The Best (and Worst) Companion Plants for Broccoli

Introduction: The Power of Companion Planting with Broccoli

Broccoli is a nutritious and versatile vegetable that thrives in many home gardens, especially in cooler climates. But did you know that companion planting—choosing the right plants to grow alongside your crops—can significantly boost your broccoli’s health, growth, and even its flavor? By planting certain companions, you can improve soil health, deter pests, and promote overall plant productivity. But, just like any friendship, not all plant relationships are beneficial. In this post, we’ll explore the best and worst companion plants for broccoli so you can make the most of your garden space and have a thriving, productive broccoli patch!

The Best Companion Plants for Broccoli

When it comes to companion planting for broccoli, the goal is to choose plants that will complement its growth and help it thrive. Here are some of the best companion plants for broccoli:

1.Beets.

Beets are a fantastic companion for broccoli. They have deep roots, which helps them access nutrients that broccoli can’t reach. Beets also grow relatively quickly, so they won’t compete with broccoli for too long. Plus, they help keep the soil loose and aerated, which is essential for broccoli’s root system.

For more on the benefits of planting beets, visit The Spruce: How to Grow Beets.

2. Celery

Celery is another great companion for broccoli. It has a similar growing season, and it doesn't compete for nutrients. Plus, celery has the abilityto help keep the soil moist, which is ideal for broccoli, especially during the warmer months. Their similar water and light requirements make them an ideal pair!
For tips on growing celery, check out Gardening Know How: Growing Celery.

3. Sage

Sage is excellent for repelling pests that typically target broccoli, such as aphids and cabbage moths. This aromatic herb also attracts beneficial insects, like predatory wasps, that help keep harmful pests in check. Plus, sage can be grown near broccoli without competing for space or resources.

To learn more about growing sage and its benefits, visit The Old Farmer’s Almanac: How to Grow Sage.

4. Spinach

Spinach is a great low-growing companion plant for broccoli. Since spinach doesn’t need much space, it can be planted around the base of broccoli plants. Spinach also grows quickly and doesn’t require the same nutrient-heavy soil that broccoli does. This makes it a perfect companion for maximizing space and harvesting multiple crops from one area.

For a guide on growing spinach, check out Harvest to Table Podcast: How to Grow Spinach.

5. Oregano

Oregano is a beneficial herb to plant alongside broccoli, as it has natural pest-repelling qualities. It attracts pollinators and predatory insects that can help control pests. Oregano grows well in similar soil conditions to broccoli, and it doesn’t compete too much for nutrients.

To learn more about oregano, visit The Spruce: Growing Oregano.

The Worst Companion Plants for Broccoli

While many plants can help broccoli grow, there are a few that don’t play well with it. Here are the worst companion plants to avoid when growing broccoli:

1. Cauliflower

Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and other brassicas belong to the same family and share similar growing requirements. This means they’re competing for the same nutrients in the soil, which can lead to stunted growth. Additionally, planting these crops together can attract the same pests, such as aphids and cabbage worms, which can make pest control difficult.
For tips on managing brassica plants, visit Fine Gardening: Growing Brassicas.

2. Tomatoes

Tomatoes and broccoli don’t make great companions. Tomatoes can attract aphids and whiteflies, which are also attracted to broccoli. Plus, tomatoes can shade broccoli, which is not ideal since broccoli needs plenty of sunlight to grow strong and healthy. The two plants also have different water and nutrient needs, which can lead to competition.

For more on growing tomatoes, check out The Farmer’s Almanac: How to Grow Tomatoes.

3. Peppers

Like tomatoes, peppers don’t do well when planted near broccoli. Peppers and broccoli compete for the same nutrients and can hinder each other’s growth. Also, peppers prefer warm temperatures, while broccoli thrives in cooler weather. These conflicting preferences can make them incompatible companions in the garden.

For tips on growing peppers, visit Gardening Know How: Growing Peppers.

4.Strawberries

While strawberries are wonderful in the garden, they don’t pair well with broccoli. Strawberries need rich, well-drained soil, but broccoli thrives in nutrient-dense soil that needs to stay consistently moist. These differing soil and water needs can cause problems for both plants, as they may end up competing for resources.

Learn more about growing strawberries from The Spruce: Growing Strawberries.

5. Garlic and Onions

Garlic and onions are often recommended as companions for many plants, but they’re not ideal for broccoli. Both garlic and onions are members of the allium family and can release compounds that may stunt the growth of broccoli. Additionally, their strong scents can potentially disrupt the growth patterns of broccoli, making them a poor match for this crop.

For tips on growing garlic, visit The Old Farmer’s Almanac: Growing Garlic.

Tips for Successful Companion Planting with Broccoli

Now that you know which plants work best—and which ones to avoid—here are a few tips to help you successfully grow broccoli alongside its companions:

• Space Properly: Even the best companion plants need enough space to thrive. Be sure to follow planting guidelines to avoid overcrowding.

• Diversify Your Plantings: A mixed garden can help prevent pest outbreaks, improve soil health, and increase pollinator activity. Don’t just rely on one or two companion plants—experiment with different combinations to find what works best.

• Mulch Well: Mulching around your broccoli and companion plants helps retain moisture and keeps the soil cool, which broccoli loves. It also reduces weed competition, giving your plants more room to grow.

• Monitor for Pests: While companion planting can help deter pests, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your garden. If you notice any pests, try organic methods like neem oil or introducing beneficial insects.

Conclusion: Companion Planting for a Thriving Broccoli Patch

Companion planting is a smart and sustainable way to maximize your broccoli’s growth potential. By choosing the right companions—like beets, celery, and sage—you can promote a healthier, more productive garden. Avoiding plants like tomatoes, peppers, and cauliflower will help prevent unnecessary competition and pest issues. So, whether you're growing broccoli for your dinner table or just enjoying the gardening process, companion planting can make all the difference in the success of your crops.

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