When it comes to planting kale, there are certain vegetables that should be kept at a distance. One group of plants to avoid planting near kale is the brassica family. This family includes vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, and collards.
The reason for avoiding planting brassicas near kale is that these plants can encourage the spread of pests and diseases. Brassicas are known to attract a variety of pests, such as cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles. These pests can easily move from one brassica plant to another, causing widespread damage.
By planting kale near other brassicas, you create an environment where pests can easily travel between plants, leading to a higher risk of infestation. This is especially problematic because kale is often grown for its leaves, which can be heavily damaged by pests.
Additionally, planting kale near other brassicas can also increase the risk of diseases. Many diseases that affect brassicas, such as clubroot and black rot, can spread through the soil. By keeping kale separate from other brassicas, you reduce the chances of these diseases spreading to your kale plants.
To prevent these issues, it is best to keep kale away from other members of the brassica family. This can be done by providing enough space between plants or creating physical barriers, such as using row covers or planting in separate raised beds.
In my personal experience, I have seen the negative effects of planting kale near other brassicas. One year, I planted kale next to my broccoli plants, thinking they would benefit from each other’s presence. However, I soon noticed that both plants were being attacked by cabbage worms. The infestation spread quickly, and I had to resort to using organic pest control methods to save my crops.
Since that experience, I have made sure to keep kale separate from other brassicas in my garden. By doing so, I have noticed a significant reduction in pest problems and diseases affecting my kale plants.
It is important to avoid planting kale near other members of the brassica family, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, and collards. This helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases that can damage kale plants. By providing enough space or using physical barriers, you can ensure the health and productivity of your kale crop.