This post may contain affiliate links.
Broccoli is one of the more popular vegetables to grow in a garden. It is an excellent choice for beginner gardeners, thriving in cool weather and offering a nutritious harvest. While relatively easy to grow, it’s not without challenges—particularly when it comes to pests.
Insects like cabbage worms, aphids, flea beetles, and armyworms are drawn to broccoli, feeding on its leaves, sucking sap, and even cutting down young seedlings at the base. Because broccoli remains vulnerable to pests from seedling to maturity, it can be tricky to grow without the right strategies.
One natural way to support broccoli’s growth and reduce pest pressure is companion planting. This time-tested gardening method pairs plants that benefit one another by deterring pests, improving soil health, or maximizing space. Think of it as nature’s way of creating a balanced, self-sustaining garden. Instead of relying on chemicals, companion planting fosters a healthier, more resilient crop.
If you want to give your broccoli the best chance to thrive, consider planting it alongside these beneficial companions.
Sage
Sage finds an excellent companion in broccoli, which repels common pests and enhances the vegetable’s flavor. This companion planting allows both plants to grow without interference from pests, increasing their yield and quality. The shared environmental preferences of broccoli and sage make them compatible garden mates.
Dill
Dill plants attract parasitoid wasps and ladybugs– nature’s pest control team! These insects feed on common garden pests like aphids and cabbage worms, reducing the need for insecticides.
Oregano
Oregano is a perennial herb much loved by gardeners for its pest-repellent abilities. Insects such as aphids and squash bugs steer clear of their pungent aroma, while the delicate flowers attract beneficial pollinating insects. Like most herbs, a few oregano plants dotted around your vegetable plot can reap huge rewards.
Companion Planting Guide
Optimize your vegetable garden with our easy-to-use Companion Planting Guide!
This practical and handy printable helps you understand the best plant pairings for enhanced growth and natural pest control.
Garlic
You can’t go wrong when planting
Chives
Chives provide multiple benefits to broccoli- primarily by repelling aphids and other small pests that feed on the leaves. The distinctive aroma of chives is highly effective against certain garden pests that can be detrimental to your broccoli crops.
Thyme
Thyme works well when grown alongside broccoli. As a low-growing herb, it is a natural pest deterrent for broccoli. Its strong smell helps repel cabbage worms, flea beetles, and aphids, three common pests that target brassicas.
Beyond the garden, thyme is valued for its antibacterial properties and is often used to soothe coughs and sore throats. It can be enjoyed in teas, added to soups, or even made into a salve for natural remedies.
Mint
Mint is one of our favorite plants to plant next to broccoli. Mint is a highly effective pest deterrent, keeping away cabbage moths, aphids, and even rodents. However, mint spreads aggressively and can quickly overtake a garden bed, so it’s best grown in containers placed near the broccoli.
Beets
Beets and broccoli make great garden companions because they tap into different soil layers for nutrients, reducing competition.
Since broccoli thrives on calcium and shouldn’t be planted near other calcium-hungry vegetables,
Celery
Celery pairs well with broccoli because it repels whiteflies and other pests that tend to target brassicas. Its shallow root system won’t compete with broccoli for deep soil nutrients. Celery also thrives in the same cool-season conditions, making it a great companion for an extended growing season.
Chamomile
Chamomile is known for attracting beneficial insects and is a great companion to broccoli. It enjoys full sun but can tolerate light shade. Once established, it prefers well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant. It’s generally easy to grow from seed and can self-seed prolifically. It’s a great companion for broccoli plants.
Spinach
Spinach makes an excellent companion for broccoli because it has shallow roots and doesn’t compete for space. It acts as a living mulch, helping retain soil moisture and suppressing weed growth.
Marigold
Marigold is the ultimate companion plant. It is known for repelling nematodes and other garden pests that could harm broccoli. Its bright flowers also attract pollinators, improving the garden’s overall biodiversity.
Why Marigolds Deserve a Spot in Your Garden Year After Year
12 Plants to Grow Alongside Your Blueberry Bushes to Keep Them Happy
Planting the right companion plants near blueberry bushes can help to ensure successful fruiting. Here are some plants that you should grow alongside blueberry bushes to help them thrive.
12 Plants to Grow Alongside Your Blueberry Bushes to Keep Them Happy
Grow Juicier, Tastier Tomatoes with These 15 Companion Plants
Companion planting is an age-old gardening method that can help prevent common plant issues and boost crop yields. By using some of the best companion plants for tomatoes, your harvests will be better than ever. Here are the 15 best companion plants for your tomato garden.
Grow Juicier, Tastier Tomatoes with These 15 Companion Plants
