Kohlrabi Companion Planting: Best and Worst Neighbors

Companion planting is an essential strategy for healthy, productive kohlrabi. With over 30 years of gardening experience in California, I’ve observed how planting certain vegetables nearby can improve growth, deter pests, and enhance soil health. Conversely, some neighbors compete for nutrients or attract harmful insects, reducing your kohlrabi yield. In this guide, I’ll break down the best and worst companions for kohlrabi.

Table of Contents

Best Companion Plants for Kohlrabi

1. Beets

Improve soil structure and do not compete for space or nutrients.

2. Onions and Garlic

Repel pests like aphids and cabbage worms with their strong scent.

3. Lettuce and Spinach

Grow well in the shade of kohlrabi’s broad leaves; maximize garden space.

4. Herbs (Dill, Chamomile, Rosemary, Thyme)

Attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and predatory wasps.
Enhance flavor and overall plant health.

5. Potatoes

Can be planted nearby if spacing is adequate; reduce nematode problems in some soils.

Worst Companion Plants for Kohlrabi

1. Other Brassicas (Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts)

Attract the same pests and increase disease risk.

2. Strawberries

Compete for nutrients and can harbor pests that attack kohlrabi.

3. Tomatoes

Heavy feeders; may reduce kohlrabi growth and increase vulnerability to pests.

4. Pole Beans

Can compete for sunlight and space, especially in small gardens.

Companion Planting Tips

Rotate kohlrabi each season to prevent soil-borne diseases.
Use row spacing to prevent overcrowding with companions.
Interplant herbs or flowers to attract beneficial insects and reduce pest pressure.

My Experience

Choosing the right neighbors can make your kohlrabi stronger, healthier, and more productive. By pairing it with complementary vegetables and herbs while avoiding conflicting plants, you’ll maximize your harvest and reduce pest and disease problems naturally. Companion planting is a simple, low-cost strategy that has consistently improved my garden’s performance over decades of experience.

Kohlrabi Companion Planting Chart

Companion Type	Best Neighbors	Why It Works	Avoid / Worst Neighbors	Why to Avoid
Root Vegetables	Beets	Improve soil structure, don’t compete for nutrients	—	—
Alliums	Onions, Garlic	Repel pests like aphids and cabbage worms	—	—
Leafy Greens	Lettuce, Spinach	Shade-tolerant, maximize garden space	—	—
Herbs	Dill, Chamomile, Rosemary, Thyme	Attract beneficial insects, improve plant health	—	—
Other Brassicas	—	—	Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts	Attract same pests, increase disease risk
Fruiting Vegetables	—	—	Tomatoes, Pole Beans	Compete for nutrients, light, and space
Fruit Crops	—	—	Strawberries	Compete for nutrients, harbor pests

💡 Tip from My Experience:
Interplant herbs and leafy companions to naturally deter pests while optimizing space and sunlight in your kohlrabi beds.

Kohlrabi Growing Hub

Start here: The Ultimate Guide to Growing Kohlrabi: From Seed to Harvest

🌱 Planning & Varieties

Best Kohlrabi Varieties to Grow in Your Garden – Compare early, late, and specialty varieties for flavor, color, and growth speed.
When to Plant Kohlrabi: Seasonal Planting Guide – Spring, summer, and fall planting windows for cool, crisp bulbs.
Kohlrabi Companion Planting: Best and Worst Neighbors – Plants that boost growth or deter pests naturally.
Growing Kohlrabi in Containers and Small Spaces – Pot size, soil mix, and care for urban gardens.

🌿 Seed Starting & Transplanting

From seed to sturdy seedlings.

Kohlrabi Seed Starting Tips – Germination tips, soil temperature, and timing for successful strong plants.
How to Transplant Kohlrabi Seedlings Successfully – Hardening off, spacing, and planting depth for seedlings.
Kohlrabi Spacing and Layout for Maximum Yield – Row vs. raised bed spacing, companion planting considerations.

🌾 Care & Maintenance

Tips for strong growth and pest-free plants.