Mustard greens grow best alongside plants that do not compete for the same soil nutrients, particularly those from different botanical families. Choosing the right mustard greens companion plants can improve growth, deter pests, and maximize your garden space. In this guide, you will learn which plants thrive with mustard greens and which ones you should keep far away.
Mustard greens are fast-growing, leafy vegetables that belong to the Brassica family. They are cool-season crops that appreciate full sun and well-drained soil. Because they grow quickly, they can be tucked into small spaces or used as a living mulch for slower-growing plants.
Let’s look at the best companion plants, the science behind why they work, and a few common mistakes to avoid.
Mustard Greens Companion Plants
Companion planting is about creating a balanced ecosystem in your garden. The right neighbors can repel insects, improve soil structure, or even enhance the flavor of your crops. For mustard greens, you want plants that do not share their common pests, like flea beetles and aphids.
Here are the top categories of beneficial companions for your mustard patch.
Beneficial Herbs For Mustard Greens
Herbs are excellent companions because their strong scents confuse and repel pests. They also attract beneficial insects that prey on common Brassica pests.
- Dill: Attracts ladybugs and lacewings, which eat aphids. Dill also improves the overall health of nearby Brassicas.
- Chamomile: Contains calcium, sulfur, and potassium, which are good for mustard growth. It also attracts hoverflies that eat aphids.
- Catnip: Repels flea beetles, a major pest of mustard greens. Plant it at the edge of the bed to avoid it spreading too much.
- Rosemary: Its strong aroma deters cabbage moths and carrot flies. It prefers drier soil, so keep it in a pot nearby.
- Thyme: A low-growing ground cover that hides mustard greens from egg-laying pests. It also tolerates the same cool weather.
Vegetables That Grow Well Together
Certain vegetables have different root depths and nutrient needs, making them ideal partners. This reduces competition and maximizes soil usage.
Root Crops: Beets, carrots, radishes, and turnips are excellent choices. They grow underground, while mustard greens grow above. They do not compete for space, and radishes can act as a trap crop for flea beetles.
Leafy Greens: Lettuce and spinach are shallow-rooted and quick to mature. They can be interplanted with mustard greens to create a dense canopy that shades the soil, reducing weeds and retaining moisture.
Legumes: Peas and beans fix nitrogen in the soil. Mustard greens are heavy feeders, so having nitrogen-rich soil is a big plus. Plant them nearby, but not directly on top of each other.
Alliums: Onions, garlic, and chives release sulfur compounds that repel many insects. They also have a strong smell that masks the scent of mustard greens from pests.
Flowers To Plant With Mustard Greens
Flowers are not just pretty; they are functional. They attract pollinators and beneficial insects, and some even repel pests with their roots.
- Nasturtiums: These are trap crops for aphids. Aphids will prefer nasturtiums over your mustard greens, keeping your crop clean.
- Marigolds: Their roots release a chemical that kills nematodes in the soil. They also repel whiteflies and other flying insects.
- Calendula: Attracts hoverflies and other predators. It also has a long blooming period, providing constant protection.
- Alyssum: A low-growing flower that attracts parasitic wasps. These wasps lay eggs inside caterpillars, controlling the cabbage worm population.
What Not To Plant Near Mustard Greens
Some plants are bad neighbors for mustard greens. They either compete for nutrients, attract the same pests, or release chemicals that inhibit growth.
Other Brassicas: Do not plant mustard greens near broccoli, cauliflower, kale, or cabbage. They share the same diseases and pests, like clubroot and cabbage loopers. Planting them together creates a buffet for pests.
Strawberries: Mustard greens can inhibit the growth of strawberries. They also have different watering needs, which can cause root rot in one of them.
Sunflowers: Sunflowers release allelopathic chemicals that stunt the growth of nearby plants. They also cast heavy shade, which mustard greens do not like.
Fennel: Fennel is allelopathic to most garden plants, especially Brassicas. It will suppress the growth of your mustard greens, so keep them far apart.
How To Plant Mustard Greens With Companions
Now that you know the best and worst companions, here is a step-by-step guide to planting them together successfully.
- Prepare the soil: Mustard greens prefer a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Work in compost or aged manure to provide nutrients.
- Choose your companions: Pick 2-3 different types of companions. For example, radishes, onions, and marigolds.
- Plan the layout: Place taller plants like dill on the north side so they do not shade the mustard greens. Place low-growing flowers like alyssum at the edges.
- Sow seeds: Plant mustard greens about 12 inches apart. Interplant radishes between them, as radishes mature in 30 days and will be harvested before the mustard greens spread out.
- Add mulch: Use straw or grass clippings to retain moisture and suppress weeds. This also confuses pests that find their host plants by smell.
- Water consistently: Mustard greens need consistent moisture to stay tender. Water deeply once a week, more often in hot weather.
- Monitor for pests: Check the undersides of leaves daily. If you see flea beetles, use a floating row cover to protect the young plants.
Using Mustard Greens As A Trap Crop
Mustard greens are often used as a trap crop for other Brassicas. This means you plant them to attract pests away from your more valuable crops, like cabbage or broccoli.
Flea beetles and harlequin bugs love mustard greens. If you plant a row of mustard greens around your cabbage, the pests will congregate on the mustard greens instead. You can then pull up the mustard greens and dispose of them, taking the pests with them.
This strategy works best in the early spring when pest populations are low. It is a great way to protect your main crop without using chemicals.
Seasonal Considerations For Companion Planting
Mustard greens are cool-season crops. They grow best in spring and fall. Your companion choices should match the season.
Spring Planting: Pair mustard greens with early crops like peas, spinach, and radishes. These all tolerate light frosts and will be harvested before the summer heat arrives.
Fall Planting: Pair them with garlic, onions, and beets. These crops can handle cooler temperatures and will mature as the days shorten.
Summer: Mustard greens bolt (go to seed) in hot weather. If you want to grow them in summer, choose a heat-tolerant variety and plant them in partial shade, next to tall plants like okra or corn.
Common Pests And How Companions Help
Understanding the pests that attack mustard greens helps you choose the right companions.
Flea Beetles: These small, jumping beetles chew tiny holes in the leaves. Radishes and catnip are effective deterrents. Radishes attract the beetles away, while catnip repels them.
Aphids: These sap-sucking insects cluster on new growth. Nasturtiums attract them away, while dill and chamomile attract their predators.
Cabbage Worms: These green caterpillars eat large holes in the leaves. Alyssum attracts parasitic wasps that kill them. Thyme and rosemary also repel the adult moths.
Harlequin Bugs: These shield-shaped bugs suck sap and cause wilting. Marigolds and onions help repel them.
Soil Health And Nutrient Needs
Mustard greens are heavy feeders. They require nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Companion plants can help supply these nutrients.
Legumes like peas and beans fix nitrogen from the air into the soil. Planting them nearby reduces your need for synthetic fertilizer. However, do not plant them too close, as they can shade the mustard greens.
Deep-rooted plants like beets and carrots bring up minerals from the subsoil. When they are harvested, these minerals are left behind for the mustard greens to use.
Companion planting is not a replacement for good soil management. Always amend your soil with compost before planting.
Succession Planting With Companions
Succession planting means planting a new crop as soon as the old one is harvested. This maximizes your yield throughout the season.
Because mustard greens mature in 40-50 days, you can plant them between slower-growing crops. For example, plant mustard greens between rows of onions. The onions will grow slowly, and the mustard greens will be ready to harvest before the onions need the space.
You can also plant a fast crop like radishes with mustard greens. Harvest the radishes in 30 days, and the mustard greens will fill in the space left behind.
Container Gardening With Companions
If you have limited space, you can still use companion planting in containers. Choose a large pot, at least 12 inches deep, and plant mustard greens with shallow-rooted companions.
Good container companions include:
- Lettuce
- Radishes
- Marigolds
- Thyme
Avoid planting deep-rooted crops like carrots or large plants like dill in the same container. They will compete for space and water.
Ensure the container has good drainage and place it in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Final Tips For A Thriving Garden
Companion planting is not an exact science. What works in one garden may not work in another. Keep a garden journal to track what works for you.
Rotate your crops each year. Do not plant mustard greens in the same spot more than once every three years. This prevents the buildup of soil-borne diseases.
Keep your garden clean. Remove any dead or diseased plants promptly. This reduces hiding places for pests.
Water in the morning to allow the leaves to dry during the day. Wet leaves at night can lead to fungal diseases.
Finally, be patient. It takes time to learn the rhythms of your garden. Start with a few easy companions like radishes and marigolds, and expand from there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant mustard greens with tomatoes?
Yes, you can plant mustard greens near tomatoes in the early spring. The tomatoes will be small, and the mustard greens will be harvested before the tomatoes need the space. However, do not plant them in the summer when the tomatoes are large and shading the ground.
Do mustard greens attract pests?
Yes, mustard greens attract flea beetles, aphids, and cabbage worms. Using companion plants like radishes, nasturtiums, and dill can help deter these pests naturally.
How far apart should I plant companions?
Plant companions at least 6-12 inches away from your mustard greens. This allows for air circulation and prevents competition for water and nutrients. For larger plants like dill, keep them 18 inches away.
Can I plant mustard greens with beans?
Yes, beans are excellent companions. They fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits the heavy-feeding mustard greens. Plant them in alternating rows for the best results.
What is the best companion plant for mustard greens?
Radishes are often considered the best companion. They deter flea beetles, do not compete for space, and mature quickly. Marigolds are also great for repelling a wide range of pests.
Companion planting is a simple way to improve your garden’s health and yield. By choosing the right neighbors for your mustard greens, you can reduce pest pressure, improve soil health, and enjoy a bountiful harvest. Start with a few of the suggestions above and observe the results in your own garden.
Remember, the key is to observe and adapt. Your garden is a living system, and it will respond to your care. With the right companions, your mustard greens will thrive and provide you with delicious, nutritious leaves all season long.