Sasha CampbellKale is a cold-hardy crop that thrives in winter and grows well in spring and fall. The right companion plants can help kale thrive even better.
Companion planting can help ward off certain pests, attract beneficial insects, and more. Below are plants that you can grow next to kale and those to avoid planting near it.
The Best Companion Plants for Kale
Here’s what to plant with kale:
- Beets
- Catnip
- Celery
- Chamomile
- Rhubarb
- Hot peppers
- Cucumber
- Dill
- Garlic
- Hyssop
- Mint
- Nasturtiums
- Marigolds
- Peas
- Radishes
- Rosemary
- Artichokes
- Sage
- Spinach
- Onions
- Thyme
- Potatoes
Some of the plants on the list above will keep cutworms, aphids, beetles, moths, caterpillars, and other pests away. Others enjoy the same growing conditions as kale.
What Not to Plant with Kale
When planting kale as a companion, be careful of your chosen plants. Some plants will stunt kale’s growth, change its flavor, or compete for soil nutrients.
Kale does not grow well with some plants, including other brassicas. Below are bad companions for kale.
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels sprouts
- Broccoli
- Swiss chard
- Kohlrabi
- Strawberries
- Black walnut
Some sources also say tomatoes do not do well when planted beside kale.
Growing Kale
Kale needs full sun when planted in the cooler months. However, its leaves need shade from the sun in the warmer summer months.
Fortunately, kale is one of the vegetables that grows well in pots, so you can easily move it around.
Healthy plants can be expected as long as the soil is nutrient-rich, loamy, and well-drained. Furthermore, including certain crops as companions can help make your kale plants healthier.
1. Planting
Start seeds in trays or pots indoors. They can be planted in early spring or late summer.
While you can sow seeds directly into the ground, starter plants make the process easier. Also, ensure your plants have plenty of room to grow in each planter.
Drop two seeds into a hole ½ inch deep and water well. If two seedlings appear, remove the weaker-looking one.
As the time to replant outside nears, place the seedling trays outside. This ensures the young plants get used to the temperatures by being left out a little longer daily.
Also, if the soil where the kale will grow doesn’t drain well, add compost, manure, or peat moss before planting. If puddles remain after watering, the soil is draining poorly.
To plant, dig holes about 1 ½ feet apart. Additionally, firm the soil around the plant so it has a strong base.
Give the seedlings a good watering, and continue to water them regularly. If you intend to keep kale in planters, ensure the roots have plenty of room.
Moreover, using very large planters allows you to include various companion herbs and vegetables.
2. Care and Maintenance
If kale grows from transplants, expect to have mature plants in 30 to 40 days. If you sow seeds directly into the ground, you should see mature kale 55 to 75 days later.
Mulch around the plants’ bases, especially as the likelihood of frost or snow approaches. After about six weeks, give the plants another dose of compost.
If you spot unhealthy leaves, pick them off to protect the rest of the plant. Continue to add compost throughout the growing season. Also, make sure your kale plants get plenty of water but don’t overwater.
3. Pests and Diseases
Several pests and diseases can affect kale. Garden pests that affect kale include cabbage worms, aphids, flea beetles, slugs, and thrips.
You can pick slugs from plants by hand, but slug traps work better when there are too many. Besides, there are other natural pesticides you can use on your plants.
Some birds also like kale, so if they’re causing a problem, protect your plants with netting or row covers. These barriers can also protect crops from whiteflies, aphids, and flea beetles.
Black rot, damping-off, and downy mildew are common plant diseases that may affect kale plants [1].
4. Harvesting
Kale is ready to harvest when the leaves are the size of a hand. Harvest the lower leaves, leaving the rest of the plant to mature.
Use a knife to cut away the leaves along the base near the stem. The smaller leaves are perfect for salads and eating raw, while the larger leaves are better cooked in soups.
Cooking tenderizes the larger leaves, but cutting off the thicker ribs and stems is a good idea. Kale will last about a week in the refrigerator.
Health Benefits
Besides adding colorful foliage to your garden, kale contains vitamins and minerals.
It’s high in fiber, calcium, and antioxidants. Additionally, experts consider it “heart-healthy,” as it may help lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease [2].
Where to Buy Seeds
Finding kale and other seeds can be as easy as buying them online from a reputable seed store or visiting the local farm supply store.
Some retail chains and grocery stores often carry seeds but look for organic brands. Shopping online can save you the hassle of long checkout lines and travel time.
See also: What Grows Well With Spinach.
Takeaway
While kale grows without a lot of work, it’s not foolproof.
Too much sunlight and hot temperatures are among the plant’s biggest issues. Therefore, consider growing in partial shade.
The best start is to start with healthy, well-drained soil and strong seedlings. Then, follow through by planting alongside what grows well with kale (good companions).
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