Good & Bad Kale Companion Plants

You think about growing kale at home but are not sure what plants you should grow with kale?

Then this article is for you!

In fact, I show you the best and worst kale companion plants in the following chapters.

Why do I need Companion Plants to grow Kale?

While you could grow kale alone, there are many advantages that come along with planting it with the right companion plants.

Companion plants can help your kale grow in an optimal manner since they can attract pollinators, loosen the soil, keep it moist, deter pests, provide shade and can also improve the taste of your kale.

Yet, while good companion plants can have a positive impact on the growth and the yield of your kale, the opposite is true for bad companion plants.

Consequently, make sure to check out the following tables so that you get a better idea of what plants you should grow near your kale and what plants you should only grow with sufficient distance.

Good Kale Companion Plants

Companion PlantWhy is it good?
CeleryDeters pests.
CucumbersProvide shade to your kale plants.
BeetsLoosen the soil.
SpinachGood ground cover to preserve moisture.
RosemaryCan improve the flavor of your kale.
ThymeCan improve the flavor of your kale.
MintCan improve the flavor of your kale.
BasilCan improve the flavor of your kale.
OnionsKeep away aphids and spider mites.
PotatoesLoosen the soil.
DillAttract pollinators.
CilantroAttract hoverflies and other pollinators.
ChardAttract pollinators.
Chili PeppersKeep away pests.
LemongrassAttracts pollinators and repels certain pests.
ChivesKeeps away aphids and spider mites.
GarlicKeeps away aphids and spider mites.
LeeksKeeps away aphids and spider mites.
MarigoldsAttract pollinators.
AlyssumAttracts pollinators.

Bad Kale Companion Plants

Companion PlantWhy is it bad?
StrawberriesAttract pests.
BeansTake away sun from your kale.
WalnutReleases harmful chemicals to the soil.
TomatoesTake away nutrients from your kale.
SunflowersCan prevent your kale to germinate.

Best & Worst Kale Companion Plants – Summary

Best Companion PlantsWorst Companion Plants
GarlicWalnut
OnionsTomatoes
ChivesSunflowers
LeeksStrawberries
MarigoldsBeans
Lemongrass
Chilies
Cilantro
Chard
Dill
Basil
Potatoes
Mint
Rosemary
Spinach
Thyme
Cucumbers
Beets
Alyssum
Celery

What should you plant with Kale?

Good companion plants for kale are cucumbers, celery, beets, marigolds, alyssum, rosemary, spinach, thyme, basil, potatoes, mint, dill, cilantro, chard, chilies, lemongrass, leeks, onions, garlic and chives.

You should avoid planting kale with tomatoes, sunflowers, walnut, strawberries and beans.

If you want to learn more about growing kale in general, make sure to also check out my grower’s guide that shows you how to grow kale from seed to harvest.

About the Author

My name is Andreas and I’m really passionate about our environment and also about growing plants. In fact, I have grown several different plants over many years. I love to see my plants grow and also always try new things to improve my overall conditions at home.

In my blog posts, I want to share my experiences with you so that you can become successful in growing various different plants and improving your home as well, even though you might still be a beginner right now.

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