Brassicas and nightshades: Brassicas, such as broccoli and cabbage, can stunt the growth of nightshades, such as tomatoes and peppers. Fennel and most other plants: Fennel can produce allelopathic chemicals that can inhibit the growth of most other plants.
Successful companion planting can include aromatic herbs like rosemary, which can deter broccoli pests like cabbage loopers and cabbage moths with its strong smell. Herbs such as basil, mint, thyme, sage, and dill also have the same benefit as rosemary and can repel insect pests with their strong scent and flavor.
Avoid planting broccoli with other vegetables in the brassica family, as they may attract more of the same pests. Broccoli also tends to hog all the nutrients, leaving plants like kale and collards with not much to grow on. It's important to plant broccoli next to plants that don't mind shade.
It's totally fine to grow brassicas next to tomatoes. Both are relatively heavy feeders, yes, but if you're spacing them properly, giving them enough space between each plant that their roots aren't interfering with each other, then that isn't an issue at all.
Brassicas: Brassicas such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are not good companion plants for peppers as they require similar nutrients from the soil, which can lead to competition and reduced yield. They also attract pests such as flea beetles and cabbage worms that can damage pepper plants.
Absolutely! Cucumbers are a good companion for broccoli because their low-growing foliage can be used as ground cover to retain moisture in the soil and reduce the growth of weeds. Cucumbers can also be trellised to provide some shade from the hottest afternoon hours.
Tomatoes are less compatible with plants from the same family. Potatoes, eggplants and physalis also belong to the nightshade family (Solanaceae). You should not plant these directly next to your tomatoes. Potatoes and tomatoes are bad neighbors here, as both plants are susceptible to late blight.
If temperatures are likely to get colder or last longer, you need to provide the plants with some broccoli plant protection. This can come in a number of forms. The plants can be covered with hotcaps, newspaper, plastic gallon jugs (cut the bottoms and tops out), or row covers.
Broccoli grows best in a spot with full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days. However, in very hot climates, partial shade from afternoon sun might be necessary to prevent bolting, or the plant flowering and going to seed.
Broccoli and blood thinners. Broccoli is high in vitamin K, which helps your blood clot. If you eat more than usual, it may change how your body responds to your medicine. While you don't have to avoid all broccoli if you're on blood thinners, you should keep the amount of vitamin K in your diet steady.
Marigold. Another strong-scented companion, marigold, will work to deter nematodes, aphids, and other broccoli pests, says Spoonemore. “They are also beneficial for attracting pollinators and other helpful insects to the garden,” she says.
Broccoli's optimum growing conditions include a location with well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 and at least six hours of sun. Soil test your location several weeks prior to your planting date to adjust and apply amendments accordingly. Avoid soils that are sandy or hold too much moisture.
Broccoli, kale, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts may look vastly different from each other, but they all evolved from the same plant species: Brassica oleracea. In each place that B. oleracea was introduced, farmers bred for a different edible part of the plant.
Herbs and flowers such as basil, chervil, parsley, tarragon, dill, marjoram, oregano, fennel, caraway and coriander, marigolds and sunflowers are also good neighbors for cucumbers. Peppers and chili go well next to cucumbers, especially in a greenhouse you can plant these crops together.
Companion Plants for Other Types of Broccoli
Other broccoli varieties have similar preferences for companion plants as broccoli: Broccoli rabe: Beets, celery, dill, chamomile, lettuce, rosemary, and onions. Chinese broccoli: Beets, potatoes, celery, dill, lettuce, onions, radishes, sage, garlic.
Keep soil moist by giving broccoli plants 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week.
However, because they are both heavy feeders, require a lot of moisture and light, and need adequate space around them to promote healthy air circulation, they may compete. In light of this, if you want to grow cucumbers and tomatoes together, it is best to plant them 45 – 60 cm apart and in separate soil if possible.
Tomatoes are prone to magnesium deficiency later in the growing season, which can show with yellowing leaves and diminished production. Ultra Epsom Salt treatments at the beginning of their planting and throughout their seasonal life can help to prevent and remedy magnesium deficiency in your tomato plants.
Potatoes can also spread diseases such as late blight, which can also affect zucchinis. Cucumbers and pumpkins should not be planted next to zucchinis as they belong to the same family (Cucurbitaceae) and therefore attract similar pests and diseases.
Since broccoli plants like moist soil, adding coffee grounds is a great way to spread water and naturally hydrate the plant. Coffee grounds can retain moisture when added to the soil and improve soil drainage as it breaks down. Since coffee grounds loosen the soil, it makes it easier for broccoli to absorb water.