We were about to explore the green world of Brussels sprouts, those cute little green balls that are common in both gardens and kitchens.
But did you know that the success of your Brussels sprouts can significantly depend on their neighboring plants?
There you have it—the idea of companion planting is very important to the success of your Brussels sprouts.
Companion planting is more than just growing brussels sprouts. It’s about making your garden a peaceful place where all the plants, from the sprouts to their leafy neighbors, help each other grow.
However, its equally crucial to be aware of the worst companion plants for these sprouts. Not all relationships in the garden are beneficial.
It can save you a lot of trouble in the long run to know which plants might not get along well with your Brussels sprouts.
As we talk about the ins and outs of companion planting with Brussels sprouts, we’ll find out how to grow Brussels sprouts that not only survive but also thrive.
This guide will give you all the information you need for a successful garden, from the best plants to grow with sprouts to the specific care they need.
Let’s go on this green adventure together, where each leaf is an important part of your garden’s ecosystem.
Brussels sprouts are a cool weather crop in the cabbage family that produces dozens of small, edible buds along a central stalk They thrive when planted alongside certain companion plants that deter pests, attract pollinators, or provide other growth benefits. Read on to learn the top companion plant pairings for maximizing your brussels sprout harvest
Why Use Companion Planting with Brussels Sprouts?
Companion planting is the practice of strategically situating plants together so they can help each other grow It offers many advantages
- Deter pests like aphids, cabbage loopers, and whiteflies
- Repel diseases
- Attract beneficial insects for pollination and pest control
- Enhance flavors
- Provide physical support with trellises and stakes
- Improve soil health
- Allow efficient use of garden space
Combining brussels sprouts with beneficial companion plants helps them grow robustly and produce the best yields.
Best Companion Plants for Brussels Sprouts
Many plants make excellent companions for brussels sprouts Consider adding these varieties to your garden
1. Garlic
Garlic deters cabbage worms, aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles. Plant cloves around the perimeter of your sprouts.
2. Dill
The flowers attract predatory wasps and hoverflies to control pests. Dill also enhances sprout flavor.
3. Marigolds
Marigolds deter nematodes, beetles, and other insects. The roots also release compounds that limit nematode reproduction.
4. Mint
Mint repels cabbage moths, ants, aphids, and flea beetles. Plant it densely around your sprouts.
5. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums deter whiteflies, squash bugs, and wooly aphids. Plus, their edible flowers are tasty!
6. Onions
Onions mask the scent of brussels sprout plants, delaying pests’ ability to find them. Onions also deter carrot flies.
7. Sage
Sage deters cabbage moths, slugs, snails, and carrot flies. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties too.
8. Thyme
Thyme is strongly antiseptic and antibacterial. It discourages whiteflies, aphids, and cabbage loopers.
9. Petunias
Petunias repel aphids, leafhoppers, asparagus beetles, tomato worms, and more.
10. Carrots
Carrots disguise the scent of brussels sprouts to deter pests. They also attract pollinators.
Companion Plants to Avoid
Some plants inhibit the growth of brussels sprouts. Avoid planting these varieties nearby:
- Strawberries
- Pole beans
- Sunflowers
- Kohlrabi
- Potatoes
- Mustard
These vigorous competitors deprive sprouts of necessary water, nutrients, sunlight, and space.
Tips for Companion Planting Brussels Sprouts
Follow these tips for success:
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Stake tall companions like dill beside sprouts to avoid shading.
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Use marigolds liberally since they deter a wide range of pests.
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Interplant quick-maturing radishes and spinach to maximize space while sprouts mature.
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Include flowering herbs like basil, borage, and oregano to attract beneficial insects.
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Use compact onion varieties like bunching onions as undersown companions.
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Scatter beneficial flowers like calendulas throughout the garden to draw in pollinators.
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Mint can be invasive, so plant it in pots and sink into the ground.
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Garlic planted around the perimeter protects sprouts from all directions.
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Include a diversity of plants with different heights, growth habits, and functions.
Companion Planting Brussels Sprouts in Containers
You can also combine sprouts with beneficial companions in containers:
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Choose compact, determinate varieties suitable for pots.
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Include marigolds, basil, parsley, nasturtiums, or bush beans.
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Use a large pot or whiskey barrel so sprouts have room to grow.
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Make sure the container has drainage holes at the bottom.
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Use a quality potting mix suitable for vegetables.
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Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Feed with diluted liquid fertilizer.
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Place the pot where it will get at least 6 hours of sun daily.
The Benefits of Companion Plants
By thoughtfully combining brussels sprouts with helpful neighboring plants, you can create an ecosystem that deters pests, attracts pollinators, maximizes garden space, and improves your sprout harvests. Companion planting is an easy, low-cost way to garden more sustainably and naturally. Experiment with different plant companions and see which ones perform best in your garden’s unique conditions.
Plants to Avoid Near Brussels Sprouts
While many plants make excellent neighbors for Brussels sprouts, there are some you should keep at a distance.
For a healthy garden, it’s important to know which plants can hurt the growth and health of your Brussels sprouts.
Heres a look at some of the plants that are considered incompatible companions and the reasons why:
- Competing for Nutrients: Strawberries and Brussels sprouts don’t go well together because they need different nutrients. Both of them are heavy feeders, which means they need a lot of food from the ground. They can starve each other of nutrients if they are planted too close together, which makes both of them grow slowly.
- Risk of Disease: Strawberries can get verticillium wilt, a disease that comes from the soil. Unfortunately, Brussels sprouts are also prone to this disease. If you plant them together, both of them are more likely to get sick.
- Too much or too little nitrogen: Pole beans, like most legumes, fix nitrogen in the soil. Even though this may sound like a good thing, Brussels sprouts need a balanced soil environment because they eat a lot. Too much nitrogen can make Brussels sprouts’ leaves grow quickly but not their sprouts themselves.
- Shading and Physical Interference: Pole beans can cause shading problems because they grow in groups. It’s best for Brussels sprouts to get full sun, and pole beans can block their growth. In addition, the way bean vines are built can make it hard for Brussels sprouts to grow straight up.
- Similar Disease Risks: Some diseases that can affect both peppers and tomatoes can also affect Brussels sprouts. These include early blight and bacterial spot. Planting them close together can make it more likely for diseases to spread.
- Different Needs for Growth: Tomatoes and peppers do better in warmer weather, but Brussels sprouts do better in cooler weather. This difference in environmental needs can cause care and growing methods to not match up.
- Melons and squash are known for having long vines that take up a lot of space. They can quickly take over the space, making it too small for Brussels sprouts to grow. This can lead to a struggle for space and sunlight.
- Moisture Competition: These vine plants need a lot of water, and their big roots can take water away from Brussels sprouts, making them water-stressed.
Want to learn more about companion planting? Check out my guides:
Successful companion planting with Brussels sprouts involves more than just knowing which plants to pair together.
It requires a thoughtful approach to how you plant, care for, and maintain your garden.
Here are some helpful tips to improve your companion planting and make sure your Brussels sprouts and their friends do well together:
- Nutrient-Rich Soil: Brussels sprouts eat a lot, so they do best in soil that is high in nutrients. To give all the plants in the garden a strong nutritional base, make sure the soil is amended with a lot of organic matter, such as compost or old manure. Check out my guide on How to Make Rich Compost Tea.
- Balance of pH: These sprouts like slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6). 0 to 7. 0). Check your soil and make any necessary changes to make it the best place for plants to grow. Always keep in mind that different companion plants may have different pH needs, so try to find a balance. Here is the soil pH tester I recommend:
Spacing and Planting Techniques
- Making sure each plant has enough space to grow will keep them from competing for nutrients and sunlight. Follow recommended spacing guidelines for each plant variety. Leave 18 to 24 inches of space between Brussels sprouts plants and 24 to 30 inches of space between rows.
- Interplanting: To use interplanting, put your Brussels sprouts next to plants that grow well with them in the same area. This makes the most of the garden space and builds a diverse ecosystem that can keep bugs and diseases away.
- Regular Watering: Brussels sprouts need regular watering, especially when the heads start to form. Set up a regular watering schedule and think about using drip irrigation to keep the soil evenly moist without being too wet. Here is the drip irrigation system I recommend.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants. This helps keep the soil moist, stops weeds from growing, and keeps the temperature even. Here is the mulch I recommend:
- Natural Deterrents: Utilize the natural pest-deterrent properties of companion plants. For example, marigolds and thyme can repel certain insects. But keep an eye out for pests and be ready to take action if they don’t go away.
- Bring in Good Bugs: Planting companion plants can bring in good bugs like ladybugs and bees. To get these helpful animals into your garden, put in flowering plants like lavender or borage.
- Seasonal Planting: Brussels sprouts grow best in cool weather, so plan your other plants to go with them in the same way. Put them next to other cool-season plants or plants that can handle cooler temperatures when they are young.
- Succession Planting: To extend the harvest period, consider succession planting. Plant Brussels sprouts and other vegetables that go with them every couple of weeks to make sure you always have enough.
How to Grow Brussels Sprouts for Beginners
FAQ
What should not be planted near Brussels sprouts?
What plants grow well with brussel sprouts?
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Can I plant corn next to Brussels sprouts?