What Not to Plant With Kale: Essential Tips
What Not to Plant With Kale?
When planting kale, it is important to avoid planting certain companion plants that can negatively affect its growth.
Some plants that should not be planted with kale include sweet alyssum, African marigolds, French marigolds, calendula, cilantro/coriander, dill, lemongrass, bush beans, hot peppers, scallions, onions, leeks, garlic, cucumbers, nasturtiums, radishes, sunflowers (in excess), tomatoes (in excess), and strawberries (in excess).
These plants can hinder the growth and overall health of kale if planted together.
Key Points:
- Certain companion plants should be avoided when planting kale
- Planting sweet alyssum, African marigolds, French marigolds, calendula, cilantro/coriander, dill, lemongrass, bush beans, hot peppers, scallions, onions, leeks, garlic, cucumbers, nasturtiums, radishes, sunflowers (in excess), tomatoes (in excess), and strawberries (in excess) with kale is not recommended
- These plants can negatively affect the growth and health of kale
- It is important to be aware of the potential negative impacts of companion plants on kale
- Avoiding certain plants can help ensure the successful growth of kale
- Planting the wrong companions with kale can hinder its overall health and development
Did You Know?
1. Kale and strawberries make an unlikely duo in the garden, as strawberries can hinder the growth of kale by competing for nutrients in the soil.
2. Contrary to popular belief, planting kale alongside tomatoes is not advisable, as they both attract the same type of pests. Planting them together could lead to a massive infestation that can be detrimental to both crops.
3. One surprising companion for kale is celery, as celery emits natural compounds that repel pests that commonly feast on kale leaves. Planting these two together can help protect your kale crop from potential damage.
4. Avoid planting kale near cabbage or other members of the Brassica family, as they are susceptible to similar diseases. Keeping these plants separated reduces the risk of cross-contamination and makes it easier to manage any potential infections.
5. It is best to refrain from planting kale near members of the Allium family, such as onions and garlic. Allium plants produce compounds that can stunt the growth of kale and affect its flavor.
Incompatible Herbs: Cilantro, Dill, And Lemongrass
When planting kale, it is important to choose compatible companions. However, there are certain herbs that should not be planted alongside kale. Three examples of such herbs are cilantro, dill, and lemongrass.
Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a popular herb in various cuisines. Unfortunately, it can have detrimental effects on kale. Cilantro releases chemicals into the soil that can inhibit the growth and productivity of kale. Therefore, it is advisable to keep cilantro far away from kale when planning your garden.
Similarly, dill is not a suitable companion for kale. Its strong scent and volatile oils can attract pests that can harm kale plants. Moreover, dill can impede the growth of kale and decrease its overall yield. To ensure optimal growth, it is best to keep dill plants separate from kale.
While lemongrass may seem like a pleasant addition to your garden with its unique lemony fragrance, it can have negative effects on kale. Lemongrass tends to compete with other plants for vital resources and nutrients in the soil. This competition can hinder the growth of kale, making it important to avoid planting lemongrass alongside kale.
Therefore, when planting kale, it is essential to be mindful of the herbs that should not be planted alongside it. Avoiding cilantro, dill, and lemongrass as planting companions can help ensure the successful growth of kale.
Beware Of Onion Family: Scallions, Onions, Leeks, And Garlic
The onion family, including scallions, onions, leeks, and garlic, should not be grown in close proximity to kale. These plants can have detrimental effects on one another.
Onions, in particular, are known to stunt the growth of kale due to their strong root system. They spread easily and take up a significant amount of space, which can hinder the growth of kale plants. Additionally, onions release chemicals that can inhibit the growth of other plants, including kale.
Leeks, another member of the onion family, can also have a similar impact on kale. Their dense growth and aggressive root system can outcompete kale for nutrients and water, leading to poor growth and yields. To ensure optimal growth for both plants, it is best to plant leeks and kale separately.
Even garlic, often celebrated for its health benefits and distinctive flavor, can negatively affect kale. Garlic releases chemicals into the soil that inhibit kale’s growth and reduce its overall productivity. If you want to grow both garlic and kale, consider planting them in different areas of your garden to avoid any negative interactions.
To summarize, the following plants from the onion family are incompatible with kale:
- Onions
- Leeks
- Garlic
Keep in mind their detrimental effects on kale’s growth and yields, and consider planting them separately from kale.
Spicy Deterrents: Hot Peppers (Cayenne, Thai Chilis, Jalapenos, Habaneros)
While hot peppers bring a spicy kick to meals, they can adversely affect kale when grown together. Hot peppers, like cayenne, Thai chilis, jalapenos, and habaneros, can repel pests with their spiciness. However, this same spiciness can also repel beneficial insects that protect kale plants.
Furthermore, hot peppers have specific nutrient requirements that may not be compatible with kale’s needs. When competing for limited nutrients in the soil, both crops may experience stunted growth. Therefore, it is recommended to separate hot peppers from kale plants to maintain kale’s health and ensure a plentiful harvest.
To summarize, the impacts of planting hot peppers and kale together include:
- Repelling beneficial insects that protect kale from pests
- Competition for limited nutrients leading to stunted growth
“To maintain the health of your kale and ensure a bountiful harvest, it’s best to keep hot peppers separate from your kale plants.”
Plant With Caution: Cucumbers, Nasturtiums, And Radishes
While cucumbers, nasturtiums, and radishes can be grown alongside kale, caution should be exercised. These plants have the potential to either benefit or harm kale, depending on various factors.
Cucumbers, for instance, can be grown alongside kale if proper care is taken. However, cucumbers tend to spread and take up a lot of space, potentially overshadowing and inhibiting the growth of kale plants. To prevent this, proper spacing and support structures should be used to ensure both crops thrive.
Nasturtiums, with their vibrant colors and peppery leaves, are often considered a beneficial companion for kale due to their ability to repel pests. However, if planted too closely, nasturtiums can compete with kale for resources, resulting in stunted growth. Prudent spacing and regular monitoring of both plants’ growth are crucial when planting them together.
Radishes, on the other hand, are both beneficial and potentially detrimental to kale. Radishes can help break up compacted soil and deter some pests, making them a suitable companion for kale. However, if radishes are left to bolt, they can hog space and nutrients that should be going to the kale. Careful monitoring and timely harvest of radishes are essential to maintain a harmonious coexistence.
Limit Companion Plants: Sunflowers, Tomatoes, And Strawberries
While sunflowers, tomatoes, and strawberries can be planted with kale, it’s important to limit their presence to avoid overcrowding and competition for resources.
Sunflowers, with their tall and imposing stature, can overshadow kale plants and restrict their access to sunlight. This can result in stunted growth for the kale and reduced productivity. Consider planting sunflowers on the outskirts of your kale patch or in a separate area of your garden to prevent this issue.
Tomatoes, another popular garden crop, can be planted alongside kale if adequate precautions are taken. Both tomatoes and kale require similar soil conditions and nutrients, so it’s important not to overwhelm the soil with too many tomatoes. Excessive tomato plants can lead to nutrient deficiencies and hinder the growth of kale. Proper spacing and careful monitoring of nutrient levels can help maintain a healthy balance.
Strawberries, with their sweet and juicy fruits, may seem like a charming addition to your kale patch. However, they can spread rapidly and become invasive if not kept in check. The dense foliage of strawberries can smother kale plants, leading to diminished growth and yields. To avoid this, limit the number of strawberry plants and create physical barriers to prevent them from encroaching on the kale patch.
when planting kale, it’s crucial to consider its compatibility with other plants. Cilantro, dill, lemongrass, onions, scallions, garlic, hot peppers, cucumbers, nasturtiums, radishes, sunflowers, tomatoes, and strawberries are some of the plants that should not be grown alongside kale or should be used with caution and proper management. By understanding and implementing these essential tips, you can ensure the health, productivity, and overall success of your kale garden.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What plants should you avoid with kale?
It is important to avoid planting kale alongside other brassicas such as broccoli, kohlrabi, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and Swiss chard. This precaution is necessary as these plants are susceptible to similar pests and diseases, which can lead to the spread of infestations and infections among the entire group. By keeping kale separate from these brassicas, you can help prevent the proliferation of potential threats, ensuring the health and vitality of your kale crop.
Can carrots and kale be planted together?
Yes, carrots and kale can be planted together in the same garden bed. Carrots, being a cool-weather crop, can thrive alongside kale during the cooler spring and fall seasons. While carrots do not have pest control properties, their growth isn’t affected by kale and they can both coexist harmoniously, adding variety and nutrition to your garden.
What is the best position to plant kale?
The ideal position to plant kale would be in a sunny location with well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. This will provide the necessary nutrients and conditions for kale to thrive. However, kale is quite adaptable and can tolerate light shade as well, so planting it in a partially shaded area can still yield successful growth. To ensure optimal results, weed the ground thoroughly and incorporate ample amounts of well-rotted manure or garden compost into the soil, creating a nutrient-rich foundation for the kale plants to flourish.
Does kale like to be crowded?
While kale can be quite resilient once it establishes its roots, it generally prefers having some personal space in the garden. Being a garden vegetable, kale isn’t particularly fond of crowded conditions. It thrives best when given adequate space to grow and flourish, allowing its leaves to fully develop and receive ample sunlight and airflow. Providing enough room for each kale plant ensures that they can reach their full potential and maintain their optimal health and productivity. Therefore, it’s advisable to give kale some breathing room and avoid overcrowding if you want to cultivate vibrant and robust plants.