Companion planting has numerous benefits, not the least of which is creating diversity in the garden. Just as some plants may coexist or benefit one another there are also some companion plants that are detrimental when in close proximity to others. Take cabbage, for example. Companion planting with cabbage can have multiple benefits, provided you select the right plants. Keep reading to learn about cabbage companion planting, both the pros and cons.
Benefits of Companion Planting with Cabbage
Companion planting in general has the benefit of saving space, properly utilizing soil nutrients, pest management, and mutual support as in the case of the three sisters, a trio comprised of squash, beans and corn.
Cabbage Companion Plants
Many strongly scented plants are used as companion plants. This may be because the blooms from the plant attract beneficial predators or the plant provides habitat for these good bugs or the heightened aroma may repel detrimental insects.
In any case, plants to include when companion planting with cabbage fall into the aromatic arena; geraniums, dill, allium and rosemary are all recommended as cabbage companion plantings. Rosemary repels cabbage flies while geraniums attract and trap cabbage worms. Lovage also makes an excellent companion plant for cabbage.
Crops to Exclude when Companion Planting Cabbage
As mentioned, just as there are plants beneficial to cabbage so too there are those that should be avoided. Cabbage should never be planted near tomatoes, beans, peppers or strawberries. In fact, this holds true for all plants in the brassica family, such as broccoli, kale, and cauliflower.
