden. Cabbage takes around 7 to 10 days to germinate from seed.
Sow seeds about half an inch deep. Plants also need ample space to thrive. Therefore, thin out seedlings as they develop to ensure that each cabbage plant has enough room to grow.
Additionally, space the plants 12 to 14 inches apart and leave a distance of 36 to 44 inches between each row.
Crop rotation is essential for a good harvest. Cabbage crops are heavy feeders and may deplete soil nutrients if repeatedly planted in the same area.
So, rotate non-brassica plants with cabbage. Wait at least three years before replanting in the same spot.
Care and Maintenance
Cabbage plants benefit from mulching around them to retain soil moisture and keep the soil cool during periods of extreme heat. Too much water can cause splits in cabbage heads.
To prevent root rot, improve soil drainage, and avoid excessive irrigation. A high-nitrogen fertilizer such as DTE Bat Guano can also be applied to make cabbage heads bigger.
Additionally, to keep weeds under control, pull them by hand or utilize other organic methods. You can also mulch the soil to keep it moist and prevent weed regrowth.
Pests and Diseases
Cutworms, cabbage loopers, aphids, slugs, diamondback moths, and imported cabbage worms are some pests that attack cabbage [1]. However, companion planting and other organic pest control methods may help keep them at bay.
Plant tansy nearby to prevent cutworms from accessing young plants. Alternatively, you can remove cabbage loopers and worms by hand or spray them with organic pesticides.
Additionally, insect larvae, such as cabbage maggots, are common pests. To keep cabbage root flies away, plant radishes alongside your cabbage crop.
You can also protect seedlings by covering them with row covers. If you see maggots in the soil, sprinkle diatomaceous earth around your plants.
The cabbage family is also prone to diseases like black rot, clubroot, downy mildew, and damping-off. Clubroot causes wilting and stunting in plants and galls on the roots.
Destroy or remove unhealthy plants promptly. Also, practice crop rotation once every 3 to 4 years. Read more about how to treat and prevent plant diseases naturally.
Harvesting
The right time to harvest depends on when you planted the cabbage, the variety, and when the heads mature. However, most varieties take about 70 days to reach maturity.
Remove the cabbage from the plant when its head is large and firm. The size may also vary depending on the variety of cabbage.
Cabbage heads that are picked before they are mature might split. Also, if you want to get the most flavor from your pickled cabbage, consume it immediately.
To harvest cabbage so it keeps growing, cut off the head at the base and leave the loose outer leaves on the stem. Also, ensure that the roots are still intact.
New heads will then begin to sprout. However, pinch them off to leave about four smaller heads. These will grow into miniature cabbages.
Finally, remove the stumps from the ground after harvesting this second batch. Leaving them in the ground presents a breeding place for pests.
Storing
Cabbage retains freshness for up to six months when kept at 32 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, the refrigerator’s crisper compartment is perfect for storing it.
You may also store them in a root cellar at a lower temperature. However, cabbage should not be stored alongside ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables [2].
Where to Buy Seeds
When you’re ready to start your garden, choosing high-quality cabbage seeds is essential.
Several gardening outlets sell seeds. Organic seeds may also be purchased from trustworthy internet retailers.
Takeaway
It’s best to think ahead to avoid probable cabbage-growing issues. Even seedlings need healthy, well-prepared soil.
To keep your plants healthy, water them often and mulch around them. In addition, growing good companion plants with cabbages may help keep them healthy and free of pests.
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