What plants harm broccoli growth?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.The presence of tomatoes, strawberries, or pole beans in the vicinity of broccoli means competition for nutrients, attracting pests, or shading. I had an entire row of broccoli wiped out by aphids that came from nearby mustard greens. Paying attention to spacing and companion planting helps to mitigate the risks.
Nutrient Competitors
- Tomatoes: Consume high nitrogen and phosphorus
- Corn: Depletes soil moisture rapidly
- Cabbage: Shares identical nutrient needs
Pest Magnets
- Strawberries: Attract slugs that migrate to broccoli
- Mustard greens: Harbor aphids and flea beetles
- Kale: Spreads cabbage worms to nearby plants
Light Blockers
- Pole beans: Create dense overhead shade
- Sunflowers: Tower over broccoli, limiting sunlight
- Zucchini: Broad leaves smother young plants
Because I planted pole beans 3-4 feet away from the broccoli, the broccoli produced spindly stems as the plants reached for light. Now I plant them on opposite sides of the garden. For example, broccoli requires that they receive 6 + hours of direct sun. If they receive any less, the plants become weak and head size reduces by 40 percent in my experience.
Mustard greens and broccoli have pests in common, such as harlequin bugs, so I interplant with dill and marigolds as natural repellents. The approach cut aphid damage by about 70% last season. I also recommend rotating your crops every year to break the pest cycle in the soil.
Read the full article: How to Grow Broccoli: Expert Tips for Home Gardens
