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Perfect Companions for Broccoli

By Colleen Vanderlinden, About.com

Broccoli planted with nasturtiums and lettuce

Broccoli, underplanted with lettuce and nasturtiums.

Colleen Vanderlinden

Plants that Help Broccoli Grow Better:

  • Celery, potatoes, and onions improve the flavor of broccoli when planted nearby.
  • Aromatic herbs, such as rosemary, sage, dill, and mint, help broccoli by repelling insect pests.
  • Plants that require little calcium, such as beets, nasturtiums, and marigolds are good companions because they grow happily with broccoli--a notorious calcium-hog.

Plants Helped by Broccoli:

It's a great idea to interplant broccoli with plants that don't need a ton of room and enjoy some shade in late spring and early summer. Some ideas include looseleaf lettuce, spinach, and radishes.

Plants to Avoid Planting Near Broccoli:

Tomatoes, pole beans, and strawberries are all said to negatively affect the growth and flavor of broccoli.

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