Companion Plants for Mustard Greens

The Importance of Companion Planting

Are you a gardener who is looking to improve their harvest? Companion planting is an effective way to maximize your garden's yield and reduce the need for chemicals. It involves planting different crops together that provide benefits to each other, such as pest control and soil health.

Mustard greens are a popular vegetable to grow due to their spicy taste and high nutritional value. However, like most plants, they do have their weaknesses when it comes to pests and diseases. This is where companion planting comes in. By planting certain herbs and vegetables around your mustard greens, you can deter pests and improve the overall health of your garden.

Here are some of the best companion plants for mustard greens:

Companion Plants for Pest Control

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are not only beautiful, but they also serve as a natural pest repellent. They attract aphids away from your mustard greens and act as a trap crop, preventing them from infesting your other plants. In addition, nasturtiums are edible and make a great addition to salads.

Marigolds

Marigolds are known to repel nematodes, which are microscopic worms that can cause damage to plant roots. Planting marigolds around your mustard greens can protect them from these harmful pests. Marigolds also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on aphids and other harmful insects.

Garlic

Garlic has antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it an excellent companion plant for mustard greens. Planting garlic around your greens can help deter pests like aphids, cabbage worms, and slugs. Garlic also improves soil health by suppressing harmful fungi and bacteria.

Companion Plants for Soil Health

Clover

Clover is a legume that fixes nitrogen in the soil, making it a great companion plant for mustard greens. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth, and clover can provide it naturally. In addition, clover attracts beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs.

Chamomile

Chamomile is a herb that has many benefits for your garden. It improves soil health by adding nutrients and organic matter, and it also has antifungal properties that can protect your plants from diseases. Chamomile attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies, which feed on aphids and other pests.

Borage

Borage is a beautiful herb with blue flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. It also has deep roots that can help break up compacted soil and improve drainage. Borage is rich in potassium and calcium, which are important nutrients for plant growth.

Companion Plants for Flavor

Dill

Dill is a popular herb that adds flavor to many dishes. It is also a great companion plant for mustard greens because it attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on aphids and other pests. Dill also has a strong scent that can confuse and deter harmful insects.

Basil

Basil is another herb that can add flavor to your garden and your kitchen. It repels harmful insects like thrips and whiteflies, and it also attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. Basil can be used as a trap crop for pests like Japanese beetles, which are attracted to its scent.

Lettuce

Lettuce is a leafy green that can be grown as a companion plant for mustard greens. It has shallow roots that do not compete with the deeper roots of mustard greens, and it also attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings. Lettuce can be harvested before the mustard greens reach maturity, making it a great addition to your garden.

Companion Plants for Shade

Radishes

Radishes are a fast-growing root vegetable that can be planted as a companion to mustard greens. They grow quickly and can provide shade for your greens during the hot summer months. In addition, radishes attract beneficial insects like hoverflies, which feed on aphids and other pests.

Cilantro

Cilantro is an herb that can be planted in the shade of larger plants like tomatoes or peppers. It also attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps, which prey on harmful insects like caterpillars and aphids. Cilantro can be harvested before it goes to seed, making it a great addition to your garden.

Parsley

Parsley is another herb that can be grown in the shade of larger plants. It attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and predatory wasps, which feed on harmful insects like aphids and mites. Parsley can be harvested throughout the growing season, making it a great addition to any garden.



In summary, companion planting is a great way to improve the health and yield of your garden. By planting certain herbs and vegetables around your mustard greens, you can deter pests, improve soil health, and add flavor to your harvest. Try experimenting with different combinations of companion plants to see what works best for your garden.

FAQs

1. What are some common pests that affect mustard greens?

Some common pests that affect mustard greens include aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles.

2. Can companion planting eliminate the need for pesticides?

Companion planting can help reduce the need for pesticides, but it may not eliminate the need entirely. It is always best to use an integrated pest management approach that includes companion planting, crop rotation, and other methods.

3. Can you plant mustard greens with other vegetables?

Yes, mustard greens can be planted with other vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. Just make sure to choose companion plants that have similar growing conditions and complement each other's needs.

4. How close should companion plants be to mustard greens?

Companion plants should be planted close enough to provide the benefits of their companionship, but not so close as to compete for resources. A good rule of thumb is to plant them within a few feet of each other.

5. Can you grow mustard greens in containers?

Yes, mustard greens can be grown in containers as long as they have enough space to grow and receive adequate sunlight and water.