Discover the top 10 companion plants for Brussels sprouts. Learn which herbs, flowers, and vegetables help deter pests, improve growth, and boost your harvest.
I’ve been growing Brussels sprouts in my garden for years, and I’ve learned one secret to a healthy, pest-free harvest: good neighbors. Companion planting is like creating a supportive community for your plants. By choosing the right companions, you can naturally repel pests, improve soil health, and get a much better yield from your garden.
Companion planting works by using the natural properties of certain plants to benefit others. Some plants emit scents that confuse or repel harmful insects, while others attract beneficial predators. Some even help improve the nutrients in the soil.
Why Companion Planting Works for Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are heavy feeders and can be targeted by pests like aphids, cabbage worms, and cabbage moths. Strategic companion planting addresses these specific challenges. The right plant partners can deter these pests, reduce competition for nutrients, and create a more balanced garden ecosystem. This method is a core part of my overall vegetable gardening strategy.
10 Excellent Brussels Sprout Companions
Here are the plants I always place near my Brussels sprouts for a healthier garden.
1. Dill
Dill is a powerhouse for attracting beneficial insects. It brings in ladybugs and parasitic wasps that prey on aphids and cabbage worm larvae. I plant dill around the edges of my Brussels sprouts patch to create a protective barrier.
2. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are my go-to trap crop. Their vibrant flowers attract aphids away from my precious sprouts. I let the aphids feast on the nasturtiums, which keeps my Brussels sprouts clean and unharmed.
3. Marigolds
No list of companion plants is complete without marigolds. Their roots release a substance that repels harmful soil nematodes, and their scent deters other pests. I plant a border of French marigolds around all my brassica beds.
4. Mint
The strong scent of mint is very effective at repelling flea beetles and cabbage moths. A word of caution: mint is incredibly invasive. I always grow it in pots placed near my Brussels sprouts to prevent it from taking over the entire garden.
5. Onions and Garlic
These pungent alliums are excellent for masking the scent of Brussels sprouts from pests. They help repel aphids, spider mites, and even larger pests like rabbits. I tuck garlic cloves and onion sets between my Brussels sprout plants.
6. Sage and Rosemary
These woody herbs emit a strong fragrance that confuses and repels cabbage moths. Their upright growth habit also makes them good structural companions in the garden. I plant them about 18 inches away from my sprouts.
7. Thyme
Low-growing thyme acts as a living mulch, suppressing weeds and helping the soil retain moisture. It also helps to repel cabbage worms. I plant it in the spaces between my larger Brussels sprout plants.
8. Beets
Beets are a great space-filler. Since they have shallow roots, they don’t compete with the deeper root systems of Brussels sprouts. They also add magnesium to the soil as they grow. I sow beet seeds in the gaps between my young sprout plants.
9. Beans and Peas
Legumes are fantastic because they fix nitrogen from the air into the soil. Brussels sprouts are heavy nitrogen feeders, so this partnership is a perfect match. I use bush beans, as pole beans can create too much shade.
10. Celery
Celery is known to repel the white cabbage butterfly. I plant it in staggered rows alongside my Brussels sprouts. It also has similar water and nutrient needs, making it an easy companion to care for.
A Quick Guide to Good and Bad Neighbors
| Companion Plant | Benefit | How to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Dill | Attracts beneficial insects | Plant around the perimeter |
| Nasturtiums | Trap crop for aphids | Plant at the garden edges |
| Marigolds | Repels soil nematodes and pests | Create a border around the bed |
| Mint | Repels flea beetles, cabbage moths | Grow in pots nearby |
| Beans | Fixes nitrogen in the soil | Plant bush varieties between sprouts |
Plants to Avoid Near Brussels Sprouts
Just as important as the good companions are the plants that can harm your Brussels sprouts’ growth.
- Other Brassicas: Avoid planting cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and kale nearby. They compete for the same nutrients and attract the same pests and diseases.
- Strawberries: These can inhibit the growth of Brussels sprouts and may attract slugs.
- Tomatoes and Eggplant: These are also heavy feeders and will compete intensely for nutrients in the soil.
- Pole Beans: Unlike bush beans, pole beans can create too much shade for sun-loving Brussels sprouts.
3 Tips for Successful Companion Planting
- Plan Your Layout: Sketch your garden bed before you plant. Remember that Brussels sprouts need full sun and can grow quite large, so place taller companions where they won’t cast shade.
- Focus on Diversity: Don’t just plant one type of companion. A diverse mix of herbs, flowers, and vegetables creates a more resilient and pest-resistant garden. This is a key principle for a successful organic garden.
- Time Your Planting: For trap crops like nasturtiums, plant them a couple of weeks before your Brussels sprouts to ensure they are already attracting pests when your sprouts are most vulnerable.
Final Thoughts
Using companion plants with your Brussels sprouts is a simple, natural way to grow a healthier and more productive garden. It reduces the need for chemical pesticides and creates a beautiful, diverse space. By choosing the right plant friends, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious sprouts. For more tips on managing garden pests naturally, check out our guide on garden pest control.
What are your favorite Brussels sprout companions? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below
