How to Plant a Companion for Cabbage
- 1). Start several African marigolds and mint from seed indoors in a seed starter tray with a humidity dome 50 to 60 days before cabbage planting. Many believe the natural chemicals released by African marigolds deter insects like aphids. African marigold also attracts helpful insects such as ladybugs and lacewings. Mint deters ants, white cabbage moths, aphids and flea beetles.
- 2). Prepare the soil well before planting by tilling at least 6 inches deep and mixing the soil with up to 25 percent compost. For an extra nutrient boost, also add liquid organic fertilizer, per the manufacturer's instructions.
- 3). Plant cabbages seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, 12 to 16 inches apart and in rows spaced at least 2 feet apart. In larger gardens or fields, more space may be needed to create throughways. If desired, replace a couple of rows of cabbage with spinach or celery, which are suitable companions to cabbage.
- 4). Transplant groups of three marigolds between rows every 3 to 5 feet. Space marigolds 6 to 7 inches apart. Transplant single mint plants 8 to 10 inches away on either side of each marigold grouping. Plant mint plants in the center of bottomless pots set in the ground to prevent their roots, which tend to creep, from suffocating surrounding plant roots.
- 5). Choose a small companion vegetable to plant between the rows of cabbage and between the areas of marigolds and mint. Options include beets, onions and potatoes. Space beets 3 to 6 inches apart, onions 6 to 8 inches apart and potatoes 12 inches apart. Avoid tomatoes, radishes and pole beans, as they do not do well with cabbage. Most herbs will also safely cohabitate with cabbage.
- 6). Thin the mint and use the leaves as they grow to help control their size among the other plants. Mint is tolerant of shade and will thrive among larger plants.
