What should never be planted near broccoli?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.When planted too close to incompatible companions, broccoli suffers, i.e., when it is sown among plants with similar appetites for soil nourishment or that attract the same insect pests. Mustard greens drew aphids to my broccoli, with disastrous results that taught me a valuable lesson. Rather watch the symptoms than the garden plan, but make your garden plot plan thoughtfully, always allowing for the rooting depth and feeding habits of future occupants.
Nightshades (Tomatoes/Peppers)
- Compete for calcium and phosphorus nutrients
- Stunt broccoli root development significantly
- Attract hornworms that spread to broccoli
- Require similar soil pH causing imbalance
Strawberries
- Attract slugs that chew broccoli roots
- Create excessive ground shade issues
- Share verticillium wilt fungal disease
- Compete for nitrogen during growth
Beans & Mustard Greens
- Beans alter soil nitrogen levels
- Mustard greens spread flea beetles
- Both attract cabbage loopers actively
- Inhibit broccoli head formation
Maintain a minimum separation distance between broccoli and other plants you don't want to be close by. Nightshades should be kept at least 4 feet away from each other. Strawberries should be at least 3 feet away from broccoli rows. I garden primarily with raised beds. The physical barriers around the beds work to prevent root entanglement from occurring. I check plants for movement at least once a week and watch carefully for pests.
Practice prevention measures such as crop rotation each year to catch pests off guard, use floating row covers before the growing season, and plant trap crops like nasturtiums at least 2 feet away from your broccoli plants. This allows them to repel pests without contaminating your main crops.
Select safe neighbours. Dill and rosemary repel cabbage worms, onions discourage aphids, and don't compete. I use beets for intercropping, and they have different nutrient requirements. These companions make for a healthier growing environment. They assist broccoli instead of hindering it.
Recognize the initial signs of potential incompatibility early: stunted vegetation indicates they seem to competing for nutrients, leaves being nibbled hints that the pleasures being shared are being shared unfortunately, yellowness suggests they're encouraging a mutual friend to visit (and die). I keep a garden journal to monitor those trends... And handle the problems before they wind up bankrupting the entire year.
Read the full article: When to Plant Broccoli for Best Results
