25 Must-See Broccoli Companion Plants (with Chart) and 8 Plants to Avoid Nearby

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is one of those vegetables that demands a little more effort — and a lot more attention to detail. It prefers rich, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0), thrives in full sun, and grows best in the cool seasons of spring and fall, when temperatures stay between 60–70°F (15–21°C).
But even when you get the soil and timing right? Things can still go sideways. Aphids show up. Heads stay small. Leaves yellow. And often, the issue isn’t just how you’re growing it — it’s what’s growing nearby.
That’s where companion planting becomes your secret weapon...
By choosing the right broccoli companion plants — herbs that repel pests, flowers that invite the right bugs, and vegetables that play nice below the soil — you can give your broccoli the backup it needs to grow strong, clean, and full.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through 25 of the best companion plants for broccoli — grouped into herbs 🌿, flowers 🌸, and vegetables 🥕 — plus a complete list of 8 plants you should never grow near broccoli 🚫.
You’ll also get a downloadable planting chart, insights on pairing with different broccoli types, container growing tips, and expert-backed strategies to make your broccoli thrive.
Why Broccoli Is Extra Sensitive to Its Neighbors
Unlike some easygoing crops, broccoli is a bit of a diva when it comes to its surroundings. And if you’ve grown it before, you’ve probably seen what happens when it’s not happy — button heads, yellow leaves, bolting, or worse.
Here’s what makes broccoli so sensitive:
- Heavy nutrient needs. Broccoli pulls a lot of nitrogen and calcium from the soil to build those big green heads. If it’s next to other heavy feeders, the soil can’t keep up.
- Shallow root system. Its roots spread wide near the surface, making it vulnerable to water stress and root competition — especially from thirsty crops like corn or squash.
- Brassica family baggage. Broccoli belongs to the same family as cabbage, kale, and cauliflower, which means it attracts the same pests. Planting them together increases your chances of infestations like cabbage loopers, aphids, flea beetles, and cutworms.
- Climate intolerance. It thrives in cool, moist conditions. When planted near heat-loving crops like tomatoes or peppers, one of them usually suffers — and it’s usually the broccoli.
Must Read: Pepper Companion Plants (with Chart)
If you want broccoli to grow well, give it companions that support its needs — not ones that crowd, compete, or attract the same problems.
Benefits of Companion Planting for Broccoli
Broccoli thrives when planted in a naturally supportive environment — and the right companions help create that balance. Here’s how companion planting helps:
- Pest repellent: Strong-scented herbs and flowers naturally confuse or deter common pests like aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles.
- Soil booster: Some companions naturally improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen or loosening compacted soil, supporting healthier root development.
- Predator magnet: Select flowers attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies that naturally keep pest populations under control.
- Moisture control: Low-growing plants create a natural living mulch that shades the soil, reduces evaporation, and keeps broccoli roots cool.
- Healthier growth: With reduced stress from pests and competition, broccoli naturally develops tighter crowns, cleaner stems, and better flavor.
Explore the 25 Best Companion Plants for Broccoli and Choose the Right Ones for Your Garden:

Each companion plant is grouped by type—herbs, flowers, and vegetables—with quick-glance details like what it supports, when to sow it, how big it grows, and how to care for it. This makes it easy to mix and match the best broccoli companions for your space, season, and garden goals.
🪴 Broccoli Companion Herbs for Pest Control and Balanced Growth:
1. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
This delicate herb is one of the most underrated broccoli companion plants. Chamomile not only draws beneficial insects like parasitic wasps and hoverflies, but it’s also believed to improve the flavor of nearby broccoli. If you’re building an organic broccoli bed, chamomile adds both charm and protection.
- Best for: Attracting predators and enhancing broccoli flavor
- Hardiness Zone: 3–9
- Mature Size: 12–24 inches tall
- When to Plant: Spring or early fall
- Care Requirements: Full sun or partial shade, loose soil, moderate watering
2. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Chives are a garlic-scented herb that helps repel aphids and cabbage loopers — two of the most persistent pests in broccoli gardens. Their purple flowers bring in pollinators and hoverflies, making them an ideal herb to plant alongside broccoli in raised beds or containers.
- Best for: Repelling aphids and attracting hoverflies
- Hardiness Zone: 3–10
- Mature Size: 12–18 inches tall
- When to Plant: Early spring or fall
- Care Requirements: Full sun to light shade, moist but well-drained soil
3. Dill (Anethum graveolens)
If you’re looking for the best herb to plant with broccoli, dill should be at the top of your list. Its feathery foliage masks the scent of your brassicas, confusing common pests like cabbage worms and aphids. When dill flowers, it attracts hoverflies and ladybugs — natural predators that help protect your broccoli without the need for sprays.
- Best for: Natural pest control and boosting beneficial insect activity
- Hardiness Zone: 3–9
- Mature Size: 2–3 feet tall
- When to Plant: Early spring after the last frost
- Care Requirements: Full sun, well-drained soil, occasional watering
4. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
Rosemary’s intense scent keeps cabbage moths, flea beetles, and even deer away from your broccoli plants. This drought-tolerant herb thrives on the edge of garden beds, where it won’t interfere with broccoli’s water-loving roots. If you’re companion planting broccoli in poor soil, rosemary offers pest protection without competing for nutrients.
- Best for: Repelling cabbage moths and flea beetles
- Hardiness Zone: 7–11 (can be grown as annual in cooler zones)
- Mature Size: 2–4 feet tall
- When to Plant: After frost in spring or from transplant
- Care Requirements: Full sun, dry to medium soil, low water once established
Must Read: Rosemary Companion Plants (with Chart)
5. Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Sage is one of the best companion herbs for broccoli if you’re struggling with cabbage moths or flea beetles. Its earthy, pungent aroma confuses flying insects that typically target brassicas. Several studies even suggest that sage may reduce cabbageworm egg-laying on broccoli. Plus, it grows compactly, making it ideal for interplanting without crowding your broccoli bed.
- Best for: Deterring cabbage pests and minimizing egg-laying
- Hardiness Zone: 4–9
- Mature Size: 18–24 inches tall
- When to Plant: Spring after the last frost
- Care Requirements: Full sun, well-drained sandy soil, low to moderate watering
6. Mint (Mentha spp.)
While mint has a reputation for being aggressive, it’s still one of the most effective herbs to grow near broccoli for pest control — as long as you keep it in check. Its strong scent repels flea beetles, cabbage flies, and even ants. I always plant mint in a container and place it close to my broccoli beds. That way, you get the benefits without the takeover.
- Best for: Repelling flea beetles, cabbage flies, and ants
- Hardiness Zone: 3–10
- Mature Size: 12–24 inches tall (spreads aggressively)
- When to Plant: Spring after frost or in fall
- Care Requirements: Partial shade to full sun, rich moist soil, regular pruning to contain spread
7. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme is one of the most reliable herbs to plant with broccoli if you’re aiming for natural pest control. Its strong scent deters cabbage loopers, whiteflies, and cutworms. Thyme’s tiny flowers attract pollinators and parasitic wasps, and it spreads low across the soil, offering bonus ground cover to suppress weeds and retain moisture around broccoli roots.
- Best for: Deterring brassica pests and acting as living mulch
- Hardiness Zone: 4–9
- Mature Size: 6–12 inches tall, 12–18 inches wide
- When to Plant: Spring or fall, from seed or cutting
- Care Requirements: Full sun, light well-drained soil, very low water needs once established
8. Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
If you’re searching for low-maintenance companion herbs for broccoli, oregano is a top pick. This hardy, aromatic herb repels cabbage moths and flea beetles with its scent, and its flowers attract lacewings and other helpful insects. Oregano can sprawl if not trimmed, but that same spread provides excellent weed suppression under your broccoli canopy.
- Best for: Repelling flea beetles and attracting lacewings
- Hardiness Zone: 4–10
- Mature Size: 12–24 inches tall and wide
- When to Plant: Spring after the last frost or early fall
- Care Requirements: Full sun, well-drained soil, drought-tolerant once mature
🌸 Broccoli Companion Flowers for Pollination and Natural Pest Defense:
9. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
Nasturtiums are one of the most useful flowers you can grow near broccoli. They act as a “trap crop,” pulling aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles away from your brassicas. If you’ve ever watched pests gather on nasturtium leaves instead of your broccoli — you’ll understand their power. Plus, their trailing habit shades soil and helps reduce weed growth.
- Best for: Luring pests away from broccoli (trap crop)
- Hardiness Zone: 2–11 (grown as annual in most zones)
- Mature Size: 10–12 inches tall, spreads 1–3 feet
- When to Plant: After last frost in spring
- Care Requirements: Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, low water once established
Must Read: Flowers That Bloom at Night – Our Favorite Picks
10. Marigold (Tagetes spp.)
Marigolds are a go-to broccoli companion flower for natural pest control. Their scent repels nematodes, cabbage loopers, and aphids. The flowers also bring in hoverflies and ladybugs — a big win for pest-prone broccoli beds. I like to tuck a few marigolds between broccoli rows for bright color and reliable protection.
- Best for: Repelling aphids and root nematodes
- Hardiness Zone: 2–11 (typically grown as annual)
- Mature Size: 6–24 inches tall depending on variety
- When to Plant: Spring after frost
- Care Requirements: Full sun, average soil, moderate water
11. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula’s golden blooms attract predatory insects like lacewings and parasitic wasps while drawing aphids away from your broccoli. It thrives in the same cool-season conditions as broccoli, making it a perfect match. Plus, the edible petals make a cheerful garnish — one of my favorite bonuses.
- Best for: Attracting pest-eating insects and diverting aphids
- Hardiness Zone: 2–11
- Mature Size: 12–24 inches tall
- When to Plant: Early spring or fall in mild climates
- Care Requirements: Full sun to light shade, well-drained soil, moderate water
12. Borage (Borago officinalis)
Borage is a pollinator magnet. Its star-shaped blue flowers pull in bees, which support flowering vegetables nearby. While broccoli doesn’t need pollination for head development, having more pollinators around improves the whole garden’s balance. Borage also helps deter tomato hornworms and is said to improve nearby plant resilience.
- Best for: Attracting pollinators and improving garden biodiversity
- Hardiness Zone: 3–10
- Mature Size: 2–3 feet tall
- When to Plant: Early spring from seed
- Care Requirements: Full sun, average soil, regular watering during dry spells
13. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) (cross-listed)
Chamomile deserves a second mention — its gentle blooms are incredibly effective at luring hoverflies, parasitic wasps, and other helpful insects. Planted near broccoli, it adds visual softness to your vegetable beds while quietly supporting pest control.
- Best for: Attracting beneficial insects and softening the garden aesthetic
- Hardiness Zone: 3–9
- Mature Size: 12–24 inches tall
- When to Plant: Spring or early fall
- Care Requirements: Full sun to partial shade, loose soil, moderate watering
Must See: White-Flowering Vines and Climbers
14. Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
Alyssum is a great optional flower to plant near broccoli if you want to maximize pollinator activity and minimize bare soil. Its dense clusters of tiny blooms attract hoverflies that love to feed on aphids. Plus, it grows low to the ground, providing natural mulch around broccoli roots.
- Best for: Boosting hoverfly populations and ground-level coverage
- Hardiness Zone: 5–9 (annual elsewhere)
- Mature Size: 4–8 inches tall, 12 inches wide
- When to Plant: Spring after last frost
- Care Requirements: Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, occasional watering
🥕 Broccoli Companion Vegetables for Soil Health and Space Efficiency:
15. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
Lettuce is one of the easiest and most effective vegetables to pair with broccoli. It grows low to the ground, helping shade the soil and lock in moisture — something broccoli roots really appreciate. Since lettuce matures quickly, you’ll harvest it long before broccoli starts taking up serious space.
- Best for: Shading soil, conserving moisture, and quick early harvest
- Hardiness Zone: 3–10
- Mature Size: 6–12 inches tall
- When to Plant: Early spring or late summer
- Care Requirements: Partial shade to full sun, moist soil, cool temperatures
See Also: Cucumber Companion Plants (with Chart)
16. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
Like lettuce, spinach is a great low-growing companion for broccoli. It helps regulate soil temperature and reduces weed competition. In return, broccoli’s broad leaves offer spinach a bit of welcome shade as the weather warms. I often plant these two together in early spring to get the most out of my cool-season beds.
- Best for: Living mulch, weed suppression, and shared cool-season growth
- Hardiness Zone: 2–9
- Mature Size: 6–10 inches tall
- When to Plant: Early spring or late summer
- Care Requirements: Partial shade to full sun, rich moist soil, regular watering
17. Beets (Beta vulgaris)
Beets and broccoli make great neighbors because they grow in different zones of the soil. Beets develop underground without interfering with broccoli’s surface-level roots, and both thrive in similar cool weather. As a bonus, you can harvest beet greens early to enjoy alongside your broccoli harvest later.
- Best for: Non-competitive root space and cool-weather compatibility
- Hardiness Zone: 2–10
- Mature Size: 12–18 inches tall
- When to Plant: Early spring or fall
- Care Requirements: Full sun, loose fertile soil, steady moisture
Related: Beets Companion Plants (with Chart)
18. Celery (Apium graveolens)
Celery is a quietly powerful companion plant for broccoli. Its strong scent can help deter pests like cabbage moths, and it’s often said to subtly enhance the flavor of broccoli. Since celery also enjoys cool, moist soil, the two vegetables grow comfortably side by side.
- Best for: Pest masking and flavor enhancement
- Hardiness Zone: 4–10
- Mature Size: 12–18 inches tall
- When to Plant: Early spring
- Care Requirements: Partial shade to full sun, rich damp soil, consistent watering
19. Garlic (Allium sativum)
Garlic is one of the best broccoli companion vegetables for pest prevention. Its strong aroma repels aphids, whiteflies, and even deer. Garlic also has antifungal properties that may help reduce soil-borne issues near brassicas. I like to tuck garlic cloves along the edges of broccoli beds in fall for a spring harvest.
- Best for: Natural pest deterrence and possible soil health benefits
- Hardiness Zone: 3–9
- Mature Size: 12–18 inches tall
- When to Plant: Fall or early spring
- Care Requirements: Full sun, loose well-drained soil, minimal water once growing
Related: Garlic Companion Plants (with Chart)
20. Onions (Allium cepa)
Onions are another strong-scented allium that plays well with broccoli. They help repel insect pests like thrips, aphids, and flea beetles. Because onions grow upright and don’t sprawl, they won’t compete for space or sunlight. A neat row of onions alongside broccoli keeps things tidy and productive.
- Best for: Repelling common insect pests
- Hardiness Zone: 3–9
- Mature Size: 12–24 inches tall
- When to Plant: Early spring
- Care Requirements: Full sun, well-drained soil, regular watering during bulb development
21. Peas (Pisum sativum)
Peas are nitrogen-fixing legumes that enrich the soil — perfect for heavy feeders like broccoli. You’ll often see healthier broccoli growth when it’s planted next to peas, especially if your soil is slightly depleted. Just be sure to give your peas a trellis so they don’t sprawl over your brassicas.
- Best for: Fixing nitrogen and improving broccoli vigor
- Hardiness Zone: 3–11
- Mature Size: 18 inches to 6 feet tall (depending on type)
- When to Plant: Early spring
- Care Requirements: Full sun, cool moist soil, support for climbing varieties
22. Bush Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Bush beans are another nitrogen-fixing option that benefits broccoli without climbing or sprawling like pole beans. They help improve soil fertility while taking up minimal space. This makes them ideal for companion planting in smaller gardens or raised beds.
- Best for: Soil enrichment and space-efficient growth
- Hardiness Zone: 3–10
- Mature Size: 12–24 inches tall
- When to Plant: After last frost in spring
- Care Requirements: Full sun, average soil, consistent moisture
Must Read: What Vegetables Can Grow in 4 to 6 Hours of Sunlight Per Day?
23. Shallots (Allium cepa var. aggregatum)
Shallots bring the same pest-repelling benefits as garlic and onions but with a more compact growth habit. Their scent keeps aphids and thrips at bay, and they won’t interfere with broccoli’s roots. Plant them along the borders of your broccoli bed to maximize space and defense.
- Best for: Border pest control and compact growth
- Hardiness Zone: 4–10
- Mature Size: 12–18 inches tall
- When to Plant: Early spring or fall
- Care Requirements: Full sun, fertile well-drained soil, moderate watering
24. Radishes (Raphanus sativus)
Radishes are quick-growing root veggies that help mark out broccoli rows and shade the soil early in the season. Their spicy scent may also help deter cabbage root maggots. You can harvest radishes just as broccoli starts filling out, giving you a nice double crop without competition.
- Best for: Fast growth, soil shading, and pest deterrence
- Hardiness Zone: 2–10
- Mature Size: 6–8 inches tall
- When to Plant: Early spring or fall
- Care Requirements: Full sun, loose moist soil, short growing period
25. Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) (optional)
Potatoes can be grown near broccoli with care — but only if you have enough room and well-fertilized soil. They both demand a lot of nutrients, so overcrowding them may stunt one or both crops. However, if spaced properly and given separate fertilizer support, they can coexist. Potatoes help break up compacted soil, which benefits nearby brassicas.
- Best for: Deep soil aeration (with proper spacing and care)
- Hardiness Zone: 3–10
- Mature Size: 24–36 inches tall
- When to Plant: Early spring
- Care Requirements: Full sun, rich loose soil, deep watering, avoid planting too close to other heavy feeders
Related: Fastest Growing Fruits and Vegetables
Bad Companion Plants for Broccoli

Some vegetables simply don’t get along with broccoli — and planting them nearby can lead to poor yields, pest problems, or nutrient imbalances. These bad companions either compete aggressively for space and resources or invite the same pests that already target broccoli. Here are eight plants you should keep at a distance if you want a thriving brassica bed.
1. Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)
Tomatoes and broccoli might seem like garden staples, but they make poor neighbors. Both are heavy calcium feeders, and planting them together can cause a tug-of-war underground. This often results in broccoli forming undersized heads while your tomatoes struggle with blossom-end rot.
Why avoid it: Competes with broccoli for calcium and key nutrients
Related: Must-See Tomato Companion Plants
2. Peppers (Capsicum annuum)
Peppers attract many of the same pests that already target broccoli — like aphids and flea beetles. On top of that, they prefer warm, dry soil, which clashes with broccoli’s cool, moist preferences. Growing them together often means one of them suffers.
Why avoid it: Pest overlap and conflicting growing conditions
3. Eggplants (Solanum melongena)
Eggplants are nutrient-hungry and grow deep, wide roots that can interfere with broccoli’s feeding zone. Like tomatoes and peppers, they also attract similar insect problems. Pairing them with broccoli often leads to stunted growth for both.
Why avoid it: Heavy feeder that competes for nutrients and invites pests
4. Squash (Cucurbita spp.)
Whether it’s zucchini, pumpkin, or any vining squash — these plants love to sprawl. Their broad leaves can quickly shade out young broccoli plants, blocking sunlight and airflow. They also spread aggressively, making crop spacing hard to manage.
Why avoid it: Sprawling habit crowds and shades out broccoli
5. Corn (Zea mays)
Corn shoots up fast and hogs nutrients — especially nitrogen, which broccoli needs in abundance. Their tall stalks also cast long shadows that can limit sunlight for your broccoli, especially in raised beds or smaller garden plots.
Why avoid it: Competes for nutrients and light
6. Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa)
Strawberries may seem harmless, but their shallow roots are very thirsty. They pull water and nutrients from the topsoil, right where broccoli feeds. Plus, they can attract fungal issues that easily spread to brassicas.
Why avoid it: Moisture and nutrient competition; disease risk
7. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Fennel releases compounds into the soil that can inhibit the growth of many vegetables, including broccoli. This allelopathic behavior makes it a poor neighbor for almost everything, and especially risky for nutrient-demanding crops.
Why avoid it: Produces chemicals that stunt broccoli growth
8. Other Brassicas (Brassica oleracea family)
It may sound convenient to group your cabbages, kales, and cauliflower with broccoli — but it’s usually a mistake. These plants all need similar nutrients and attract the same pests (like cabbage loopers and aphids). Growing them together increases the risk of infestation and soil depletion.
Why avoid it: Competes for nutrients and magnifies pest problems
Broccoli Companion Planting Chart (Downloadable)
You can download and print the following companion planting chart for broccoli and pin it in your greenhouse, garden shed, or near your raised bed. It’s a quick, handy guide to remind you what to plant—and what to avoid—right where you need it most.

Steps to download this companion planting chart for Broccoli:
On Desktop/PC:
- Chrome: Right-click the image and select Save image as…
- Safari (Mac): Control-click the image and choose Save Image to “Downloads” or Save Image As…
On Mobile Devices:
- Android: Tap and hold the image → Select Download image
- iOS (iPhone/iPad): Tap and hold the image → Choose Add to Photos
Companion Plants for Different Types of Broccoli
Different broccoli varieties have slightly different growth habits, so tailoring your companion planting strategy can improve airflow, pest protection, and even flavor. Here’s a quick reference to guide your planting combinations by type.
Broccoli Type | Good Companions |
---|---|
Calabrese Broccoli | Dill, Garlic, Lettuce, Marigold |
Broccoli Rabe | Beets, Rosemary, Chamomile, Celery, Lettuce |
Romanesco Broccoli | Celery, Nasturtium, Thyme |
Chinese Broccoli | Sage, Garlic, Lettuce, Onions, Dill, Celery |
Note: While all broccoli types have similar basic needs, pairing them with specific companions based on size, spacing, and growing rhythm can make your bed more efficient and productive.
🪴 Best Companions for Broccoli in Containers
If you’re short on space, broccoli can grow surprisingly well in containers — as long as you give it room to stretch. Use pots that are at least 5 gallons in size and place them in a spot with 6–8 hours of full sun per day.
Pair your container-grown broccoli with compact, shallow-rooted plants like:
- Lettuce – Offers quick harvests and helps shade the soil
- Spinach – Grows low and loves the cool, moist soil broccoli enjoys
- Chives – Pest-repelling, low-maintenance, and adds a nice vertical contrast
Note: Never plant mint directly in your container — it spreads aggressively and will take over. Instead, keep mint nearby in a separate pot to get the benefits without the chaos.
Keep a close eye on moisture levels. Containers dry out faster than garden beds, and broccoli won’t tolerate drought stress during head formation.
🌿 Expert Tips for Successful Companion Planting with Broccoli
Use these time-tested tips to get the most out of your broccoli bed:
- Space smartly. Keep 18–24 inches between broccoli plants to maintain airflow and reduce disease risk.
- Avoid calcium wars. Don’t plant broccoli next to other calcium-hungry crops like tomatoes or cabbage.
- Let herbs bloom. Flowering dill, chives, and chamomile attract beneficial insects that defend your brassicas.
- Harvest outer leaves early. This opens up space and airflow for neighboring plants while giving you an extra nutritious harvest.
- Mix plant speeds. Combine fast-growing leafy greens with slow-developing broccoli heads for efficient space use.
- Keep the soil covered. Don’t leave bare patches — fill gaps with spinach, radishes, or mulch to suppress weeds and hold moisture.
- Rotate wisely. Never plant broccoli or other brassicas in the same spot year after year. Rotate beds to reduce pest and disease buildup.
FAQs About Broccoli Companion Planting
Can I grow lettuce and broccoli together?
Yes — lettuce is one of the best vegetables to plant with broccoli. It stays low to the ground, acts like living mulch, and helps keep the soil cool and moist. Meanwhile, broccoli’s broad leaves offer some shade to prevent lettuce from bolting in warmer weather.
Should broccoli and cauliflower be planted in the same bed?
It’s not ideal. Broccoli and cauliflower are both heavy feeders and attract the same pests, like cabbage worms and aphids. Planting them too close can lead to pest outbreaks and depleted soil. If you do grow them together, add plenty of herbs and flowers to break the pest cycle.
Can broccoli and carrots be good neighbors?
Yes — carrots and broccoli don’t compete much since they use different parts of the soil. Carrots grow deep, while broccoli roots stay shallow. Just be mindful of spacing to avoid overcrowding in tighter beds.
Related: Best Carrot Companion Plants
Does mint help broccoli with pests?
Absolutely — mint repels cabbage flies, flea beetles, and ants. But because it spreads quickly, it’s best to plant mint in a container placed near your broccoli bed, not directly in the soil.
Do coffee grounds help broccoli grow?
Used in moderation, yes. Coffee grounds provide a slow-release source of nitrogen, which broccoli loves. They also improve soil texture and can deter some pests. Just don’t overdo it — too much can make soil acidic.
Can I companion plant in raised beds?
Definitely! Raised beds are perfect for companion planting with broccoli. You can mix fast-growing leafy greens, vertical herbs, and pest-repelling flowers all in the same space. Just be sure to give broccoli enough room for airflow
Must Check: List of Gardening Tools with Pictures and Their Uses
Conclusion
Broccoli can be a bit demanding in the garden, but with the right companions, it becomes a lot more manageable — and rewarding. I’ve had the best results pairing it with quick-growing greens like spinach and moisture-holding herbs like thyme. And when I started using nasturtiums as a trap crop? Game changer.
These plant partners don’t just fill space — they protect, balance, and often add beauty to the broccoli bed. Whether you’re growing in a container or stretching out in raised rows, there’s a lot you can do with just a few smart choices.
Now I’d love to hear from you…🥕🌱💬
So now I’m curious — what’s growing next to your broccoli this season? Got a trick that’s worked for you or a combination you’re unsure about?
Let’s keep this garden chat going — leave a comment below with your questions or stories. We’re all learning together, one harvest at a time.
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Information Sources:
Here at RASNetwork Gardening, integrity and accuracy are at the core of our content creation, with every article solidly backed by peer-reviewed research and reliable references. See the list of trusted sources used in this article below.
1. National Library of Medicine