Growing cabbage can be an exciting adventure, but not all plants play nicely with these leafy greens.
Some plants can stunt growth, attract pests, or simply compete for resources, making it difficult for your cabbage to thrive.
In this article, we’ll explore 13 plants you should avoid planting near your cabbage, ensuring your garden is filled with happy, healthy plants.
1. Strawberries
Strawberries, the delightful red fruit that can make any summer day sweeter, are not the best neighbors for your cabbage.
The two plants have different watering needs and growing conditions, which can make it challenging to provide the ideal environment for both.
Moreover, strawberries can attract slugs and snails, which can damage your cabbage plants.
To avoid any potential issues, it’s best to give strawberries and cabbage their own separate growing spaces in your garden.
2. Grapes
Grapes, the versatile fruit used for wine, juice, and snacking, don’t get along with cabbage.
Grapes have deep roots that can compete with your cabbage plants for water and nutrients.
Additionally, grapes and cabbage have different preferences when it comes to soil pH, making it difficult to create the perfect growing conditions for both.
If you’re growing both grapes and cabbage, it’s wise to give them plenty of distance from each other to ensure they both have room to thrive.
3. Broccoli
Broccoli, a fellow member of the Brassica family, can seem like a natural companion for cabbage, but it’s best to keep them separated.
Both plants are susceptible to the same pests and diseases, which can easily spread between them if planted too closely.
Give your cabbage some space from its cruciferous cousins to avoid potential problems.
A little bit of distance can go a long way in keeping your garden healthy and productive.
4. Cauliflower
Cauliflower, another Brassica family member, should also be avoided in your cabbage garden.
Like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage share similar pests and diseases, making it easy for issues to spread between them.
Keep your cabbage and cauliflower separate to prevent an outbreak in your garden.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to maintaining the health of your garden plants.
5. Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts, those mini cabbage-like vegetables, may look like they’d be best buddies with cabbage, but it’s best to keep them apart.
As another Brassica family member, Brussels sprouts are vulnerable to the same pests and diseases as cabbage.
Planting them separately will help to keep your garden healthy and pest-free.
Your cabbage will thank you for giving it a little breathing room from its relatives.
6. Kale
Kale, the trendy superfood that’s taken the world by storm, may be a great addition to your diet, but it’s not the best companion for your cabbage.
Being part of the Brassica family, kale and cabbage share common pests and diseases, making it important to give them some space in your garden.
Planting kale and cabbage in separate areas will help reduce the chances of cross-contamination and ensure both plants can flourish.
7. Mustard
Mustard, the plant that gives us the deliciously tangy condiment, is not a good match for cabbage.
Like other Brassicas, mustard is susceptible to the same pests and diseases as cabbage, making it a risky choice to plant nearby.
Keep your mustard plants away from your cabbage patch to ensure the health of your garden.
It’s always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to plant compatibility.
8. Radishes
Radishes, the spicy root vegetables, may seem like a harmless addition to your cabbage garden, but they can actually cause some problems.
Radishes can attract flea beetles and other pests that also target cabbage, making it easier for these unwanted guests to find your leafy greens.
Keep radishes at a distance to reduce the risk of pest infestations.
By giving your radishes and cabbage some space, you’ll be creating a healthier environment for both plants to grow.
9. Fennel
Fennel, the aromatic herb with a distinct anise flavor, is a plant that should be kept far away from your cabbage.
Fennel releases chemicals that can inhibit the growth of nearby plants, including cabbage.
Planting fennel near your cabbage can result in stunted growth and a less productive harvest.
To ensure your cabbage has the best chance of growing strong and healthy, keep fennel out of your cabbage patch.
10. Lettuce
Lettuce, the salad staple, might not seem like a troublesome plant for your cabbage, but it’s best to avoid planting them together.
Lettuce and cabbage have different preferences when it comes to soil moisture, which can make it challenging to provide the right conditions for both plants.
Furthermore, lettuce can attract pests like aphids that can harm your cabbage plants.
Separating these two plants in your garden will help to create the best possible conditions for them to grow and thrive.
11. Sweet corn
Sweet corn, the quintessential summer treat, may not make the best neighbor for your cabbage plants.
Corn can attract pests like the corn earworm, which can also cause damage to your cabbage plants.
By keeping your corn and cabbage separate in your garden, you’ll be minimizing the risk of attracting these damaging pests and promoting a healthier environment for both plants.
12. Potatoes
Potatoes, the versatile and delicious root vegetable, should not be planted near your cabbage.
Potatoes and cabbage have different nutrient requirements, and growing them together can lead to competition for essential nutrients.
Additionally, potatoes can attract pests like the Colorado potato beetle, which can also cause damage to your cabbage plants.
Giving your potatoes and cabbage some space from each other can help to prevent potential problems and encourage a more successful harvest.
13. Sunflowers
Sunflowers, the towering beauties of the garden, can create issues if planted too close to your cabbage plants.
Sunflowers are allelopathic, which means they release chemicals into the soil that can inhibit the growth of nearby plants, including cabbage.
To ensure your cabbage has the best chance to grow and flourish, it’s best to keep sunflowers at a distance from your cabbage patch.
Final Thoughts
While companion planting can be a great way to boost the health and productivity of your garden, it’s equally important to be aware of which plants don’t play well together.
By avoiding these 13 plants in your cabbage garden, you’ll be setting your leafy greens up for success.
Remember that a little bit of planning and research can go a long way in ensuring a happy and healthy garden.
Happy gardening!
