Companion Plants for Broccoli and Cauliflower

When it comes to growing broccoli and cauliflower, many gardeners know that these two plants are notorious for being susceptible to pests and diseases. However, there is a solution to this problem: companion planting. Companion plants are those that are grown alongside other plants to provide benefits such as pest control, nutrient absorption, and soil improvement. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best companion plants for broccoli and cauliflower, and how they can help improve the health and yield of your crops.

The Benefits of Companion Planting

Before we dive into specific companion plants for broccoli and cauliflower, let's talk about the benefits of companion planting in general. Here are just a few reasons why you might want to try companion planting in your garden:

Pest Control

One of the biggest benefits of companion planting is pest control. Certain plants can act as natural deterrents to pests, helping to keep your crops healthy without the use of harmful chemicals. For example, planting marigolds alongside your broccoli and cauliflower can help to repel nematodes, a type of worm that can damage the roots of your plants.

Nutrient Absorption

Another benefit of companion planting is nutrient absorption. Some plants have the ability to absorb nutrients from the soil that other plants cannot, and by planting them together, you can create a more diverse and healthy soil environment. For example, planting legumes like peas or beans alongside your broccoli and cauliflower can help to fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit all of your plants.

Improved Soil Health

Companion planting can also help to improve the overall health of your soil. Different plants have different root structures and nutrient needs, so by planting a variety of plants together, you can create a more balanced and healthy soil environment. Additionally, certain plants can help to break up compacted soil or add organic matter to the soil, which can benefit all of your plants.

Now that we've covered some of the benefits of companion planting, let's dive into some specific companion plants for broccoli and cauliflower.

Companion Plants for Broccoli and Cauliflower

1. Marigolds

As mentioned earlier, marigolds are a great companion plant for broccoli and cauliflower because they can help to repel nematodes. In addition to this, marigolds also have the ability to attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which can help to control other pests like aphids and whiteflies.

How to Plant Marigolds with Broccoli and Cauliflower:

To plant marigolds with your broccoli and cauliflower, simply scatter the seeds around the base of your plants. Marigolds will grow quickly and easily, and can be used as a border or interplanted throughout your garden.

2. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are another great companion plant for broccoli and cauliflower because they can attract aphids away from your crops. Aphids love nasturtiums, so by planting them alongside your broccoli and cauliflower, you can help to keep the pests away from your main crop.

How to Plant Nasturtiums with Broccoli and Cauliflower:

To plant nasturtiums with your broccoli and cauliflower, simply sow the seeds around the base of your plants. Nasturtiums are easy to grow and will quickly spread throughout your garden.

3. Dill

Dill is a great companion plant for broccoli and cauliflower because it can attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which can help to control pests like aphids and whiteflies. Additionally, dill has the ability to improve the flavor of your broccoli and cauliflower, making them even more delicious!

How to Plant Dill with Broccoli and Cauliflower:

To plant dill with your broccoli and cauliflower, simply sow the seeds around the base of your plants. Dill is a fast-growing herb that is easy to grow from seed.

4. Chamomile

Chamomile is another great companion plant for broccoli and cauliflower because it can help to improve the overall health of your soil. Chamomile has the ability to break up compacted soil and add organic matter to the soil, which can benefit all of your plants.

How to Plant Chamomile with Broccoli and Cauliflower:

To plant chamomile with your broccoli and cauliflower, simply sow the seeds around the base of your plants. Chamomile is an easy-to-grow herb that can be used for tea or other medicinal purposes.

5. Beans

Beans are a great companion plant for broccoli and cauliflower because they have the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit all of your plants. Additionally, beans can provide shade for your broccoli and cauliflower during hot summer months, which can help to prevent bolting.

How to Plant Beans with Broccoli and Cauliflower:

To plant beans with your broccoli and cauliflower, simply sow the seeds around the base of your plants. Beans should be planted after your broccoli and cauliflower have already been established, as they can grow quickly and may shade out your main crop.



Companion planting is a great way to improve the health and yield of your broccoli and cauliflower crops. By planting certain plants together, you can create a more diverse and healthy soil environment, control pests naturally, and even improve the flavor of your crops. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just ing out, companion planting is definitely worth considering for your next garden project.

FAQs

1. Can I plant broccoli and cauliflower together?

Yes, broccoli and cauliflower can be planted together. In fact, they are both members of the same family (Brassicaceae), so they have similar nutrient and water requirements.

2. What should I do if my broccoli and cauliflower get infested with pests?

If your broccoli and cauliflower get infested with pests, try planting some companion plants like marigolds or nasturtiums around them to help repel the pests naturally. You can also use organic pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap.

3. How often should I water my broccoli and cauliflower?

Broccoli and cauliflower should be watered regularly, but not over-watered. Depending on your climate and soil conditions, you may need to water them every 2-3 days or once a week.

4. Can I grow broccoli and cauliflower in containers?

Yes, broccoli and cauliflower can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate their root systems. Make sure to use a high-quality potting mix and fertilize regularly.

5. When is the best time to harvest broccoli and cauliflower?

Broccoli and cauliflower are typically ready to harvest when the heads are firm and tight. This usually occurs about 60-80 days after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions.