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Companion planting for kale can cut pest pressure, attract helpful insects and make better use of limited bed space. In this guide you will learn which plants pair well with kale, which ones to keep apart, how to lay out a bed with kale in mind, and how to spot the common problems that companion plants can and cannot solve. Kale is a heavy feeder and a magnet for cabbage worms, so the right neighbors can make a real difference.
If you are new to the idea, it helps to start with the basics. For a plain-language overview of how plant pairings work, see What Does Companion Planting Mean? Pairings and Pitfalls. The rest of this article focuses specifically on kale and the brassica family it belongs to.
How Companion Planting Works for Kale
Kale is a brassica, which means it shares pests and nutrient needs with broccoli, cabbage, collards, Brussels sprouts and kohlrabi. The most common enemies are cabbage loopers, imported cabbageworms, aphids, flea beetles and harlequin bugs. Companion planting works in three main ways for kale: by confusing or repelling pests with strong scents, by attracting predatory insects such as lacewings, hoverflies and parasitic wasps, and by using space and ground cover to reduce weeds and moisture loss.
It is worth being honest about the limits. Research on companion planting is mixed, and a neighbor plant rarely eliminates a pest outbreak on its own. Think of companions as one layer of a broader plan that also includes row covers, regular inspection, adequate fertility and good spacing.
What Kale Needs From Its Neighbors
- Moderate to high nitrogen, so legumes or light compost feeding help.
- Consistent moisture, roughly 1 inch of water per week.
- Good air movement, since crowding raises the risk of fungal leaf spots.
- Cool-season conditions, so tall heat-loving neighbors should not shade it heavily in spring.
Best Companion Plants for Kale
Aromatic Herbs: Dill, Thyme and Rosemary
Dill is one of the most widely recommended companions for kale. Its flowers attract hoverflies and parasitic wasps, which prey on aphids and caterpillars. Plant dill at the edge of the bed rather than between kale plants, because it can grow 2 to 3 feet tall and cast shade. Thyme works well as a low groundcover along the bed edge. Its strong scent is thought to deter some cabbage butterflies, and its shallow roots do not compete much with kale. Rosemary is a good choice for the bed border in warm climates, though it can be slow to establish and should be kept away from wet soil.
Flowers: Nasturtiums and Marigolds
Nasturtiums are a classic trap crop. Aphids and some caterpillars sometimes prefer them to kale, so they draw pests away from the main crop. Plant them 12 to 18 inches from the kale and check them regularly, since a heavy aphid load on nasturtiums can spread back to nearby plants. French marigolds (Tagetes patula) are often planted for their reputed effect on soil nematodes and their attraction of beneficial insects. For a range of options, see Marigold Seeds for Companion Planting: 8 Best Picks for Vegetable Gardens (2026).
Alliums: Onions, Garlic and Leeks
Onions and garlic are commonly paired with brassicas. Their sulfur-containing compounds are believed to deter some pests, and their upright, narrow leaves take up little space. Onions also grow well alongside lettuce, which is useful if you rotate crops within a bed. See Onions and Lettuce Companion Planting: 8 Best Picks for Your Garden (2026) for ideas on mixing those two. Space alliums about 4 to 6 inches apart along the bed edge or between kale plants that are spaced 18 inches apart.
Legumes: Bush Beans and Peas
Bush beans and peas add nitrogen to the soil through root nodules, which benefits kale because it is a heavy nitrogen user. Plant them on the north side of the bed in the Northern Hemisphere so they do not shade the kale. Pole beans are generally too tall for this role, though they can work on a trellis at the bed edge. For more on beans, see Companion Planting with Pole Beans: 8 Best Supports, Companions and Tools (2026).
Aromatic Greens: Lettuce and Spinach
Lettuce and spinach are cool-season crops that tolerate the same weather as kale, making them practical interplanting partners. Lettuce is shallow-rooted and harvested before kale reaches full size, so the two do not compete heavily. Use this pairing in spring and fall, not in midsummer heat when lettuce bolts.
Other Good Options
- Celery, which may deter cabbage butterflies, though evidence is anecdotal.
- Chamomile, which attracts hoverflies when allowed to bloom.
- Calendula, a cool-season flower that draws pollinators and beneficial insects.
- Sage, placed at the bed edge, though it can shade seedlings if allowed to spread.
Plants to Keep Away From Kale
Some plants are poor companions because they compete for the same nutrients, attract the same pests or stunt growth. Keep these at a distance.
- Strawberries: They compete for moisture and can host pests that also affect brassicas.
- Pole beans and tall corn: They shade kale and draw heavily on soil nitrogen.
- Other brassicas grown in the same spot: Planting broccoli, cabbage or collards directly beside kale concentrates cabbage worm and flea beetle pressure. Spacing them on opposite ends of a bed or rotating them into different beds is safer.
- Tomatoes and potatoes: They share some soil-borne diseases and can compete for space and nutrients, though they are often grown in the same garden.
For a broader list of pairings and conflicts, see Companion Planting for Tomato: 8 Plants That Help and 5 to Avoid, which covers many of the same principles.
Layout and Spacing Tips for Kale Companion Beds
Good spacing matters more than the choice of companion. Kale is a large plant when mature, and overcrowding invites fungal disease and pest hiding places.
Step-by-Step Bed Layout
- Measure your bed. A 4 by 8 foot raised bed fits roughly 12 kale plants on 18-inch centers.
- Plant kale in the center or along the north side, at 18 to 24 inches apart depending on variety. Dwarf and baby kale can be placed closer, around 12 inches.
- Place alliums or lettuce in the gaps between kale plants or along the front edge, 6 inches from the kale stem.
- Put taller companions such as dill or bush beans at the back or north edge, so they do not shade the kale.
- Add nasturtiums or marigolds at the corners as trap crops, 12 to 18 inches from the nearest kale.
- Leave at least 12 inches of clearance for harvesting outer leaves.
Timing Your Planting
Kale is a cool-season crop that tolerates light frost. In most US gardens, transplant kale 4 to 6 weeks before the last spring frost, or sow seeds 6 to 8 weeks before that date. For a fall crop, plant 10 to 12 weeks before the first expected frost. Time companions so they reach their useful stage when kale is most vulnerable to cabbage worms, usually in late spring and again in early fall.
| Companion | Spacing from Kale | Main Benefit | Placement Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dill | 12 to 18 inches | Attracts hoverflies and wasps | Bed edge, away from kale |
| Nasturtium | 12 to 18 inches | Trap crop for aphids | Corners, monitored weekly |
| Onion or garlic | 6 inches | Compact, may deter pests | Between kale or along front |
| Bush beans | 12 inches | Adds nitrogen | North side, avoid shading |
| Thyme | 6 to 8 inches | Groundcover, may repel butterflies | Bed edge |
| Lettuce | 6 to 8 inches | Fills space before kale matures | Spring and fall only |
Monitoring and Managing Pests on a Companion Bed
Companion plants reduce pests but do not replace inspection. Check the undersides of kale leaves at least twice a week during spring and early fall. Look for small white butterflies, green caterpillars with pale stripes, and clusters of aphids. Rub off eggs and aphids by hand, or spray plants with a strong stream of water.
Floating row cover is one of the most effective tools for protecting brassicas. Install it right after transplanting and remove it when plants flower or when you can see pollinators are needed. Secure the edges with soil or landscape pins to keep moths out.
Recommended gear
A few supplies make companion beds easier to manage. Floating row cover protects kale from cabbage butterflies, a spacing tape or string helps keep plant placement accurate, and a soil thermometer helps time planting dates. Consult your local extension office for region-specific pest guidance.
- Agribon floating row cover: A lightweight, breathable fabric that lets light and water through while blocking cabbage butterflies. Search phrase: View on Amazon
- Soil thermometer: Helps confirm soil temperature before sowing kale seed, which germinates best in soil around 45 to 75°F. Search phrase: View on Amazon
- Garden spacing tape: A measured tape marked at intervals makes it easy to lay out 18-inch kale spacing accurately. Search phrase: View on Amazon
Common Mistakes
- Overcrowding kale to fill space, which causes poor airflow and disease.
- Expecting companions to fully control pests, when row cover and hand-picking are still needed.
- Planting nasturtiums and forgetting them, which can let aphids build up and spread.
- Letting dill or cilantro bolt and shade kale, so trim or harvest them before they grow tall.
- Ignoring soil fertility, since companions cannot make up for depleted nitrogen. Side-dress kale with compost or a balanced fertilizer every 3 to 4 weeks.
Tips for Success
- Keep a simple garden journal noting which pairings worked in each bed.
- Rotate brassicas to a new bed each year to reduce soil-borne disease.
- Harvest outer kale leaves regularly to keep the plant productive and reduce the number of old, pest-prone leaves.
- Use mulch around kale to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, leaving a 2-inch gap at the stem.
FAQ
What is the best companion plant for kale?
Dill, onions and nasturtiums are among the most commonly recommended companions. Dill attracts beneficial insects, onions take little space and nasturtiums act as a trap crop for aphids.
Can I plant kale and tomatoes together?
It is generally not recommended. Tomatoes and kale compete for space and nutrients, and tomatoes can share some soil-borne diseases with brassicas. If space is limited, keep them at opposite ends of the garden.
Does garlic really keep cabbage worms away from kale?
Garlic is often reported to deter some pests, but controlled evidence is limited. It is a useful, low-space companion, but it should be combined with row cover and regular inspection for dependable results.
How far apart should companion plants be from kale?
Most compact companions, such as onions and lettuce, can sit 6 to 8 inches from kale. Taller plants like dill or beans should be 12 to 18 inches away and placed on the north side so they do not shade the kale.
Can kale be grown in containers with companions?
Yes. Use a container at least 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide per plant, and pair kale with compact herbs such as thyme or chives. Water more often, since containers dry out faster than raised beds.
Which plants should never be grown next to kale?
Avoid planting strawberries, pole beans and other brassicas directly beside kale. Strawberries compete for moisture, pole beans shade the crop, and other brassicas concentrate the same pests.
When should I plant kale companions in spring?
Set out kale transplants 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost. Plant onions, lettuce and herbs at the same time, and add nasturtiums or dill once temperatures are reliably above freezing.
Conclusion
Companion planting for kale works best when you choose partners that suit your space, climate and pest pattern. Start with dill, onions and nasturtiums, space everything carefully and keep plants out of each other’s shade. Pair these practices with row cover and regular leaf checks for the strongest results.
