Want to grow collard greens that thrive with fewer pests and healthier leaves? The secret lies in companion planting! Choosing the right collard companion plants can improve soil health, repel insects, and maximize space, especially in a square foot gardening layout. Whether you’re planting collard greens for the first time or looking to enhance your collard greens plant yield, this guide will help you master how to grow collard greens like a pro!
Table of Contents
Why I Like Collard Greens
In my Zone 8b garden, collard greens can be planted in the spring and as a fall-to-winter-crop, since our winters are not too harsh. These plants are a powerhouse of nutrition, offering a range of health benefits. Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, they support immune function, skin health, and strong bones. Their high fiber content promotes digestion and gut health, while antioxidants help fight inflammation and protect against disease. Collards are also rich in folate, which is essential for cell growth and brain function. Plus, they’re a great source of plant-based calcium and iron, making them a fantastic addition to any balanced diet. Whether sautéed, steamed, or blended into smoothies, these leafy greens are as delicious as they are nutritious!
Collard Companion Plants: Flowers
Planting flowers alongside collard greens can help deter pests, attract beneficial insects, and add beauty to your garden. Here are some of the best flower companions for collard greens:
Marigolds: Repel nematodes and aphids while attracting pollinators and beneficial insects.
Nasturtiums: Act as a trap crop, drawing aphids and cabbage worms away from collards.
Calendula: Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects that prey on common collard pests.
Alyssum: Encourages beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which help control aphids.
Chamomile: Improves soil health and may enhance the flavor of collard greens.
Cosmos and Zinnias: Attract pollinators and create a lively, colorful garden space.
Collard Companion Plants: Herbs
Planting herbs alongside collard greens can help repel pests, improve growth, and enhance the overall health of your garden. Here are some of the best herb companions for collard greens:
Thyme: Repels cabbage worms and other pests that commonly attack collard greens.
Rosemary: Deters cabbage loopers, aphids, and flea beetles with its strong scent.
Mint: Helps keep away cabbage moths, aphids, and ants (but plant in a container to prevent spreading).
Dill: Attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps that prey on harmful pests.
Basil: Repels flies and mosquitoes while also benefiting other plants in the garden.
Collard Companion Plants: Vegetables
Collard greens thrive when planted alongside vegetables that enhance growth, deter pests, and improve soil health. Here are some of the best vegetable companions:
Onions, Garlic, and Leeks: Their strong scent helps repel aphids, cabbage worms, and other pests.
Carrots and Beets: Grow well with collards without competing for space or nutrients.
Celery: Acts as a natural pest deterrent and grows well alongside collards.
Lettuce and Spinach: Share similar growing conditions and make efficient use of garden space.
Bush Beans and Peas: Fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for collard greens.
Radishes: Can help break up compacted soil and deter flea beetles that attack collards.
What Not to Plant With Collard Greens
When planting collard greens, avoid these companion plants, as they can compete for nutrients, attract pests, or hinder growth:
Other Brassicas (Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Kale, Brussels Sprouts, Mustard Greens): These plants attract the same pests (like cabbage worms and aphids) and compete for nutrients, increasing the risk of disease.
Strawberries: Can attract pests that also target collards and may inhibit growth.
Tomatoes, Peppers, and Eggplants: These nightshades prefer different soil conditions and can compete for nutrients.
Pole Beans: Can stunt collard growth by competing for space and nutrients.
Corn: A heavy feeder that can deplete the soil of nutrients collard greens need.
Quick Reference Collard Companion Plants Chart
| Collard Companion Plants | |
| Collard Companion Plants: Flowers | Collard Companion Plants: Herbs |
| Alyssum | Basil |
| Calendula | Dill |
| Chamomile | Mint (in a container) |
| Cosmos | Rosemary |
| Marigolds | Thyme |
| Nasturtiums | |
| Zinnias | Worst Collard Companion Plants |
| Broccoli | |
| Collard Companion Plants: Vegetables | Brussels sprouts |
| Beets | Cabbage |
| Bush Beans | Cauliflower |
| Carrots | Corn |
| Celery | Eggplants |
| Garlic | Kale |
| Leeks | Mustard Greens |
| Lettuce | Peppers |
| Onions | Pole Beans |
| Peas | Strawberries |
| Radishes | Tomatoes |
| Spinach | |
Tips for Planting Collard Greens
When to Plant Collard Greens
Collard greens thrive in cooler weather, so the best planting time depends on your climate. Here are some tips about when to plant collard greens:
Spring Planting: Sow seeds 2–4 weeks before the last expected frost for an early start. Transplants can be set out just before the last frost since collards tolerate light frost.
Fall Planting: For a fall or winter harvest, plant seeds 6–8 weeks before the first expected frost. Cooler temperatures enhance their flavor, making them sweeter.
Mild Climates: In regions with mild winters (Zones 8–10, and I’m in Zone 8b, so this applies to me), collards can be grown year-round, especially as a fall-to-winter crop.
Where to Plant Collard Greens
Collard greens grow best in full sun and well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a neutral pH level of 6.5-6.8. If you aren’t sure of the pH level of your soil, you can use a handy meter like this one.
With proper care, collards provide continuous harvests for months!
Easy Collard Greens Recipe
Not sure how to cook collard greens? Here’s an easy recipe to get you started.
Equipment Needed
Ingredients
1 bunch collard greens, washed and chopped
2 tbsp olive oil, avocado oil, or butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ small onion, chopped
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for a bit of tang)
Instructions
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant and softened (about 2-3 minutes).
Stir in the collard greens and cook for about 2 minutes until they start to wilt.
Pour in the broth, add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well.
Cover and let simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until greens are tender.
Stir in apple cider vinegar before serving for a fresh, tangy kick.
Pair with cornbread or rice for a comforting, flavorful meal!
Need More Planting Ideas?
Check out the tips for the best companion plants for eggplant to learn what to grow with those beauties. If you like the idea of companion planting, you might be interested in reading about the best companion plants for pumpkins, irises, sunflowers, garlic, asparagus, rosemary, radishes, beetroot (beets), thyme, parsley, lupine, borage, stevia, kale, dahlias, or the best companion plants for lavender. Get tips for growing stunning dahlias or vintage roses. Are you a beginning gardener? Try planting some foolproof, easy-care perennials, or learning about the best companion plants for columbine. There are so many exciting plants to grow!
Keep Track of Your Garden with a Journal Logbook
Now that you have learned about some compatible companion plants, keep track of your planting ideas, goals, and plans with a printable, editable free garden journal logbook. Choose the pages you want to use and customize them as you wish to record monthly, weekly, and daily garden tasks, lists, weather, and planting arrangements. There are also grid pages for easily designing the layout of your vegetable garden, flower garden, or landscape. Print it out and put it into a notebook you can take with you to the garden (that’s what I do). It’s nice to have all of your garden information in one place.
Free Online Garden Planner Layout Template
Now that you know which are the best companion plants for arugula, you might need a way to plan your garden layout. Whether you are planting vegetables, flowers, or herbs near your lupine plants, this online garden planner can help you visualize your design and bring it to life. Arrange and rearrange the plants over and over, then print the layout when you are satisfied. With garden tasks that need your attention, this is one way to save time.
It’s fully customizable when you make your own copy and includes two editable chart pages for noting planting specifications.
Get my free online garden layout planner template!
Have a wonderful day, and may all of your arugula endeavors meet with success!
Lisa Mitchell is a wife, mom, and school librarian who likes to grow fruit, herbs, vegetables, and flowers on her family’s small Pacific Northwest farm. To learn more about what this website has to offer gardeners, click on over to the Garden page.
I’m looking forward to growing collard greens for the first time. Thanks for all of the helpful tips about companion plants.
You are most welcome. Enjoy growing collard greens with helpful companion plants!