If you’re a fan of kale, you know that it’s a superfood with many health benefits. Not only is it packed with vitamins and minerals, but it’s also easy to grow in your garden. But did you know that you can also use companion planting to make your kale even healthier and more productive?
What is Companion Planting?
Companion planting is the practice of planting different crops next to each other to create a mutually beneficial relationship. This can help to improve soil health, increase yields, and even repel pests naturally.
Why Companion Planting is Important for Kale
Kale is a member of the brassica family, which includes crops like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. These plants are known for attracting pests like aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles. By using companion planting, you can repel these pests naturally and keep your kale healthy.
Companion Plants for Kale
There are many plants that can be planted alongside kale to improve its health and productivity. Some of the best companion plants for kale include:
- Garlic: Garlic is a natural pest repellent that can help to keep aphids and cabbage worms away from your kale.
- Onions: Onions are also a natural pest repellent that can keep aphids and other pests at bay.
- Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums are a beautiful flowering plant that can help to repel aphids and other pests.
- Marigolds: Marigolds are another beautiful flowering plant that can help to repel pests and improve soil health.
- Mint: Mint is a natural pest repellent that can keep flea beetles and cabbage moths away from your kale.
How to Plant Kale and Companion Plants Together
When planting kale and companion plants together, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Plant your kale first: Kale should be planted before your companion plants so that it has a chance to establish itself.
- Plant companion plants close to kale: Companion plants should be planted close to kale so that they can provide the most benefit.
- Rotate your crops: To avoid pest and disease buildup, it’s important to rotate your crops each year.
Benefits of Companion Planting for Kale
Companion planting can provide many benefits for your kale garden, including:
- Natural pest control: By using companion plants, you can avoid using chemical pesticides and keep your garden healthy.
- Improved soil health: Companion plants can help to improve soil health by adding nutrients and organic matter to the soil.
- Increased yields: When you use companion planting, you can increase the overall yield of your garden by growing more plants in the same space.
- Biodiversity: Companion planting can help to increase biodiversity in your garden, which can attract beneficial insects and other wildlife.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to improve the health and productivity of your kale garden, companion planting is a great option. By planting garlic, onions, nasturtiums, marigolds, and mint alongside your kale, you can repel pests naturally and improve soil health. Just remember to plant your kale first, plant companion plants close to kale, and rotate your crops each year to avoid pest and disease buildup. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a healthy and productive kale garden!