Skip to content
Companion Planting Guide

Companion Plants for Kale

Discover which plants thrive alongside Kale and which ones to keep far away. Strategic companion planting boosts yields, repels pests naturally, and makes the most of your garden space.

Good Companions for Kale

Plant these near your Kale for mutual benefit

Beet

Good

Beets and kale are excellent companions, growing harmoniously in cool seasons

View Beet growing guide

Celery

Good

Celery repels the white cabbage butterfly, a major kale pest

View Celery growing guide

Onion

Good

Onions deter aphids and caterpillars that commonly attack kale

View Onion growing guide

Marigold

Good

Repels cabbage moths, aphids, and other brassica pests with strong scent

View Marigold growing guide

Dill

Good

Attracts beneficial wasps that parasitize caterpillars attacking kale

View Dill growing guide

Plants to Avoid Near Kale

Keep these away from your Kale plants

Tomato

Avoid

Tomatoes and brassicas like kale compete for similar nutrients and attract different beneficial insects

View Tomato growing guide

Strawberry

Avoid

Brassicas are said to inhibit strawberry growth; keep them separated in different beds

View Strawberry growing guide

Where to Grow Kale With Its Companions

Check your city's planting calendar for Kale and its best companion plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What grows well with Kale?

Beet: Beets and kale are excellent companions, growing harmoniously in cool seasons. Celery: Celery repels the white cabbage butterfly, a major kale pest. Onion: Onions deter aphids and caterpillars that commonly attack kale.

What should you not plant near Kale?

Tomato: Tomatoes and brassicas like kale compete for similar nutrients and attract different beneficial insects. Strawberry: Brassicas are said to inhibit strawberry growth; keep them separated in different beds.

What is companion planting for Kale?

Companion planting for Kale means strategically placing plants nearby that offer mutual benefits — such as repelling pests, attracting pollinators, or improving soil conditions. Good Kale companions include Beet, Celery, Onion. Avoid planting Kale near Tomato or Strawberry.