Bok Choy Companion Plants: The Ultimate Guide

Bok choy is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that is commonly used in Asian cuisine. It has a mild flavor and a crisp texture, making it a favorite among many people. However, like any other plant, bok choy needs certain conditions to grow and thrive. One of the most important factors for its growth is having the right companion plants.

Companion planting is an age-old practice of planting different plants together to achieve better yields, pest control, and soil health. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about bok choy companion plants, including their benefits, how to choose them, and some examples.

Benefits of Companion Planting for Bok Choy

Companion planting offers several benefits to bok choy, including:

Pest Control:

Planting certain plants around bok choy can help repel pests that may damage or destroy the crop. For example, planting garlic, onions, or chives near bok choy can help keep aphids and other insects away.

Soil Health:

Companion plants can also help improve soil health by adding nutrients, promoting good bacteria and fungi, and reducing soil erosion. For instance, legumes such as peas and beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit bok choy.

Yield Enhancement:

Certain companion plants can improve bok choy's yield by attracting pollinators, increasing biodiversity, and providing shade or support. For example, planting marigolds, nasturtiums, or dill can attract bees and other beneficial insects that can help pollinate the bok choy flowers.

Choosing the Right Companion Plants for Bok Choy

When choosing companion plants for bok choy, it's essential to consider their growth habits, nutrient requirements, and compatibility. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Growth Habits:

Choose companion plants that have similar or complementary growth habits to bok choy. For example, avoid planting tall or sprawling plants that can shade or crowd out the bok choy.

Nutrient Requirements:

Make sure your companion plants have similar nutrient requirements as bok choy. Avoid planting plants that are heavy feeders or nitrogen fixers near bok choy, as they may compete for nutrients.

Compatibility:

Consider the compatibility of your companion plants with bok choy. Some plants may release compounds that can harm or stunt the growth of bok choy. For instance, avoid planting Brassicas such as broccoli or cauliflower near bok choy, as they may attract the same pests and diseases.

Examples of Bok Choy Companion Plants

Now that you know the benefits and factors to consider when choosing companion plants for bok choy let's take a look at some examples:

1. Garlic, Onions, or Chives:

These plants belong to the Allium family and can help repel aphids and other insects that may damage bok choy. You can plant them around the bok choy or interplant them between the rows.

2. Nasturtiums or Marigolds:

These flowers are known for their ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies that can help increase bok choy's yield. You can plant them around the border of your garden or between the rows.

3. Peas or Beans:

These legumes fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit bok choy. You can plant them before or after bok choy to improve soil health.

4. Lettuce or Spinach:

These leafy greens have similar nutrient requirements as bok choy and can be planted together to maximize space and yield.

How to Plant Bok Choy Companion Plants

When planting companion plants for bok choy, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Plan Your Garden Design:

Consider the layout of your garden and plan where you will plant your bok choy and its companion plants. Make sure to leave enough space between the plants to avoid overcrowding.

2. Rotate Your Crops:

To avoid pests and diseases, it's essential to rotate your crops every year. This means planting different crops in the same spot each season to prevent soil depletion and pest buildup.

3. Use Raised Beds or Containers:

If you have limited space or poor soil quality, consider using raised beds or containers to grow your bok choy and its companion plants. This will allow you to control the soil quality and drainage.

4. Water and Fertilize Properly:

Make sure to water your bok choy and its companion plants regularly and fertilize them with organic matter or compost to promote growth and health.

FAQs About Bok Choy Companion Plants

1. Can I plant bok choy with tomatoes?

No, it's not recommended to plant bok choy with tomatoes because they have different nutrient requirements and may attract the same pests and diseases.

2. What are some other Brassica plants that I should avoid planting near bok choy?

Other Brassica plants such as kale, cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli should be avoided because they may compete for nutrients and attract pests and diseases.

3. Can I plant bok choy with herbs like basil or thyme?

Yes, you can plant bok choy with herbs like basil or thyme as they have similar nutrient requirements and can help repel pests.

4. How far apart should I plant my bok choy and its companion plants?

It's recommended to plant bok choy at least 12 inches apart and its companion plants at least 6 inches away from each other.

5. Can I grow bok choy indoors with companion plants?

Yes, you can grow bok choy and its companion plants indoors in pots or containers as long as they receive enough sunlight and proper care.



Bok choy is a nutritious and delicious vegetable that can benefit from the right companion plants. When choosing companion plants for bok choy, consider their growth habits, nutrient requirements, and compatibility. Some examples of bok choy companion plants include garlic, onions, marigolds, peas, and lettuce. Remember to plan your garden design, rotate your crops, and water and fertilize properly. With these tips and knowledge, you can enjoy a healthy and thriving bok choy garden!