Kale companion plants

Growing kale beside the right neighbour

Kale (Brassica oleracea) is a vegetable in the Brassica family. Nutrient-dense leafy green that tolerates cold well.

Cabbage whites lay on nasturtium first — check and clear those leaves weekly.

Give plants 12–18 in in sun or part shade. Aim for well-draining, fertile, moist soil. In most gardens the crop sits in USDA zones 2-11 and is ready in about 55-75 days.

What to plant with kale

The best companion plants for kale in this guide are Nasturtium, Beet, Onion, Dill, Thyme, Rosemary, and Sage. Each pairing below is a reason to share a bed — pest masking, roots that do not compete, or insects that hunt the pests drawn to kale.

Nasturtium

Trap crop for cabbage worms.

Beet

Beets fill the gaps between kale plants without competing.

Onion

Strong scent helps hide brassicas from pests.

Dill

Draws in parasitic wasps that hunt caterpillars.

Thyme

Aromatic cover that confuses cabbage moths.

Rosemary

Aromatic oils help confuse cabbage moths.

Sage

Aromatic cover that confuses cabbage moths.

What not to plant with kale

Keep kale away from Tomato and Strawberry. These neighbours compete for the same food, release chemicals that stunt growth, or otherwise hold the crop back.

Tomato

Both heavy feeders — brassicas and tomatoes compete.

Strawberry

Brassicas are said to slow strawberries.

How to grow kale

Sun	Sun or part shade
Spacing	12–18 in
Soil	Well-draining, fertile, moist soil
Hardiness	Zones 2-11
Days to maturity	55-75

These notes sit beside the companion lists — they are how kale actually occupies the bed, not a substitute for local climate.

• Very cold hardy, improves after frost
• Continuous harvesting extends season
• Remove yellowing lower leaves
• Space well for air circulation

Kale companion planting FAQ