15 Friendly Cabbage Companion Plants

Carrots and cabbage make excellent companion plants due to their complementary growth habits and beneficial effects on each other. Carrots have a deep root system that helps break up compacted soil, making it easier for cabbage to establish its shallow roots. Additionally, carrots release chemicals that repel cabbage pests like aphids and root maggots, protecting the cabbage crop.

Both plants prefer similar cool-season climates and well-drained, loamy soil. While cabbage requires more nitrogen, carrots have low nutrient requirements, making them compatible in terms of soil nutrition. Overall, planting carrots alongside cabbage improves soil structure, deters pests, and enhances both plants' growth.

Beets are root vegetables that are one of the best companion plants for cabbage. They have a round shape with a deep red or purple color, although some varieties may be golden or white. Growing beets alongside cabbage helps repel cabbage pests like aphids and cabbage worms, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

Beets have a shallow root system, which complements the deeper roots of cabbage, allowing them to share nutrients and prevent soil erosion. One delicious dish that combines these vegetables is a roasted cabbage and beet salad, where thinly sliced cabbage and beets are tossed in olive oil, roasted until tender, and then combined with a tangy vinaigrette dressing.

Spinach serves as an excellent companion plant for cabbage because spinach helps deter pests that commonly attack cabbage, such as aphids and cabbage worms, by emitting a strong odor that repels them. Additionally, spinach has a similar climate preference as cabbage, thriving in cool weather conditions and tolerating light frosts.

Both plants also prefer fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH. Furthermore, spinach and cabbage have different nutrition requirements, allowing them to coexist without competing for essential nutrients, ensuring optimal growth and health for both plants.

Celery and cabbage make a primeval power duo in the garden. Celery's scent masks cabbage from the keen noses of unwanted pests, keeping the cabbage patch secure. Beyond that, celery brings its own skills to the soil, improving its structure and enhancing the overall health of the cabbage.

They share the same soil preferences and growing conditions, fostering a harmonious environment that boosts each other's growth. Together, they form a primitive partnership, standing tall and strong in the garden.

Onion, a bulbous ally in the garden, is like the silent guardian of cabbage. With its distinctive pungent aroma and layers of protective skin, the onion stands tall alongside the cabbage, warding off pests that may harm its leafy companion.

Their symbiotic relationship extends beyond the soil, as onions deter cabbage worms and provide natural defense. In the kitchen, the marriage of cabbage and onion blossoms in a delectable coleslaw, where the crispness of cabbage harmonizes with the savory bite of onions, creating a flavorful union on the plate.

Garlic, with its slender green shoots and pungent bulbs, stands as an excellent companion to cabbage. Its distinct aroma wards off pests harmful to cabbage, creating a natural shield for its cruciferous companion. Cabbages, nestled alongside garlic, thrive in a symbiotic relationship, as the garlic discourages pests like cabbage worms.

This dynamic duo not only ensures a healthier cabbage patch but also enriches your culinary endeavors. Try a delectable stir-fry of garlic-infused cabbage, marrying their flavors for a dish that celebrates the fruitful partnership in both the garden and the kitchen.

Beans and cabbage are ideal companion plants to grow together in the garden. The reason behind this is that beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they convert nitrogen from the air into a form that other plants can use. Cabbage, on the other hand, benefits greatly from nitrogen-rich soil.

By planting these two crops together, the beans provide a natural source of nitrogen to the cabbage, promoting its growth and overall health. Additionally, the dense foliage of the cabbage can provide shade and act as a natural mulch, helping to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.

Potatoes and cabbage, a dynamic duo in the garden, thrive side by side with a harmonious dance of growth. Potatoes, with their leafy foliage, provide shade for cabbage, preventing it from bolting prematurely. Cabbage, in turn, deters pests that could harm the potato crop.

This companionship fosters a mutually beneficial environment, optimizing space and nutrients. In the kitchen, these companions unite in a delicious colcannon, a traditional Irish dish blending mashed potatoes and cabbage, creating a flavorful celebration of their cooperative journey from garden to table.

Borage, a vibrant companion to cabbage, boasts fuzzy leaves and captivating blue flowers. Its presence enhances cabbage growth by attracting pollinators and repelling harmful insects, promoting a harmonious garden.

The cucumber-like taste of borage leaves adds a refreshing twist to coleslaw, a delightful dish combining shredded cabbage and chopped borage. Together, they create a culinary symphony, marrying the crispness of cabbage with the subtle, cucumber-like notes of borage, showcasing the perfect union of these garden companions on the plate.

Lettuce, a stellar companion for cabbage, thrives in cool climates and well-drained soil, aligning seamlessly with cabbage's preferences. Their compatibility extends beyond shared environmental needs—lettuce acts as a living mulch, shading the soil and retaining moisture, which benefits cabbage during hot spells.

Moreover, lettuce's shallow roots complement cabbage's deeper ones, preventing competition for nutrients. This dynamic duo not only coexists peacefully but also enhances each other's growth, showcasing a garden synergy that promotes optimal health and yields for both lettuce and cabbage.

Thyme imparts multiple benefits when grown side by side with cabbage making it a wise companion plant. Its aromatic presence deters cabbage-loving pests, acting as a natural guardian for the cruciferous crop. Thriving in well-drained soil and preferring a sunny climate, thyme complements cabbage's preferences.

The herb's shallow roots avoid competition for nutrients, allowing both plants to flourish together. Thyme's low-maintenance demeanor and soil-enriching qualities make it a perfect ally for cabbage, creating a mutually beneficial environment where each plant thrives, contributing to a bountiful harvest.

Buckwheat, a leafy companion for cabbage, stands tall with heart-shaped leaves, distinct from cabbage's layered greenery. Together, they create a dynamic duo in the garden. Buckwheat acts as a natural pest suppressor, fending off unwanted insects that could harm cabbage.

Its rapid growth also provides shade, preventing weeds and conserving soil moisture for the cabbage patch. A culinary delight featuring both is a hearty stir-fry—cabbage's crunch complements the nutty flavor of buckwheat, creating a wholesome dish brimming with garden-fresh goodness.

Oregano makes an excellent companion for cabbage in the garden with its fragrant lush green leaves. Its bushy growth acts as a natural pest deterrent, keeping cabbage safe from unwanted insect invaders.

The aromatic oils released by oregano also contribute to the overall health of cabbage plants. In the kitchen, the dynamic duo of cabbage and oregano can be celebrated in a hearty cabbage and oregano coleslaw, where the herb's zesty notes elevate the flavors, creating a delectable harmony of freshness and depth in every crunchy bite.

Basil and cabbage make excellent companion plants as they provide various benefits when grown together. Basil acts as a natural pest repellent, deterring insects such as aphids and flies that may harm cabbage plants. Additionally, its strong aroma can mask the scent of cabbage, making it less attractive to pests.

In return, cabbage provides shade and protection to the basil plants, which prefer partial sun. This mutually beneficial relationship helps ensure the healthy growth of both plants while reducing the need for chemical pesticides and fostering a more sustainable garden ecosystem.

Radishes and cabbage are best friends among companion plants due to their similar climate preferences, soil preferences, and nutrition requirements. Both plants thrive in cool weather conditions, making them compatible for planting together.

They prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Additionally, both radishes and cabbage require similar nutrient levels, including a good supply of nitrogen. By planting these two crops together, they can share resources efficiently and contribute to each other's growth, leading to a successful and productive garden.