Cabbage is easy-to-grow in your home garden, as it takes little maintenance and can survive a frost or two. Growing companion plants alongside your cabbage will help the crop flourish further.
Companion planting is a time-tested gardening method that enriches and protects vulnerable crops. Farmers and gardeners plant specific crops near each other in order to deter pests, attract beneficial insects, and stimulate growth.
Growing companion plants provides your garden with natural checks and balances to keep the overall system healthy—without having to resort to chemicals. Examples of good companion plants to grow and harvest with cabbage plants include:
Beans: Cabbage and other brassica love a little shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Beans and their big, leafy vines can help block the sun if you plant them on the sunny side of your garden.
Borage: Borage helps attract beneficial insects like bees and other pollinators.
Brassica: Other brassicas like kale, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, swiss chard, and other cabbage family members plant well with cabbage because they require the same basic needs.
Celery: One pest specific to cabbage and other brassicas is the cabbage moth. The aroma of celery deters these insects and prevents them from chewing up your crop.
Marigold: Marigolds will help get rid of mosquitos, whiteflies, and nematodes. They can also help rid other garden pests like aphids, squash bugs, Japanese beetles, cucumber beetles, and squash vine borers.
Aromatic herbs and flowers: Plants like chamomile, wormwood, chives, summer savory, coriander, tansy, yarrow, dill, mint, thyme, hyssop, chervil, geranium, rue, sage, and oregano are all very beneficial companion plants to cabbage. These plants repel insect pests (like cabbage moths and spider mites), attract beneficial insects and pollinators, and add flavor to cabbage with nutrients and vitamins, like calcium and sulfur.
