The Ultimate Guide To Brussels Sprout Companion Planting

The Ultimate Guide to Brussels Sprout Companion Planting

Brussels sprouts are a delicious and nutritious vegetable that can be grown in many parts of the world. They are a member of the cabbage family, and as such, they have some specific companion planting needs. By planting Brussels sprouts with the right companion plants, you can help them to grow healthy and produce a bountiful harvest.

In this guide, we will discuss the benefits of companion planting with Brussels sprouts, as well as some of the best companion plants for this vegetable. We will also cover some of the plants that you should avoid planting near Brussels sprouts.

Benefits of Companion Planting with Brussels Sprouts

There are many benefits to companion planting with Brussels sprouts. Some of the most important benefits include:

• Improved soil health: Companion plants can help to improve the soil health around Brussels sprouts by adding nutrients, breaking down organic matter, and suppressing weeds.
• Disease and pest control: Companion plants can help to repel pests and diseases that can damage Brussels sprouts. For example, marigolds are known to repel aphids, while nasturtiums attract beneficial insects that prey on pests.
• Increased pollination: Some companion plants, such as bees and butterflies, can help to pollinate Brussels sprouts, which can lead to a larger harvest.
• Competitive exclusion: Companion plants can help to compete with weeds for space and sunlight, which can help to keep your Brussels sprouts healthy and productive.

Best Companion Plants for Brussels Sprouts

There are many different companion plants that can be grown with Brussels sprouts. Some of the best include:

• Alliums: Alliums, such as onions, garlic, and chives, can help to repel pests and diseases that can damage Brussels sprouts. They can also help to improve the flavor of Brussels sprouts.
• Carrots: Carrots can help to improve the flavor of Brussels sprouts and can also help to suppress weeds.
• Celery: Celery can help to attract beneficial insects that prey on pests. It can also help to improve the soil quality around Brussels sprouts.
• Chamomile: Chamomile can help to repel pests and diseases. It can also help to improve the flavor of Brussels sprouts.
• Dill: Dill can help to attract beneficial insects that prey on pests. It can also help to improve the pollination of Brussels sprouts.
• Marigolds: Marigolds are known to repel aphids and other pests. They can also help to improve the soil quality around Brussels sprouts.
• Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums attract beneficial insects that prey on pests. They can also help to improve the pollination of Brussels sprouts.
• Peas: Peas can help to fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit Brussels sprouts. They can also help to suppress weeds.
• Spinach: Spinach can help to improve the soil quality around Brussels sprouts. It can also help to suppress weeds.

Plants to Avoid Planting Near Brussels Sprouts

There are a few plants that you should avoid planting near Brussels sprouts. These include:

• Fennel: Fennel can compete with Brussels sprouts for water and nutrients.
• Potatoes: Potatoes can harbor diseases that can damage Brussels sprouts.
• Squash: Squash can compete with Brussels sprouts for space and sunlight.
• Tomatoes: Tomatoes can exude a chemical that can inhibit the growth of Brussels sprouts.

Conclusion

By planting Brussels sprouts with the right companion plants, you can help them to grow healthy and produce a bountiful harvest. By avoiding planting Brussels sprouts near certain plants, you can also help to protect them from pests and diseases.

If you are new to companion planting, it is a good idea to do some research to learn more about the specific needs of Brussels sprouts and the different companion plants that can benefit them. With a little planning, you can create a healthy and productive garden that includes Brussels sprouts and their ideal companion plants.

Brussels sprouts are a delicious and nutritious vegetable, but they can be susceptible to pests and diseases. Companion planting is a great way to help protect your Brussels sprouts and improve their yield. Some of the best companion plants for Brussels sprouts include:

• Onions: Onions have a strong smell that deters pests like cabbage moths and aphids.
• Garlic: Garlic is another strong-smelling plant that pests don't like. It also helps to improve the flavor of Brussels sprouts.
• Leeks: Leeks are a good companion plant for Brussels sprouts because they help to improve the soil drainage.
• Carrots: Carrots help to improve the flavor of Brussels sprouts and also help to repel pests.
• Chamomile: Chamomile is a flowering plant that helps to attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on pests.

If you're looking for more information about companion planting for Brussels sprouts, I recommend visiting Gardenia Inspiration. This website has a comprehensive guide to companion planting, as well as information on specific companion plants for different vegetables.

FAQ of brussel sprout companions

Q: What are some good companion plants for Brussels sprouts?

A: Brussels sprouts can be grown alongside a variety of other plants, but some of the best companions include:

• Alliums: Alliums, such as garlic, onions, and chives, help to repel pests that target Brussels sprouts, such as cabbage moths and aphids.
• Carrots: Carrots help to improve the flavor of Brussels sprouts when planted nearby.
• Herbs: Herbs such as mint, basil, rosemary, and sage all repel pests that like Brussels sprouts, and they can also add flavor to the sprouts when cooked.
• Marigolds: Marigolds are known for their insect-repelling properties, and they can help to protect Brussels sprouts from pests such as cabbage moths and whiteflies.
• Peas: Peas help to loosen the soil around Brussels sprouts, which can help the sprouts to grow better.

Q: What plants should I avoid planting near Brussels sprouts?

A: There are a few plants that you should avoid planting near Brussels sprouts, as they can compete for nutrients or attract pests. These plants include:

• Cabbage: Brussels sprouts are a member of the cabbage family, so planting them near other cabbage family members, such as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower, can increase the risk of disease.
• Kale: Kale can attract the same pests as Brussels sprouts, such as cabbage moths and aphids.
• Spinach: Spinach can also attract pests that target Brussels sprouts.
• Tomatoes: Tomatoes can attract the tomato hornworm, which can also eat Brussels sprouts.
• Peppers: Peppers can attract the pepper weevil, which can also eat Brussels sprouts.

Q: How far apart should I plant Brussels sprouts and their companions?

A: The ideal spacing for Brussels sprouts and their companions will vary depending on the specific plants involved. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should plant Brussels sprouts at least 18 inches apart, and their companions should be planted at least 12 inches apart.

Q: When should I plant Brussels sprouts and their companions?

A: Brussels sprouts should be planted in the spring, after the last frost. Their companions can be planted at the same time, or a few weeks earlier.

Q: How do I care for Brussels sprouts and their companions?

A: Brussels sprouts and their companions need regular watering, especially during dry periods. They also need to be fertilized every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer. In addition, you should keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and take steps to control them as needed.

Image of brussel sprout companions

5 different images of Brussels sprout companions from Pinterest:

1. Allium. Alliums, such as onions, garlic, and chives, are known to repel pests that can damage Brussels sprouts, such as cabbage moths and aphids.
2. Beet. Beets are a good companion plant for Brussels sprouts because they help to suppress weeds and improve the soil quality.
3. Herbs. Herbs, such as mint, rosemary, and thyme, can help to deter pests and attract beneficial insects to the Brussels sprout patch.
4. Marigold. Marigolds are known for their insect-repelling properties and can help to protect Brussels sprouts from pests such as cabbage moths and aphids.
5. Nasturtium. Nasturtiums are another insect-repelling plant that can be grown alongside Brussels sprouts. They also help to improve the soil quality and can be used as a groundcover to suppress weeds.