Best Companion Plants for Cabbage (And What to Avoid)
Growing cabbage alongside the right companion plants can improve its health, boost flavor, and naturally reduce pest problems. Over my 30+ years gardening experience, I’ve seen how strategic plant pairings create a balanced ecosystem that supports cabbage growth and minimizes chemical interventions.
Best Companion Plants for Cabbage
- Herbs That Repel Pests
- Dill: Attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps that prey on cabbage pests.
- Thyme: Repels cabbage worms and other leaf-eating insects.
- Rosemary: Its strong scent deters aphids and flea beetles.
- Flowers That Attract Beneficial Insects
- Marigolds: Repel nematodes and aphids, improving soil health and cabbage vigor.
- Nasturtiums: Trap aphids and attract pollinators.
- Calendula: Attracts hoverflies and predatory insects.
- Vegetables That Grow Well With Cabbage
- Beets: Different root zones reduce competition; beets improve soil quality.
- Celery: Acts as a pest deterrent and helps improve cabbage flavor.
- Onions and Garlic: Repel many common cabbage pests.
Plants to Avoid Near Cabbage
- Strawberries: Compete for nutrients and can harbor pests.
- Tomatoes: Can stunt cabbage growth and increase disease risk.
- Pole Beans: Compete heavily for nutrients and water.
- Fennel: Inhibits growth of many garden vegetables, including cabbage.
My takeaway:
In my garden, planting herbs like dill and thyme near cabbage, combined with marigolds and nasturtiums, has consistently reduced pest issues and enhanced growth without chemicals. Avoiding antagonistic plants like tomatoes and fennel keeps cabbage thriving.
Cabbage Companion Planting Chart
| Category | Best Companions | Plants to Avoid | Benefits / Issues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herbs | Dill, Thyme, Rosemary | Fennel | Repel pests, attract beneficial insects / Inhibits growth |
| Flowers | Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Calendula | None commonly reported | Repel pests, attract pollinators and predators |
| Vegetables | Beets, Celery, Onions, Garlic | Tomatoes, Pole Beans, Strawberries | Improve soil, repel pests / Compete for nutrients, stunt growth |
Pro tip:
In my experience, planting a diverse mix of herbs and flowers near cabbage not only reduces pests but also supports pollinators and overall garden health.
Cabbage Learning Hub
🥬 Start Here: The Ultimate Cabbage Growing Guide: From Seed to Harvest
🌿 Planting & Timing
- Cabbage Seed Starting Tips
- When to Plant Cabbage: Timing for Spring, Summer, and Fall Crops
Covers zone-based timing, transplant vs. direct sow. - How to Grow Spring Cabbage for Early Harvests
“Spring cabbage growing” – high seasonal interest. - How to Grow Cabbage in Containers: A Complete Guide
Perfect for urban/small-space gardeners. Include spacing, soil depth, and feeding. - How to Space and Thin Cabbage for Tight, Heavy Heads
Spacing is a common problem leading to poor heads or bolting.
How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Chinese Cabbage
🦟 Pests, Diseases & Troubleshooting
- Common Cabbage Pests and How to Get Rid of Them Naturally
Aphids, cabbage worms, flea beetles, cutworms. - Why Is My Cabbage Splitting? Causes and Fixes for Cracked Heads
Very specific problem; here’s why this happens. - How to Prevent Bolting in Cabbage and Other Brassicas
Seasonal temperature swings confuse many gardeners.
💧 Care & Growing Tips
- How Much Water Does Cabbage Need? A Seasonal Watering Guide
“How often to water cabbage” queries are common. - How to Fertilize Cabbage for Leaf Growth and Head Formation
Discuss starter fertilizer, side-dressing, nitrogen balance.
What to plant with cabbage. - Common Cabbage Pests and Diseases and How to Treat Them Naturally
🧊 Harvesting, Storage & Preservation
- How to Harvest and Store Cabbage
- How and When to Harvest Cabbage for Peak Flavor and Texture
Includes signs of readiness and how to cut heads without damagin - Best Companion Plants for Cabbage (And What to Avoid)g the plant.
🥗 In the Kitchen & Beyond
- Seven Ways to Cook and Serve Cabbage
- Five Ways to Cook and Serve Chinese Cabbage
- Four Ways to Cook and Serve Napa Cabbage
🌱 Varieties & Seed Saving
- Best Cabbage Varieties for Your Climate and Growing Zone
Optimized for zone-specific growing.
- Savoy, Napa, and Red: Which Type of Cabbage Should You Grow?
Comparative format — helpful for new gardeners. - Growing Green Cabbage vs. Red Cabbage: The Differences
- Oriental Mustard Cabbage Explained: White Stalks vs. Green Stalks
