Growing Kohlrabi: An Easy Guide

If you’re looking to spice up your garden, then you’ve got to love the quirky and delicious kohlrabi! This unique veggie, often mistaken for a root due to its bulbous shape, is actually a swollen stem of the Brassica family, which also includes cabbage and broccoli. It’s a brassica that’s become quite beloved in my kitchen for its crisp, slightly sweet flavor and versatility. Today, I want to share everything I’ve learned about growing kohlrabi, and a few tips about its best buddies in the garden – companion plants!

A Little History

Kohlrabi has roots tracing back to Europe, particularly the Mediterranean region—how fitting! It’s been cultivated for centuries, and even today, it’s gaining popularity as more people discover its nutritious qualities. It’s quite the resilient plant, thriving in cooler weather and offering a bountiful yield that can be harvested in just a couple of months. It typically needs full sun and well-drained soil, but if you’ve got some organic matter mixed in, you’re already on the right track.

Getting Started with Kohlrabi

Now, when it comes to planting kohlrabi, you’ve got options! You can grow it directly in your garden bed or explore vertical gardening methods, which can be a fun twist. I’ve tried both, but there’s something charming about watching those purple and green bulbs stretch towards the sun. As for the variants, you’ll find that there’s a lovely selection—including the classic ‘White Vienna’, the stunning ‘Purple Vienna’, and the delightful ‘Kohlrabi Nero’, each thriving in its own right.

The Benefits of Companion Planting for Kohlrabi

So, what’s the buzz about companion planting? I can’t stress enough how beneficial it is! Pairing kohlrabi with certain plants can help enhance growth, improve flavors, and deter pests. Plus, it maximizes the space in your garden, and I love any excuse to stuff more greenery into my patch!

What Are Good Companion Plants for Kohlrabi?

When it comes to pairing plants, I’ve had great luck with beets and onions. Let me break it down for you:

Plants to Avoid

Interestingly enough, I’ve found that kohlrabi doesn’t have many “bad” companions to worry about, which is quite reassuring! Still, I always recommend keeping a little distance from larger, more invasive plants that could overshadow them. Typically, a good rule of thumb is to allow at least a foot of space between kohlrabi and any larger plants to ensure they each get enough sunlight and nutrients without fighting over resources.

Wrapping It Up

Growing kohlrabi can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you pair it with friends like beets and onions. They not only make great companions but also enhance your garden’s health and productivity. So why not give it a try? I can’t wait to see how colorful your garden will become with these fantastic plants side by side. Happy gardening!

Planting Guidelines for Companion Plants to Kohlrabi

When it comes to companion planting with Kohlrabi, I’ve learned that spacing is key to creating a thriving garden. Let’s dig into some specific guidelines for various types of companion plants that play nicely with Kohlrabi.

General Rules for Spacing

For most Beets and Onions, a good rule of thumb is to space them about **6-12 inches** away from Kohlrabi. This allows each plant to get the nutrients it needs without competing too fiercely.

Guidelines for Tall Companions

Tall plants can shade Kohlrabi if they’re too close, so I recommend spacing them at least **12-18 inches** away. This keeps the light distribution even while allowing the taller plants to flourish. Examples include:

– **Sunflowers**

– **Corn**

Remember, you might want to adjust this distance based on your garden layout and how much sun your particular site gets!

Guidelines for Low-Growing Companions

Low-growing companions can be a bit more flexible but aim for about **6-8 inches** between them and your Kohlrabi. This will help prevent any unnecessary crowding. Good examples are:

– **Lettuce**

– **Radishes**

It’s nice to include these short varieties as they won’t compete for space vertically.

Guidelines for Strongly Aromatic Companions

Aromatic herbs can repel pests and enhance flavors. For these plants, give them about **8-12 inches**. Examples include:

– **Thyme**

– **Basil**

Just keep in mind that some herbs grow quite big and may require more space, so always check the specific needs!

Guidelines for Nutrient-Heavy Feeders

Nutrient-hungry plants should be spaced about **12-16 inches** away. This way, Kohlrabi gets its fair share of nutrients without being overwhelmed. Consider planting:

– **Tomatoes**

– **Peppers**

These plants love rich soil like Kohlrabi does, but they can seriously impact each other’s growth if planted too closely.

Guidelines for Spreading or Vining Companions

For vines or spreading plants, I recommend at least **18-24 inches** of space. This gives them plenty of room to sprawl out without invading your Kohlrabi’s territory. Think of:

– **Cucumbers**

– **Pumpkins**

These plants can take off quickly, so it’s crucial to give them space!

Final Tips for Adjustments

Don’t forget that garden conditions can vary so much—sunlight, soil quality, and moisture can all play a role in how plants thrive together. Always adjust your spacing based on your specific garden conditions and keep an eye on the mature sizes of your chosen companion plants.

Summary of Plant Companions

Beets

Beets are friendly companions who thrive when planted with other root vegetables. They pair well with:

– **Carrots**: Both benefit from similar conditions and won’t compete for space.

– **Lettuce**: The lettuce grows above while the beets stay below, making them perfect partners.

Onions

Onions love companionship and can be excellent neighbors to a variety of plants:

– **Carrots**: These two together prevent each other from developing pests.

– **Cabbage**: Onions can deter pests that might bother cabbage, making for a happy patch.

Having these friends in your garden can really help each plant get the most out of their space! Gardening is all about sharing the earth with our plant pals, and by planting wisely, I believe you’ll see healthier crops and happier harvests. Happy gardening!