Growing a lush, productive patch of collard greens is a rewarding goal for any gardener. Choosing the right collards companion plants can make a huge difference in your harvest. This method, called companion planting, helps your garden thrive by pairing plants that support each other naturally.
You can use companions to deter pests, improve soil health, and even make better use of your garden space. It’s a smart, sustainable way to boost your garden’s overall health without relying on chemicals. Let’s look at how to create the best partnerships for your collards.
Collards Companion Plants
The best companions for collards are those that share similar growing conditions but don’t compete too aggressively. Collards enjoy full sun to part shade and consistent moisture in rich, well-drained soil. They are heavy feeders, so companions should either have modest nutrient needs or help add nutrients back to the earth.
Here are the top companion plants for collards, grouped by their main benefit:
* For Pest Control: Dill, cilantro, nasturtiums, marigolds, thyme, onions, garlic.
* For Soil Health: Bush beans, pole beans, crimson clover, peas.
* For Spatial Efficiency & Shade: Potatoes, cucumbers, celery, beets.
Herbs That Repel Common Pests
Many herbs are powerhouse companions because their strong scents confuse or repel insect pests. Planting them nearby creates a protective barrier for your collards.
Dill and Cilantro are excellent for attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps. These good bugs prey on aphids and cabbage worms, which love to munch on collard leaves. Just let some of your herbs flower to really bring in the helpers.
Nasturtiums are a classic trap crop. Aphids and cabbage moths are often more attracted to nasturtiums than your collards. You can plant them as a sacrificial border around your collard patch. Their bright flowers are also edible and add a peppery kick to salads.
Thyme and Mint can help deter the white cabbage moth. Be careful with mint, though—it’s incredibly invasive. Always plant mint in a container and then sink the container into the garden bed to prevent it from taking over.
Flowers That Protect Your Greens
Don’t underestimate the power of flowers in the vegetable garden. They’re not just for looks; they’re hardworking protectors.
Marigolds are perhaps the most famous companion flower. Their roots release a substance that helps repel harmful nematodes in the soil. Their scent also deters other pests. French marigolds are considered the most effective variety for this job.
Calendula, or pot marigold, attracts pollinators and other beneficials with its bright blooms. It can also help keep aphids at bay. It’s a cheerful and useful friend for your collard greens.
Vegetable Allies for a Healthier Plot
Other vegetables make great neighbors for collards by improving the environment they grow in. These pairings are about mutual support.
Alliums (Onions, Garlic, Chives) have a strong smell that masks the scent of collards from pests like cabbage loopers and aphids. They make a great border or interplanting choice. Plus, you get a harvest of delicious bulbs and greens from the same space.
Legumes (Bush Beans, Pole Beans, Peas) are soil improvers. They work with bacteria in the soil to “fix” nitrogen, making it available for hungry plants like collards. Planting beans near your collards gives them a natural nutrient boost. Just avoid planting them right next to each other if space is very tight, as beans can be vigorous growers.
Root Vegetables (Beets, Celery) are good companions because they occupy different soil space. Collards have a deeper root system, while beets and celery are more shallow-rooted. This means they don’t compete directly for water and nutrients. They make efficient use of the garden bed.
Plants to Avoid Near Collards
Just as some plants help, others can hinder. It’s important to know which plants to keep separate from your collard patch.
Other Brassicas like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and cabbage are bad companions. They are all in the same plant family and are attacked by the same pests and diseases. Grouping them together makes it easy for problems to spread rapidly. It also depletes the soil of the same specific nutrients.
Strawberries and collards are not a good match. They can compete strongly and some gardeners believe strawberries may inhibit the growth of brassica plants. It’s safer to keep them in different sections of the garden.
Corn is a heavy feeder and will compete with collards for nitrogen. It also casts a lot of shade, which collards don’t always appreciate if they’re already in partial shade.
How to Plant Your Collard Companions
Planning is key to successful companion planting. You don’t want your helpers to become competitors. Follow these simple steps for a thriving garden.
1. Plan Your Layout. Sketch your garden bed on paper. Place your collard plants, spacing them about 18-24 inches apart.
2. Add Pest-Repelling Herbs & Flowers. Plant aromatic herbs like dill or thyme, and flowers like marigolds, around the border of the bed or in between every few collard plants.
3. Incorporate Soil Builders. If using bush beans, plant them in a row alongside the collards, not directly in between them.
4. Use Vertical Space. If you’re growing pole beans or cucumbers, place them on the north side of your collards so they don’t shade them too much during the day.
5. Water and Mulch. After planting, water everything well. Apply a layer of organic mulch, like straw or shredded leaves, to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Remember to rotate your crops each year. Don’t plant collards or any brassica in the exact same spot next season. This prevents pest and disease buildup and maintains soil balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grows well with collard greens?
Many herbs (dill, mint), flowers (marigolds, nasturtiums), alliums (onions, garlic), and vegetables like beans and beets grow very well with collards.
What should you not plant next to collards?
Avoid planting other brassicas like broccoli, cabbage, and kale next to collards. Also keep them away from strawberries and corn.
Do collards need a lot of space?
Yes, collards need room to grow big leaves. Space them 18 to 24 inches apart. You can use the space between them for smaller, quick-growing companions like herbs or lettuce.
What is the best fertilizer for collards?
Collards are heavy feeders. They benefit from a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Well-rotted compost or a balanced organic fertilizer worked into the soil before planting is ideal. Companions like beans can also provide natural nitrogen.
Can I plant tomatoes with collards?
It’s not the best pairing. Tomatoes are also heavy feeders and might compete with collards. They have different watering needs and can attract similar pests like aphids. It’s generally better to keep them seperate.
Using companion planting for your collards creates a more resilient and productive garden ecosystem. By choosing the right partners, you’ll spend less time battling pests and more time harvesting beautiful, healthy greens. Your garden will not only look more diverse and interesting, but it will function as a complete, supportive community. Give these pairings a try this season and see the difference for yourself.