When considering companion planting for collards, you’ll want to avoid certain vegetables that can stunt their growth or attract pests. Generally, it’s best to steer clear of planting members of the brassica family too close, as they can compete for nutrients and share common diseases.

What Not to Plant With Collards: Avoiding Problematic Companions

Growing a thriving collard green garden involves more than just knowing what to plant; it also means understanding what not to plant. Certain plants can negatively impact your collards’ health, flavor, and yield. By avoiding these problematic pairings, you can ensure your collards reach their full potential.

Why Companion Planting Matters for Collards

Companion planting is an age-old gardening technique that leverages the natural relationships between plants. When done correctly, it can deter pests, attract beneficial insects, improve soil health, and even enhance the flavor of your crops. However, incorrect pairings can lead to the opposite effect, creating a less-than-ideal environment for your collards.

Brassica Family Conflicts: The Most Common Pitfalls

The brassica family, which includes broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, and Brussels sprouts, shares many common pests and diseases with collards. Planting them together can create a breeding ground for these issues, overwhelming your plants.

• Cabbage Worms and Aphids: These common pests target many brassicas. Planting them in close proximity allows these pests to move easily from one plant to another.
• Clubroot Disease: This soil-borne disease affects brassicas, causing root deformities and stunted growth. Rotating crops and avoiding planting brassicas together helps prevent its spread.
• Nutrient Competition: All brassicas are heavy feeders. Planting them close together means they will compete fiercely for essential nutrients in the soil, leading to weaker plants for all.

Other Plants to Keep Away From Your Collards

Beyond the brassica family, a few other plant types can cause issues when planted near collards. Understanding these exceptions will help you create a more harmonious garden ecosystem.

• Fennel: Fennel is known to inhibit the growth of many vegetables, including collards. It releases certain compounds into the soil that can be detrimental to neighboring plants.
• Strawberries: While not a direct pest or disease issue, strawberries can compete for space and resources, potentially impacting the vigorous growth of collards.
• Corn: Tall corn plants can shade out collards, preventing them from receiving adequate sunlight. They also have different nutrient needs, leading to competition.

What Can You Plant With Collards? Beneficial Companions

To balance out the "don’ts," it’s helpful to know what plants do benefit collards. These beneficial companions can help deter pests naturally and improve overall garden health.

• Aromatic Herbs: Plants like rosemary, thyme, dill, and mint can help mask the scent of collards, confusing pests like cabbage moths.
• Onions and Garlic: These alliums are excellent at repelling a wide range of pests that might bother collards.
• Beets: Beets have shallow root systems that don’t compete heavily with collards for nutrients. They can also help break up the soil.
• Marigolds: These cheerful flowers are known for their ability to deter nematodes and other soil-borne pests.

Creating a Healthy Collard Garden: A Quick Reference

Here’s a simplified look at some pairings to consider and avoid.

Practical Tips for Successful Collard Planting

When planning your garden layout, remember to practice crop rotation. This means not planting collards or other brassicas in the same spot year after year. This is crucial for preventing soil-borne diseases from building up.

Give your collards ample space to grow. Overcrowding leads to poor air circulation, which can encourage fungal diseases. Ensure they receive at least six hours of full sun daily.

People Also Ask

### What are the best companion plants for collard greens?

The best companion plants for collards include aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme, which can deter pests. Onions and garlic are also excellent choices as they repel various garden insects. Beets and lettuce are good options too, as they don’t compete heavily for soil nutrients or space.

### Can I plant broccoli and collards together?

No, it is generally not recommended to plant broccoli and collards together. Both are members of the brassica family and share common pests and diseases, such as cabbage worms and clubroot. Planting them close can exacerbate these problems and lead to weaker plants for both crops.

### What plants should not be planted near kale?

Similar to collards, kale should not be planted near other brassicas like broccoli, cabbage, or Brussels sprouts. Avoid planting fennel nearby, as it can inhibit kale’s growth. It’s also wise to keep corn and strawberries at a distance due to potential competition for resources and sunlight.

### How far apart should collards be planted?

Collard greens should be planted about 12 to 18 inches apart in rows that are 2 to 3 feet apart. This spacing allows for adequate air circulation, which helps prevent diseases, and provides enough room for the plants to grow to their mature size without excessive competition.

### Can tomatoes be planted with collards?

Yes, tomatoes can be planted with collards. Tomatoes are not in the brassica family and do not share the same common pests or diseases. In fact, the strong scent of tomato plants may even help deter some pests that bother collards.

Next Steps for Your Collard Garden

By understanding what to avoid planting with your collards, you’re well on your way to a bountiful harvest. Consider these gardening tips to further enhance your success. Happy planting!