Kale is a cool weather green with ruffled leaves that grows in USDA zones 7 through 10. In my neck of the woods, the Pacific Northwest, kale thrives with our cooler temps and plentiful rain. In fact, it can be grown throughout the year in some areas.
Also, many plants grow well with kale – receiving and giving benefits to each other. So, what are the best companion plants for kale? Read on to find out about kale companion planting.
About Kale Companion Plants
Kale can tolerate temps down to 20 degrees F. (-7 C.) but becomes rather tough when temps exceed 80 degrees F. (27 C.). If you plant in the cool season, kale should be planted in full sun, but if you plant during the warm season, plant kale in partial shade.
It thrives with a pH of 5.5 – 6.8 in loamy, well-draining, damp soil. These are all things to consider when looking for plants that grow well with kale. Obviously, these kale companion plants should have like growing requirements. Kale also doesn’t require nitrogen rich soil, another consideration when choosing companion plants for kale.
Kale Companion Planting
There are a number of veggies, herbs, and flowering plants that make great companion plants for kale. Among the veggie plants compatible with kale are:
Kale also enjoys the company of many herbs such as:
Hyssop, marigolds, and nasturtium companions get a thumb’s up from kale as well. Depending upon who you ask, kale either likes tomatoes or it doesn’t. In my garden, kale is pretty indestructible, and I direct sow it into pots on the deck so I can get at it quickly and easily.
At this writing, I have kale tucked into a large decorative pot along with some grasses, a wallflower and some trailing lobelia. It seems to be quite happy there.
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