What Grows Well With Broccoli
Broccoli is a staunch staple of the vegetable garden, but it’s not a vegetable that one normally sees presented as a solo act. In fact, growing this cruciferous vegetable alongside a number of other plants can bring greater yields, better flavor, and a more diverse variety of produce.
From lettuce to tomatoes and from beans to spinach, there are a number of plants that will thrive when planted with broccoli. Home gardeners need to pay special attention to the needs of their soil, as certain types of plants may require different levels of nutrients, water, and sun in order to perform optimally. Here, we will discuss some of the plants that grow well with broccoli, detailing the specifics of their cultivation and how they can produce better yields when planted with each other.
Lettuce
Lettuce is a cool-season crop that thrives in any slightly acidic to neutral soil, necessitating a pH range of 6.2-7 in most cases. When planted alongside broccoli, it benefits from its taller neighbor, using it as protection from those extreme temperatures that can harm its leaves and prevent germination. Additionally, lettuce, along with other members of the Asteraceae family such as cauliflower, cabbage, and kale, can create a natural pest deterrence that keeps away destructive bugs such as aphids and moths while also enticing pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes, one of the most popular garden staples, are rich in vitamins, minerals, and flavor. Along with providing shade and protection to the shorter-growing broccoli, their deep root systems can bring those hard-to-reach nutrients up from the soil. They can also be helpful in repelling some of the pests which find the cabbages and lettuces to be overly attractive in the garden.
Tomatoes, like other fruiting vegetables, are also relatively heavy feeders and require densely packed soil rich in nitrogen. That being said, it’s important to build up the soil before adding this vegetable, as thecompetition for nutrients can be quite intense between two popular homegrown staples.
Beans
Beans are a great choice for broccoli companion gardening. They help to fix nitrogen in the soil which can help to nourish both crops. Beans of all varieties—from bush beans to runners—also make good climbing partners for broccoli, with bean stalks providing extra support for larger broccoli heads. When companion planted with beans, the deep roots of the beans aid in the uptake of phosphorus and other nutrients which help to build a better foundation for the broccoli.
Spinach
Spinach loves to be companion planted with broccoli, and the two actually have a number of mutual benefits. Spinach and lettuce alike can help to keep the soil shaded, preventing it from becoming overly dry during the warmer months of the year. Additionally, the nutrition of the spinach helps the broccoli reach its full potential, with its deep root system bringing those hard-to-reach nutrients from further underground.
Spinach is also a natural repellent of certain insects, including cabbage worms, which can cause significant damage to young broccoli plants and make it difficult for them to reach their full potential. Finally, the fact that spinach grows during the cooler months adds a cool-season element to any broccoli bed, broadening its seasonality.
Onions
Onions, while not an obvious choice for companion planting in the garden, can actually help to bring out more flavor in any bed. Planting them close to broccoli allows the onion’s alliums, which contain sulfur compounds, to merge with the flavor of the cruciferous vegetable. The addition of these compounds helps to bring out a lighter flavor that can be both subtle and extremely fragrant.
Additionally, the proximity of the onions to broccoli can help to keep away troublesome pests like cabbage worms and rabbits, and its bulbous root structure can provide extra shade for some of the shallower-growing roots. As with other crops, onions require precise pH levels of 6-7 in order to provide optimal nutrients, so it’s important to pay special attention to the soil before planting.
Carrots
Carrots can play an important role in any broccoli bed. The deep root structure of this crisp and tasty vegetable allows these roots to reach down farther into the soil for nutrients, helping to supplement the production of the broccoli nearby. It also helps to keep the soil cool and moist, making it easier for the broccoli to establish itself and remain healthy during the hotter months of the year. Carrots can bring additional flavor to the bed, as well, and provide a great color contrast against the green hues of the broccoli and other plants.
Arugula
Arugula, a deliciously spicy and slightly bitter green, is a great addition to any broccoli bed. Along with providing a unique flavor profile, it adds a new depth to the bed that can make it more visually interesting. The fiery punch of the arugula is a great accompaniment to the nuttier flavor of the broccoli and can also help to deter certain pests. It has a shorter growing season than some of the other veggies, but it’s easy to start up a new bed in order to get a full year of production.
Cilantro
Cilantro is a great ingredient to add to any broccoli bed as it helps to keep away pesky flying insects and other critters. Similarly to arugula, it adds a unique flavor profile and provides a great visual contrast against the other plants in the bed. It loves cooler soil and grows quickly, so starting up a crop and harvesting it for multiple seasons is often quite easy. Cilantro can pair especially well with broccoli and its slightly minty and herbal flavor can add an air of sophistication to the bed.
Marigolds
Marigolds can be used both as an herb and as an insect repellent. Planting marigolds near the perimeter of a broccoli bed can keep away some of the more troublesome insects while at the same time adding a bright yellow hue and a distinct scent. This scent can help to recharge the bed and prevent pest infestations, and they are especially helpful when planted near the edges as they are an annual flower, making it easy to refresh the bed as the seasons change.
Radishes
Radishes are perfect for planting alongside broccoli. Their vibrant green and colorful red hues give any bed a unique visual appeal, while their deep root structures can help to bring those hard-to-reach nutrients closer to the surface. In fact, radishes are so hardy that they can easily self-sow in the bed, providing a ready-made source of nutrition and color for years to come. Interestingly, radishes can also help to deter some of the same insects that plague broccoli and other Crucifers.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are a great choice for companion planting with broccoli. Not only are their vibrant colors another beautiful addition to the bed, but their deep root systems can bring much-needed nutrients up from deeper in the soil. Additionally, they can provide shade to some of the shorter-growing plants, helping to regulate temperatures while at the same time providing a safe haven for bees and butterflies. Sunflowers also help to attract desirable predators such as ladybugs and lacewings, allowing these beneficial bugs to get close to the broccoli to do their job.
Herbs
Herbs such as parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, and dill can all be grown alongside broccoli to add a unique flavor profile to any dinner. Since these herbs require a slightly acidic to neutral pH range, it’s important to be aware of the soil’s mineral content and adjust as needed. Growing a variety of herbs straight in the bed or in a pot closeby will give the broccoli a chance to reach its full potential while their fragrant aromas and flavor profiles add an air of sophistication to any dish.
