Kale Companion Plants
Kale is one of the hardiest and most useful UK brassicas, providing leaves across cooler months, yet it still attracts cabbage white caterpillars. Companion planting may diversify a bed, but it cannot replace physical exclusion and rotation. Aromatic herbs and strong-scented plants are traditional decoys, with only mixed evidence for their effect.
Good companions for Kale
| Plant | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| French beans | Beans are legumes that may leave nitrogen-containing residues after cropping, while kale uses a different season and structure. |
| Beetroot | Beetroot can occupy gaps around young kale, though it should be lifted before kale's leaves spread widely. |
| Celery | Celery's upright growth fits a moist mixed bed and contrasts with kale's broad, long-lasting foliage. |
| Sage | Sage is traditionally used near brassicas as a strongly scented decoy, although it offers no assured protection. |
| Rosemary | Rosemary provides a traditional aromatic companion at a sunny edge, away from kale's eventual shade. |
| Nasturtiums | Nasturtiums may draw insects towards themselves and bring pollinator-friendly flowers, but outcomes vary. |
| Poached egg plant | Poached egg plant flowers can support hoverflies and make the plot more hospitable to beneficial insects. |
Keep Kale away from
| Plant | Why to separate them |
|---|---|
| Cabbage | Cabbage shares cabbage white caterpillars and other brassica diseases, so avoid grouping them as one repeated crop. |
| Broccoli | Broccoli is another brassica with similar pests and feeding needs, making rotation less effective. |
| Cauliflower | Cauliflower shares brassica soil problems and should not precede or follow kale in the same ground. |
| Strawberries | Their low growth can be overshadowed by mature kale, while close planting makes maintenance more difficult. |
Tips
Plant in firm soil, leave ample room for mature leaves and water while plants establish. Fine insect mesh is the most reliable way to reduce egg-laying by cabbage white butterflies; inspect any uncovered plants regularly. Pick lower leaves little and often, removing damaged foliage. Rotate beds and do not plant kale after cabbage, broccoli or cauliflower.
Kale companion planting: frequently asked questions
What are good companion plants for kale?
Good companions for kale include French beans, Beetroot, Celery, Sage, Rosemary, Nasturtiums, Poached egg plant.
What should you not plant near kale?
Keep kale away from Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Strawberries.
How does companion planting help kale?
Kale is one of the hardiest and most useful UK brassicas, providing leaves across cooler months, yet it still attracts cabbage white caterpillars.
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Companion planting is a traditional practice; results vary with your climate, soil and garden. Page updated 19 Sep 2026.