Companion Plants for Collard Greens: Boosting Your Garden's Yield

Collard greens are a popular vegetable that can be grown in many different climates. They're a healthy addition to any meal, and they're easy to grow in the garden. However, like all plants, collard greens have their own unique needs when it comes to growth and development. One way to enhance the growth of your collard greens is to plant companion plants alongside them.

Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together in order to benefit each other. Some plants work well together because they repel pests or attract beneficial insects, while others have complementary nutrient needs that make them good companions. In this article, we'll explore some of the best companion plants for collard greens, and how they can boost your garden's yield.

Topic: Best Companion Plants for Collard Greens

1. Beans

Beans are a great companion plant for collard greens because they fix nitrogen in the soil. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plants, and collard greens need a lot of it to grow properly. By planting beans alongside your collard greens, you can help to ensure that they have access to enough nitrogen. Additionally, beans have a shallow root system that doesn't compete with collard greens for water or nutrients.

How to Plant:

Plant bush beans around the base of your collard greens once they have established themselves in the garden. Alternatively, you can plant pole beans alongside a trellis or other support structure that will allow them to grow vertically and take up less space in your garden.

Additional Tips:

Be sure to rotate your beans and collard greens each year to prevent soil-borne diseases from building up in the soil.

2. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a beautiful flowering plant that can help to repel pests from your collard greens. They release a chemical that repels aphids, whiteflies, and other pests, which can help to protect your collard greens from damage. Additionally, nasturtiums are edible, and their flowers and leaves can be used to add a spicy flavor to salads and other dishes.

How to Plant:

Plant nasturtiums around the perimeter of your collard greens or in between rows. The plants will spread out and create a barrier that pests will have trouble crossing.

Additional Tips:

Nasturtiums prefer well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight, so be sure to choose a location in your garden that meets these requirements.

3. Marigolds

Marigolds are another flowering plant that can help to repel pests from your collard greens. They release a chemical that repels nematodes, which are tiny worms that can damage the roots of your collard greens. Additionally, marigolds attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, which eat pests like aphids and mites.

How to Plant:

Plant marigolds around the perimeter of your collard greens or in between rows. They will spread out and create a barrier that nematodes will have trouble crossing.

Additional Tips:

Marigolds prefer well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight, so be sure to choose a location in your garden that meets these requirements.

4. Radishes

Radishes are a quick-growing vegetable that can help to break up compacted soil and improve drainage around your collard greens. Additionally, they attract beneficial insects like hoverflies, which eat pests like aphids and mites.

How to Plant:

Plant radishes in between rows of collard greens or around the perimeter of your garden bed. They will grow quickly and help to aerate the soil.

Additional Tips:

Radishes prefer well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight, so be sure to choose a location in your garden that meets these requirements.

5. Garlic

Garlic is a natural insect repellent that can help to keep pests away from your collard greens. It also has antifungal properties that can help to prevent diseases like powdery mildew.

How to Plant:

Plant garlic bulbs in between rows of collard greens or around the perimeter of your garden bed. Alternatively, you can plant garlic in pots and place them around your garden.

Additional Tips:

Garlic prefers well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight, so be sure to choose a location in your garden that meets these requirements.



Companion planting can be a great way to boost the yield of your collard greens and protect them from pests and disease. By planting beans, nasturtiums, marigolds, radishes, and garlic alongside your collard greens, you can create a healthy and thriving garden that produces an abundant harvest.

FAQs

Q: Can I plant collard greens with tomatoes?

A: While tomatoes can be planted alongside collard greens, it's not recommended. Tomatoes and collard greens have different nutrient needs, and planting them together can lead to nutrient imbalances in the soil.

Q: Can I plant collard greens with cucumbers?

A: Yes, collard greens and cucumbers make good companion plants. Cucumbers have a shallow root system that doesn't compete with collard greens for water or nutrients, and they can help to shade the soil and keep it cool.

Q: Can I plant collard greens with peppers?

A: Yes, collard greens and peppers can be planted together. Peppers have a deep root system that doesn't compete with collard greens for water or nutrients, and they can help to repel pests from your garden.

Q: How often should I water my collard greens?

A: Collard greens prefer moist soil, but not soil that is waterlogged. Water your collard greens deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry.

Q: When should I harvest my collard greens?

A: Collard greens are ready to harvest when the leaves are large and dark green. You can begin harvesting the outer leaves of the plant when they reach about 6 inches long. Be sure to leave some leaves on the plant so that it can continue to grow.