Companion Planting: A Great Way to Add Diversity and Harmony to Your Garden
Whether you are an experienced gardener or a beginner, companion planting is an excellent way to add diversity and harmony to your garden beds. When you pair kohlrabi with the right companion plants, they enhance each other’s growth and help to ward off pests and diseases.
In this article, we will explore some creative and practical pairings of companion plants for kohlrabi as well as folk wisdom and science-based rules.
Creative and Practical Pairings of Companion Plants for Kohlrabi
When selecting companion plants for kohlrabi, consider factors such as the size, growth habits, and nutrient requirements of both plants. You want to ensure that neither plant is competing for resources and that they complement each other’s growth.
Beans: Beans are nitrogen-fixing plants and are great companions for kohlrabi, which requires high levels of nitrogen for optimal growth. Plant bush beans near your kohlrabi plants to help fix nitrogen, and at the same time, the beans will benefit from the kohlrabi foliage as a trellis.
Beets: Beets are an excellent companion plant for kohlrabi because they require similar soil conditions and grow at a similar pace. Beets are high in calcium, which kohlrabi needs to ensure healthy roots.
You can plant White Vienna or Bulls Blood variety beets as companions for kohlrabi. Celery: Celery adds flavor to dishes and makes an excellent companion for kohlrabi in cool weather.
Celery’s upright growth habit and cool-season growth make it an ideal companion. Chamomile: Chamomile is excellent for pest control and helps to prevent powdery mildew on kohlrabi.
Plant chamomile around your kohlrabi as a natural pesticide. Chives: Chives are alliums and have pesticidal properties.
Plant chives near your kohlrabi to repel pests such as aphids and Japanese beetles. Dill: Dill is a herb that attracts beneficial insects such as lacewings and parasitic wasps, which help to control cabbage worms and other pests.
Plant dill near your kohlrabi and let nature take care of the pests. Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums are herbs that have a peppery taste and are also great for pest control.
Plant nasturtiums close to your kohlrabi to repel cabbage loopers and other pests. Nasturtiums also make great ground cover around kohlrabi.
Rosemary: Rosemary is a perennial herb that is great for pest control and repels slugs and snails. Plant rosemary near your kohlrabi to keep unwanted pests away.
Sweet Alyssum: Sweet Alyssum is a ground cover that attracts pollinators and beneficial insects such as hoverflies that feed on aphids. Plant sweet alyssum close to your kohlrabi to attract pollinators and beneficial insects.
Folk Wisdom and Science-Based Rules of Companion Planting for Kohlrabi
Companion planting is not a new concept; in fact, it has been around for centuries. Folk wisdom has shown us that certain plants grown together provide mutual benefits, while science provides evidence for why it works.
One science-based rule is to avoid planting brassicas near each other. Kohlrabi is a brassica, and therefore, it is advised not to plant it near other brassicas such as broccoli, cauliflower, or cabbage.
These plants share the same pests and diseases and can become a breeding ground for pests if grown in close proximity. Another rule is to plant crops with different root structures and nutrient requirements together.
This helps to prevent competition for resources and provides a more balanced ecosystem in your garden.
Growing Green
In conclusion, companion planting is a great way to add diversity and harmony to your garden. When you pair kohlrabi with the right companion plants, they enhance each other’s growth and help to ward off pests and diseases.
By using a mix of creative and practical pairings, and following folk wisdom and science-based rules, you can enjoy a healthy, productive garden while reducing the need for pesticides and herbicides.
Plants to Avoid Planting Near Kohlrabi
Companion planting can offer many benefits to a garden, but it’s just as important to be aware of which plants do not pair well with kohlrabi. Some plants can attract pests or compete for resources, such as water and nutrients, resulting in a less productive garden.
In this article, we will explore three categories of plants to avoid planting near kohlrabi: other brassicas, heavy feeders, and allelopathic plants.
Other Brassicas
Other brassicas such as kale, broccoli, and cauliflower should not be planted near kohlrabi. This is because they are in the same family and have similar nutrient and moisture requirements.
If planted together, these plants may compete for the same resources, leading to stunted growth and a less productive garden. Additionally, pests and diseases that affect one member of the brassica family can quickly spread to others.
This is why it’s recommended to rotate crops and not plant brassicas in the same spot year after year.
Heavy Feeders
Heavy feeder plants tend to require a lot of the same nutrients and water as kohlrabi. This makes planting them together a bad idea as they will both be competing for these resources, resulting in stunted growth or poor productivity.
Some examples of heavy feeder plants include corn, cucurbits (such as cucumbers, squash, and pumpkins), peppers, strawberries, and tomatoes. These plants benefit from their own dedicated garden space with soil amended specifically for their needs.
Allelopathic Plants
Allelopathic plants release chemicals that can inhibit the growth and development of neighboring plants. Kohlrabi is particularly sensitive to these chemicals, and planting them near allelopathic plants can severely stunt their growth.
Some well-known allelopathic plants include sunflowers and the black walnut tree. The black walnut tree produces a chemical called juglone, which can kill many plants around it, while sunflowers release compounds that inhibit the growth of many other plants.
In general, allelopathic plants release chemicals to deter competition for sunlight, water, and nutrients. Other examples of allelopathic plants include oats, rye, fava beans, and some herbs such as garlic and mint.
Before planting any new plants near kohlrabi, it’s crucial to research how they interact with other plants in the garden.
Conclusion
When planning your garden layout, it is essential to consider which plants to avoid planting near kohlrabi. Other brassicas, heavy feeders, and allelopathic plants are just a few examples of plants that can stunt the growth and productivity of your kohlrabi or attract pests and diseases.
Knowing which plants to avoid can help you plan a productive and healthy garden. It’s essential to research each plant’s specific needs and requirements before planning your garden layout to ensure a thriving kohlrabi crop.
In conclusion, proper companion planting and being aware of which plants to avoid planting near kohlrabi can significantly impact the health and productivity of your garden. By choosing appropriate companions such as beans, beets, celery, and sweet alyssum, and avoiding other brassicas, heavy feeders, and allelopathic plants, you can create a harmonious and thriving ecosystem in your garden.
Remember to research each plant’s specific requirements and needs before planning your layout. Below are some FAQs that address common questions and concerns regarding companion planting for kohlrabi.
FAQs:
1. Can I plant kohlrabi near other brassicas?
No, it’s best to avoid planting kohlrabi near other brassicas such as kale, broccoli, and cauliflower as they have similar nutrient and moisture requirements. This can lead to competition for resources and stunted growth.
2. Can I grow kohlrabi with heavy feeder plants like tomatoes and peppers?
It’s best to avoid planting kohlrabi with heavy feeders like tomatoes and peppers. They have similar nutrient and water requirements and will compete for resources, leading to stunted growth or poor productivity.
3. Can I plant kohlrabi near allelopathic plants like sunflowers and black walnut trees?
It’s best to avoid planting kohlrabi near allelopathic plants as they release chemicals that can inhibit the growth and development of neighboring plants. Kohlrabi is particularly sensitive to these chemicals, which can severely stunt its growth.
4. Can sweet alyssum attract pests to my garden?
Sweet alyssum can attract beneficial insects such as bees and hoverflies, which feed on aphids and other pests. It can also act as a ground cover, preventing weeds from growing and retaining soil moisture.