Brussels sprouts can be tricky to grow, but choosing the right companion plant for Brussels sprouts can help them thrive. Companion planting is a technique where different plants are grown near each other for mutual benefits. In this article, we’ll explore the best plants to grow with Brussels sprouts to keep pests away and improve growth.
What Is Companion Planting?
Companion planting is when you plant certain types of crops together to help each other grow better. Some plants repel pests, some attract beneficial insects, and some even improve the soil. For Brussels sprouts, finding the best companion plant can help with pest control and promote healthy growth.
Best Companion Plants for Brussels Sprouts
To grow healthy Brussels sprouts, choosing the right companion plants is key. Below are some of the best companions for Brussels sprouts:
1. Aromatic Herbs
Aromatic herbs are excellent companion plants because their strong scents can help keep pests away. Some herbs that work well with Brussels sprouts are:
- Basil
- Mint
- Garlic
These herbs help repel common pests like aphids, beetles, and caterpillars. Garlic, in particular, is known for keeping Japanese beetles and aphids away from your Brussels sprouts.
2. Flowers
Some flowers are also great companion plants for Brussels sprouts.
- Marigolds: These flowers can deter pests and help protect the soil from nematodes (tiny worms).
- Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums are great for keeping pests like squash bugs and whiteflies away from Brussels sprouts.
3. Trap Crops
A trap crop is a plant that attracts pests, keeping them away from your main crops. Mustard is a great trap crop for Brussels sprouts. By planting mustard near your Brussels sprouts, pests that normally target Brussels sprouts will go for the mustard instead. Once you see pests on the mustard, remove it to stop the problem from spreading.
4. Vegetables and Herbs
Several other vegetables and herbs also make good companion plants for Brussels sprouts. These plants don’t need too much space, which makes them great for growing near Brussels sprouts. Some of these include:
- Beets
- Carrots
- Celery
- Spinach
- Onions
These plants work well because they don’t compete with Brussels sprouts for nutrients and space.
Worst Companion Plants for Brussels Sprouts
While some plants help your Brussels sprouts grow, others can cause problems. There are certain plants you should avoid growing near Brussels sprouts:
1. Other Brassicas
Brussels sprouts belong to the brassica family, which also includes cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli. These plants share similar pests and diseases, so it’s better not to plant them near each other. If one gets a pest problem, it could spread to the others.
2. Heavy Feeders
Some plants take a lot of nutrients from the soil, making it harder for Brussels sprouts to grow. These are called heavy feeders. You should avoid planting Brussels sprouts next to:
- Sweet corn
- Pumpkin
- Watermelon
These plants take too many nutrients and can stunt the growth of your Brussels sprouts.
3. Spreading Plants
Some plants spread out and take up too much space, which can crowd your Brussels sprouts. Avoid planting Brussels sprouts next to:
- Strawberries
- Pole beans
These plants can block sunlight and reduce the space available for your Brussels sprouts.
Choosing the right companion plant for Brussels sprouts can help protect your crops from pests, save space, and improve growth. Aromatic herbs like garlic, basil, and mint, as well as flowers like marigolds and nasturtiums, are all great options for keeping pests away. Avoid planting other brassicas and heavy feeders near your Brussels sprouts to ensure they have enough nutrients and space to grow. With the right companion plants, you can grow healthy, thriving Brussels sprouts in your garden.
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