What are good companion plants for broccoli?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Selecting appropriate companion plants enhances broccoli growth while repelling pests naturally. I plant aromatic herbs around my broccoli patches each year. These companions act as a protective barrier, free from chemicals. Wise pairings boost nutrient uptake and lessen disease pressure. Thoughtful planting makes your garden more fruitful with less labor.
Aromatic Herbs
- Dill repels cabbage worms and aphids
- Rosemary deters cabbage moths effectively
- Thyme masks broccoli scent from pests
- Plant around perimeter for maximum effect
Allium Family
- Onions deter aphids and cabbage loopers
- Garlic repels root maggots underground
- Chives improve broccoli flavor quality
- Interplant throughout broccoli rows
Trap Crops
- Nasturtiums attract caterpillars away
- Radishes lure flea beetles from plants
- Plant 3-4 feet from main broccoli bed
- Sacrifice plants protect main crop
Use these techniques strategically for the best results. Plant taller plants, such as dill, to the north of broccoli so they do not shade them. I put onions in between every third broccoli plant. This confuses pests with a mixed-up pattern of vulnerable and expendable crops. Keep alliums spaced 6-10 inches apart. Trap crops belong at the edges of the garden, pretty far away from your main crop.
Nutrient companions, celery and beets are good examples, that draw from the soil in more or less the same proportion, so that neither enters into competition over their rolling accounts with the common bark. These two friends possess powers of root penetration that are unlike each other. I place a row of broccoli between every two stalks of celery. The two need the same nutrients. The beets help give the minerality, which broccoli makes the most of. In every way, this companionship helps balance the plot.
Maintain companion care all season. Keep your herbs pruned to allow them to release pest-repelling oils. I harvest outer leaves every week. Replace trap crops if they are heavily infested. Keep an eye on the same-family companions; they are prone to disease transfer. Healthy companions help ensure you have healthy broccoli, and won't require much effort to care for.
Never make the common mistake of overcrowding. Too many good friends make a tiny room uncomfortable. I leave twelve to eighteen inches between my broccoli and the tall herbs. Rotate your companions from year to year, and, above all, do not try a new acquaintance on the whole plot at once. Instead, experiment and learn the result. Write it down, and you will get better acquainted with your friends each succeeding year.
Read the full article: When to Plant Broccoli for Best Results
