What companion plants benefit rutabaga growth?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Companion planting changes the way rutabagas are grown from individual plants to friends.After years of trials, I have found three plant partners that can increase the yield of rutabagas while shortening pest lists. Choosing the right neighbors can be an essential difference between OK and great harvests.
Nitrogen Fixers
- Peas/beans enrich soil naturally
- Plant 6-8 weeks before rutabagas
- Chop and drop foliage as green mulch
Pest Deterrents
- Marigolds repel root-knot nematodes
- Interplant every 3 feet
- French marigolds most effective
Disease Prevention
- Onions deter cabbage maggots
- Create perimeter barriers
- Rotate annually with non-brassicas
My most productive rutabaga planting was a setup with scarlet runner beans planted on trellises and marigolds planted around the borders with the beans. The beans shaded the young roots from the summer heat, and the marigolds did a great job of suppressing wireworms. Together, this planting produced about 40% more than monocrop plantings. This is the perfect example of how strategic alliances can pay off!
Finding the right time for companion crops is essential. Plant clover between the stocks of rutabaga four weeks after planting. Clover suppresses weed growth without competing for nutrients. Once clover flowers, mow and leave on the soil - this will provide nitrogen-rich mulch that breaks down as roots develop in the fall and spring.
Keep cabbage cousin plants at least 20 feet away from each other to prevent the rapid spreading of commonly shared insect pests. A client experienced half the expected rutabaga yield due to flea beetles from a nearby kale crop planted too close to the rutabagas. The simple act of physical separation and crop rotation destroys the disease cycles.
Read the full article: How to Grow Rutabagas: Expert Guide for Home Gardeners
