Mustard Greens Companion Plants for Pest Control and Better Yields

After years of growing mustard greens in my raised beds, I’ve found companion planting to be one of the most effective ways to improve plant health and reduce pest problems. Mustard greens are fast growers, but they’re also magnets for flea beetles, aphids, and cabbage worms. Strategic companion planting helps balance the garden, bringing in beneficial insects and improving soil health while giving you better yields.

Table of Contents

Best Companion Plants for Mustard Greens

1. Onions, Garlic, and Chives

Their strong scent repels aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage worms.
Plant along bed edges for a natural pest barrier.

2. Mint and Other Aromatic Herbs (Dill, Cilantro, Rosemary)

Attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps.
Mint’s strong fragrance confuses pests—just keep it contained in pots to prevent spreading.

3. Nasturtiums

Act as a “trap crop” by drawing aphids and flea beetles away from mustard greens.
Flowers also attract pollinators.

4. Marigolds

Release natural compounds into the soil that deter nematodes.
Their bright blooms bring in pollinators and predator insects.

5. Legumes (Peas and Beans)

Fix nitrogen into the soil, enriching it for mustard greens.
Provide natural fertility for leafy growth.

6. Spinach and Lettuce

Grow quickly in the same cool-season window as mustard greens.
Help shade soil and reduce weed competition.

Plants to Avoid Near Mustard Greens

Other Brassicas (Cabbage, Broccoli, Kale): Attract the same pests and diseases, increasing risk of infestations.
Strawberries: Compete for nutrients and may stunt growth.
Pole Beans: Sometimes compete for space and light in smaller beds.

My Experience

In my garden, I’ve noticed that interplanting onions and garlic around mustard greens almost always keeps flea beetle pressure lower. Nasturtiums have also saved many of my crops by luring aphids away. By choosing the right companions, I not only keep mustard greens healthier but also make the most of my limited garden space.

Mustard Growing Hub

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

Varieties & Types

Planting & Growing

Care & Maintenance

Harvest & Serving

Stephen Albert

Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.

Best Cabbage Varieties for Your Climate and Growing Zone
ByStephen Albert

Selecting the right cabbage variety for your local climate and USDA growing zone is key to a thriving garden and abundant harvest. Over my 30+ years of experience growing cabbage in diverse environments—from cool northern gardens to warmer southern plots—I’ve learned which varieties perform best under specific conditions. This guide helps you choose the ideal…

Read More Best Cabbage Varieties for Your Climate and Growing Zone
How to Grow and Care for Claytonia – Miner’s Lettuce
ByStephen Albert

Claytonia, commonly known as miner’s lettuce, is a cold-hardy, leafy green native to North America, particularly the western regions. Its botanical name is Claytonia perfoliata, and it is named miner’s lettuce because it was consumed by miners during the California Gold Rush as a source of vitamin C to prevent scurvy. This low-growing, succulent plant…

Read More How to Grow and Care for Claytonia – Miner’s Lettuce
How and When to Harvest Spinach for Best Flavor
ByStephen Albert

Harvesting spinach at the right time ensures tender, flavorful leaves that enhance salads, sautés, and smoothies. With over 30 years of gardening experience, I’ve found that timing and technique are key to getting the best taste from your spinach crop. When to Harvest Spinach Spinach is typically ready to harvest 35 to 50 days after…

Read More How and When to Harvest Spinach for Best Flavor
When to Plant Arugula by USDA Zone
ByStephen Albert

Arugula is a cool-season leafy green that grows quickly and produces tender, peppery leaves. Over decades of growing arugula in raised beds and containers, I’ve learned that planting at the right time for your USDA zone is key to preventing bolting, improving leaf quality, and maximizing yield. This guide helps gardeners across the country know…

Read More When to Plant Arugula by USDA Zone
How to Grow a Salad Garden in 10 Steps
ByStephen Albert

Salad greens are easy and quick to grow and are rich in vitamins and minerals. Plant salad greens—leaf lettuce, arugula, mesclun, and radicchio are a few—for harvest in cool weather—spring or fall. In warm-winter regions, grow salad greens outdoors year-round. In cold-winter regions, grow salad greens under the protection of plastic tunnels in winter. 10…

Read More How to Grow a Salad Garden in 10 Steps
Asian Greens: Varieties and Growing Tips for the Home Garden
ByStephen Albert

Asian greens are a diverse group of leafy vegetables that originate from East and Southeast Asia. Known for their distinct flavors, versatility, and nutritional benefits, these greens are widely used in Asian cuisine, including salads, soups, stir-fries, and pickles. Many Asian greens are also cool-weather crops, making them suitable for fall and spring gardening in…

Read More Asian Greens: Varieties and Growing Tips for the Home Garden