Also known as fresh coriander, cilantro is a multipurpose aromatic herb grown for its foliage, flowers, seeds, and even roots.This zesty, fresh herb can bri
06.06.2023 - 20:02 / gardenerspath.com / Kristina HicksHamblin
The Best Companion Plants to Grow with KaleYou’ve made the smart decision to include kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) in your vegetable garden. Kudos, that is an excellent choice.
And now you’re wondering which plants are the best companions for this cherished cruciferous plant.
There are a wide selection of buddies available for your kale, and I recommend that you pick not just one, but several of them.
Diversity, diversity, diversity – always an important mantra in the garden.
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Not only will you have a ready list of companions by the end of this article, but you will also understand the ways in which these plants will help your kale thrive.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
Companion RolesWhen choosing the best companions for kale, we want plants that play the following roles:
Insectaries: attract predatory and parasitoid insects with nectar, pollen, and shelter Repellents: deter pests through smell or visual confusion Nitrogen fixers: add nitrogen to the soil Light feeders: have low nitrogen requirements so won’t compete for nitrogen Ground covers: act as cover crops for water retention, to protect soil, and prevent weeds. Some can be dug into the soil at the end of the season as a “green manure” to add nutrients and organic matter Shade providers: offer protection in the form of shadeSome plants will do more than one job – so take advantage of the companions with multiple roles and you’ll get more bang for your buck.
Kale’s CompanionsThere is a wide range of suitable companions for this cruciferous plant, and they offer their assistance in different ways.
I’m going to cover a few of the more common garden plants you
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