The Best Brussels Sprout Companions: Grow A Healthy And Tasty Harvest

Title: The Best Brussels Sprout Companions: Grow a Healthy and Tasty Harvest

Introduction:

Brussels sprouts are a delicious and nutritious winter vegetable that can be grown in many parts of the world. They are a member of the Brassica family, which also includes broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. Brussels sprouts are a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as fiber.

One of the best ways to improve the yield and health of your Brussels sprouts is to plant them with companion plants. Companion planting is the practice of planting certain types of plants together in order to benefit each other. There are many different companion plants that can be grown with Brussels sprouts, but some of the best include:

• Alliums: Alliums, such as onions, garlic, and chives, are natural insect repellents that can help to protect Brussels sprouts from pests. They also help to improve the flavor of the sprouts.
• Beetroot: Beetroot is a good source of nitrogen, which can help to improve the soil quality for Brussels sprouts. It also helps to attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, which can help to control pests.
• Carrots: Carrots are a good companion plant for Brussels sprouts because they have different root systems. This means that they do not compete for resources, and they can actually help to improve the flavor of each other.
• Lettuce: Lettuce is a low-growing plant that can help to shade the roots of Brussels sprouts, which can help to prevent them from rotting. It also helps to attract beneficial insects, such as lacewings, which can help to control pests.
• Marigolds: Marigolds are a natural insect repellent that can help to protect Brussels sprouts from pests. They also help to improve the drainage of the soil, which can help to prevent root rot.

Main Content:

In addition to the companion plants listed above, there are a few other plants that should be avoided when planting Brussels sprouts. These include:

• Cabbage: Cabbage is a member of the same family as Brussels sprouts, and it can compete with them for resources. It can also be susceptible to the same pests and diseases.
• Potatoes: Potatoes can stunt the growth of Brussels sprouts. They can also be susceptible to the same pests and diseases.
• Tomatoes: Tomatoes can attract pests that can also damage Brussels sprouts.

Conclusion:

By planting Brussels sprouts with the right companion plants, you can improve the yield and health of your crop. You can also help to protect your sprouts from pests and diseases. So next time you are planning a Brussels sprouts garden, be sure to include some of these beneficial companion plants.

To learn more about Brussels sprout companions, visit Home Gardening.

FAQ of brussel sprout companions

• What are good companions for Brussels sprouts?

Brussels sprouts are members of the Brassica family, so they do well when planted near other members of this family, such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale. These plants have similar nutritional, water, and light requirements, so they won't compete with each other. Additionally, they can help to deter pests and diseases.

Other good companions for Brussels sprouts include:

• Alliums (e.g., onions, garlic, leeks)

• Beets

• Carrots

• Chamomile

• Dill

• Garlic

• Marigolds

• Nasturtiums

• Peas

• Spinach

• What should not be planted next to Brussels sprouts?

Some plants that should not be planted near Brussels sprouts include:

• Other cabbages (e.g., cauliflower, broccoli)
• Melons
• Potatoes
• Spinach

These plants can compete with Brussels sprouts for nutrients and water, and they may also be susceptible to the same pests and diseases.

• Do Brussels sprouts grow well with carrots?

Yes, Brussels sprouts and carrots grow well together. They have different root systems, so they won't compete for water and nutrients. Additionally, carrots can help to deter pests, such as carrot flies, from Brussels sprouts.

• How do Brussels sprout companions help to deter pests and diseases?

The strong scents of some Brussels sprout companions, such as marigolds and nasturtiums, can help to deter pests. Other companions, such as garlic and onions, release compounds that can help to protect Brussels sprouts from diseases.

• What are the benefits of companion planting with Brussels sprouts?

There are many benefits to companion planting with Brussels sprouts. These include:

• Increased yields
• Improved pest and disease resistance
• Enhanced flavor
• Reduced need for fertilizers and pesticides

Image of brussel sprout companions

• Alliums: Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks help to repel pests from Brussels sprouts.
• Beets: Beets help to improve the flavor of Brussels sprouts.
• Herbs: Herbs such as mint, thyme, and rosemary can help to deter pests from Brussels sprouts.
• Marigolds: Marigolds help to repel pests from Brussels sprouts.
• Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums help to repel pests from Brussels sprouts.
• Brassicas: Other members of the Brassica family, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, can help to attract beneficial insects to the area, which can help to control pests.
• Strawberries: Strawberries can help to improve the flavor of Brussels sprouts.
• Tomatoes + Peppers: Tomatoes and peppers can help to attract beneficial insects to the area, which can help to control pests.