10 Best Broccoli Companion Plants (Plus 5 to Avoid!)

Broccoli is a heavy feeder that takes time, space, and care to grow well. But the right companion plants can help with pest control, soil balance, and even flavor.

The wrong ones, on the other hand, can compete for nutrients or attract harmful insects.

Companion planting is a method that pairs crops based on how they support each other’s growth. When done right, it helps reduce the need for sprays, saves garden space, and leads to better harvests.

In this article, I'll cover the top 10 plants that grow well with broccoli (and 5 that should never be planted nearby).

Each one is explained with practical reasons to help you plan your garden with confidence.

10 Best Companion Plants for Broccoli

Here are 10 great plants to grow with broccoli.

1. Alliums (Garlic, Onions, Shallots, Chives)

If your broccoli struggles with pests like aphids, cabbage worms, slugs, or moths, planting it near members of the allium family can make a real difference.

Garlic, onions, shallots, and chives give off a strong smell that naturally repels many of the insects that often attack brassicas. You don’t need sprays or traps—just growing these plants nearby can create a scent barrier that keeps pests away.

Garlic is especially helpful in the garden because it doesn't just protect against bugs. Some gardeners say it also helps prevent fungal diseases in nearby plants, which can be a concern during wet or humid conditions.

There's also the added benefit that some people notice a slight improvement in broccoli’s flavor when grown with garlic or chives.

Another reason alliums make good neighbors is that they don’t compete aggressively for the same nutrients as broccoli.

They can grow fairly close without interfering with broccoli’s root system. Since both grow well in cooler weather, they also tend to thrive in the same part of the growing season, which makes planning and care easier.

2. Beets

Beets are another solid choice if you're looking to get the most out of your garden space without crowding your broccoli. They grow deeper in the soil, while broccoli's roots stay relatively shallow.

This difference in root depth means there's less competition underground, allowing both crops to access water and nutrients without getting in each other’s way.

What makes beets especially interesting is their relationship with soil minerals. They don’t need much calcium (one of the key nutrients broccoli relies on heavily) so they’re not going to compete for it.

In fact, there’s a belief among gardeners that beets might add magnesium to the soil, which can benefit nearby plants, especially if you're dealing with mineral-deficient soil.

Both beets and broccoli also prefer cooler temperatures, making them well suited to grow together in early spring or fall.

Beets don’t require much space to thrive, so you can tuck them in around broccoli plants or in nearby rows without disrupting airflow or light.

As long as you keep the soil evenly moist and avoid crowding, you can grow a healthy mix of both in the same garden bed.

3. Celery

Celery pairs well with broccoli for a few practical reasons, especially if you're working with a cooler climate or planting in the shadier parts of your garden.

Unlike sun-loving crops, celery does just fine with less direct light, and broccoli’s broad leaves can offer the kind of shade that helps celery thrive.

This shading can help keep celery from drying out too quickly, which is important since it prefers consistently moist soil.

One of the more interesting things about celery is that some gardeners believe it helps keep cabbage worms at bay. While that hasn’t been scientifically proven, many home growers report fewer pest problems when celery is planted close to brassicas like broccoli.

Whether it’s due to scent or something else, it’s often used as a natural deterrent.

Celery also tends to do well in soil that's already rich and fertile, which is exactly what broccoli needs too. If you’re maintaining nutrient levels for your broccoli, your celery will likely benefit at the same time.

As long as you keep an eye on spacing and give both crops room to grow without overlapping too much, they can be strong companions in the same bed.

4. Chamomile

Chamomile isn’t just a soothing herb for tea—it’s also a quiet worker in the garden that can support your broccoli in a few subtle but helpful ways.

One of its biggest benefits is attracting beneficial insects. Its small flowers are magnets for pollinators and predatory insects like parasitic wasps, which feed on the types of pests that usually damage broccoli, such as cabbage loopers and aphids.

Another reason chamomile works well around broccoli is its potential to improve plant health. There’s long-standing garden wisdom suggesting chamomile may enhance the flavor and even the growth of neighboring vegetables.

While scientific backing is limited, it’s often included in companion planting lists for this reason.

Chamomile may also help reduce fungal problems in the garden. Since broccoli can be susceptible to fungal diseases (especially when there's too much moisture) having chamomile nearby could offer some natural resistance.

It’s easy to grow, doesn’t take up much space, and fits in well with other cool-weather crops, making it a smart, low-maintenance choice to plant near your broccoli.

5. Dill

Dill is a companion plant that does more than add flavor to your kitchen. In the garden, it's a natural ally for broccoli, especially if pest pressure is a concern.

When dill is left to flower, its umbrella-like blooms draw in a variety of helpful insects, including predatory wasps and hoverflies.

These insects feed on common brassica pests like cabbage loopers and aphids, offering a built-in layer of pest control without the need for chemical sprays.

Timing-wise, dill and broccoli make a good match. Both prefer cooler temperatures and grow best in the same part of the season—early spring or fall.

This makes it easier to manage watering, sunlight, and spacing since you're not trying to juggle the needs of warm- and cool-weather plants at the same time.

Another reason dill works well in the same bed as broccoli is its ability to adapt to some shade. Broccoli plants can get tall and cast a good bit of shadow, but dill doesn't seem to mind, especially in warmer climates where a bit of shade helps it stay productive longer.

Just be careful not to crowd dill too close, as it can grow tall and may block airflow if the space is too tight.

6. Lettuce

Lettuce is one of the easiest vegetables to pair with broccoli, not just because they grow well together but also because they make use of space in a smart way.

Broccoli takes longer to mature and tends to grow tall and wide, while lettuce stays low and matures much more quickly. This difference means you can tuck lettuce around broccoli plants without worrying about competition for space or light.

One of the key advantages of this pairing is how well lettuce responds to partial shade. When the weather warms up, lettuce can bolt quickly, turning bitter and tough.

But if it's growing near broccoli, the shade from the larger plants helps keep the soil cooler and slows down bolting. This lets you harvest crisp, fresh lettuce for a longer period, even during warmer days.

Both crops also like consistent moisture and well-draining soil, so you won’t need to make major adjustments to your watering routine.

In addition, lettuce acts like a living mulch. It covers the soil around your broccoli, helping to hold moisture in and reduce weed growth. This keeps the bed productive and easier to manage throughout the season.

7. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are more than just colorful flowers. They’re often planted alongside vegetables like broccoli because of how well they handle pest control.

One of their biggest advantages is their ability to work as a trap crop. Aphids, whiteflies, and even some types of beetles are drawn to nasturtiums instead of broccoli, giving your brassicas a much better chance of growing undisturbed.

Aside from drawing pests away, nasturtiums also actively repel certain insects, including cabbage worms and whiteflies.

This dual role of attraction and repelling makes them especially useful in a broccoli bed. You’re not just hiding your plants—you’re redirecting pest pressure altogether.

They also help manage the soil in a few ways. Nasturtiums spread low and wide, which covers bare ground and acts as a living mulch.

This helps keep the soil cool, locks in moisture, and reduces weed competition. Since broccoli tends to be a heavy feeder, limiting weed competition around it can make a noticeable difference in how well it grows.

Nasturtiums don’t demand much care, and they thrive in less-than-perfect soil. That makes them easy to tuck into the edges of your broccoli beds without any major planning or fuss.

8. Rosemary

Rosemary is best known for its scent, and that strong smell does more than make your garden smell good. It helps drive away pests that are common problems for broccoli, especially cabbage moths, cabbage loopers, and some types of beetles.

Even though rosemary isn’t a typical garden bed plant for cool-season vegetables, it’s worth keeping nearby because of how effectively it protects against insects.

That said, rosemary prefers dry, well-draining soil, which isn’t always what broccoli likes. To get around this, you don’t need to plant them right next to each other.

Growing rosemary in pots placed near your broccoli bed works just as well. You still get the benefit of pest deterrence without having to compromise on either plant’s growing conditions.

Another upside to growing rosemary in pots is flexibility. You can move the plants around depending on where they’re most needed or take them indoors during cold snaps, which helps if you're gardening in a short-season area.

Rosemary's role in the broccoli garden is less about sharing nutrients and more about acting as a protective barrier—and it does that job well with very little effort.

9. Spinach

Spinach is a cool-season crop that shares many growing preferences with broccoli, which makes them a reliable pair in the garden.

Both thrive in the same temperatures and require similar watering routines, so you won’t need to adjust your care methods for one or the other. More importantly, spinach can actually improve the growing environment around your broccoli.

Because spinach grows low to the ground, it helps cover the soil surface. This natural ground cover acts like a living mulch, reducing moisture loss, keeping weeds in check, and maintaining cooler soil temperatures—conditions that broccoli prefers, especially as the weather starts to warm.

This setup is particularly helpful during spring or early fall plantings when the sun can be intense at times.

Spinach also matures quickly, which means you can harvest it while your broccoli is still developing. This allows you to make use of space that would otherwise go unused for weeks.

Since spinach doesn’t have deep roots or a high nutrient demand, it won’t interfere with broccoli’s growth or compete for the heavy feeding it requires.

If you want to make the most of your growing space while keeping your broccoli healthy and the soil well-managed, spinach is one of the easiest and most beneficial options to include.

10. Potatoes

While some gardeners are hesitant to plant two heavy feeders together, broccoli and potatoes can actually work well side by side if the soil is rich and properly maintained.

The key is understanding how these two crops use space and nutrients differently. Broccoli has a shallow root system, while potatoes grow deeper underground. This difference allows both plants to access different layers of soil without directly competing with each other.

Another reason they pair well is their unique nutrient needs. Broccoli depends heavily on calcium and nitrogen, while potatoes rely more on phosphorus and magnesium.

If your soil is well-balanced and you’re feeding it regularly, this separation in needs can help both plants grow without stripping the same nutrients from the ground.

It’s also worth noting that because broccoli stays mostly above the soil and potatoes grow below it, you can manage both crops without much disruption.

As long as you're keeping an eye on spacing and supporting each with proper fertilizer, there’s no need to avoid pairing them. In well-prepared beds, they can both thrive and make efficient use of your garden space.

5 Plants to Avoid Planting Near Broccoli

Not every plant makes a good neighbor for broccoli. Some compete for the same nutrients, while others attract pests or create growing conditions that can hold your broccoli back.

To avoid these problems, it helps to know which crops are best kept at a distance. Here are five plants you should avoid placing near your broccoli—and why they cause more harm than good.

1. Other Brassicas (Cabbage, Cauliflower, Kale, etc.)

It might seem like planting similar crops together would make things easier, but that’s not the case when it comes to brassicas.

Broccoli belongs to the same plant family as cabbage, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, and bok choy. Growing them side by side may seem convenient, but it creates a serious risk of pest and disease buildup.

These crops are all vulnerable to the same problems—especially cabbage worms, cabbage loopers, and cabbage moths.

When you plant them together, it’s like setting up a buffet for every pest that targets brassicas. Instead of protecting one another, they make your garden more attractive to insects that can do major damage in a short amount of time.

There’s also the issue of competition. All brassicas are heavy feeders, and when they’re growing close together, they’ll compete for the same nutrients (especially nitrogen and calcium, which are essential for good broccoli development).

Overcrowding these types of plants can lead to stunted growth, poor yields, and increased stress on your soil.

Broccoli has another trait that makes planting it with other brassicas even more complicated: it produces compounds in its roots that can slow the growth of nearby plants, including its own relatives.

This allelopathic effect isn’t always obvious right away, but over time it can reduce the performance of neighboring brassicas. It’s better to separate these crops in your garden rotation and give each one the space and attention it needs.

2. Strawberries

Strawberries may be a popular garden favorite, but they don’t get along well with broccoli. The main issue comes down to nutrient needs.

Like broccoli, strawberries are heavy feeders, especially when it comes to nitrogen. Planting them together means both crops are pulling hard from the same pool of nutrients, which can lead to lower yields and weaker plants.

There’s also a pest risk. Strawberries can attract slugs and other soft-bodied insects that don’t mind making a meal of broccoli leaves as well.

If you’re already dealing with pests in your garden, having strawberries nearby may make things worse rather than better.

In some cases, strawberries are even believed to inhibit the growth of brassicas. While not every gardener notices this effect, it’s enough of a concern that many choose to keep strawberries in a separate bed altogether.

If you’re trying to get the most out of your broccoli harvest, it’s safer to avoid planting strawberries anywhere nearby.

3. Tomatoes and Other Nightshades (Peppers, Eggplants)

Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants are all members of the nightshade family, and while they’re popular crops in many gardens, they don’t pair well with broccoli.

One of the biggest issues is their shared need for calcium. Broccoli already requires a lot of it to grow properly, and so do tomatoes and their relatives.

When planted close together, these crops end up competing for the same nutrient, which can lead to deficiencies in both.

A common problem that can show up in this situation is blossom-end rot in tomatoes—a direct result of calcium imbalance.

At the same time, broccoli may also fail to thrive, showing signs of poor leaf development or slow growth. Since both groups are heavy feeders, they also draw heavily on other key nutrients, which can quickly wear out the soil if not carefully managed.

Another challenge is that tomatoes and broccoli have very different space and care needs. Tomatoes grow tall, bushy, and can shade out nearby plants.

They also prefer warmer conditions and longer growing seasons, which don't always line up with broccoli’s cooler-season schedule. Keeping them in separate areas not only reduces nutrient competition but also makes garden planning and care much simpler.

4. Corn

Corn and broccoli may not seem like they would get in each other's way, but they share more problems than you'd think.

The most obvious issue is nutrient demand. Both are heavy feeders that need rich, well-fed soil to produce well. If you plant them together, they’ll compete directly for nitrogen and other essential elements, which can leave both crops undernourished.

Corn also grows tall and fast, often casting heavy shade over anything planted nearby. Since broccoli needs full sun to develop strong heads and healthy leaves, that extra shade can slow down its growth or reduce its yield. In small gardens or tight spaces, this becomes an even bigger problem where light is limited.

In terms of timing, corn and broccoli don’t always sync up. Corn prefers warmer conditions, while broccoli is best planted in cooler parts of the season.

Trying to manage both in the same bed can lead to compromises that don’t benefit either plant. Keeping them apart allows you to focus on their unique needs without one crop affecting the other.

5. Squash, Melons, and Pumpkins

Squash, melons, and pumpkins may seem like they wouldn't interfere with broccoli, but in practice, they tend to create several challenges when planted nearby.

The biggest concern is space. These vining plants spread quickly and widely, often covering large portions of the garden.

Broccoli, on the other hand, needs plenty of airflow and light to stay healthy. When squash or melons crowd the space, they can block sunlight and trap moisture, both of which increase the risk of disease in broccoli.

There’s also strong competition for nutrients. Squash and melons are heavy feeders, just like broccoli. Without regular and well-balanced fertilizing, the soil can get depleted quickly, leaving your broccoli without the calcium and nitrogen it needs to produce strong heads.

If you’re growing pumpkins specifically, there’s an added concern: some growers have noticed that broccoli can stunt pumpkin growth, possibly due to chemical interactions in the soil.

Even in larger gardens, these crops are usually better off growing in different sections. Giving each plant group the space, nutrients, and light it needs will lead to better results than forcing them to share a crowded space.

Plant broccoli with alliums and cool-season crops, and keep brassicas and nightshades away!

Choosing the right companion plants for your broccoli can make a noticeable difference in how well it grows, how much you harvest, and how much time you spend dealing with pests and soil problems.

Alliums, beets, celery, and other cool-season crops like lettuce and spinach help create the kind of environment broccoli thrives in. Some offer pest control, others manage moisture and nutrients, and a few do both.

On the flip side, it’s just as important to know which plants to keep away. Brassicas, strawberries, nightshades, corn, and sprawling squash varieties all present challenges—from pest buildup and nutrient competition to poor airflow and overcrowding.

By planning your garden layout with these pairings in mind, you’ll give your broccoli the best chance at a healthy, productive season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I plant broccoli with herbs other than rosemary and dill?

Yes, but you need to be selective. Some herbs like thyme and sage may offer mild pest-repelling benefits, but they often prefer drier conditions than broccoli. If you're going to experiment with other herbs, it's best to grow them in containers nearby rather than in the same soil. This lets you benefit from their scent without forcing incompatible plants to share the same growing space.

How far apart should companion plants be placed around broccoli?

Spacing depends on the companion plant’s size and growth habit. For small, low-growing companions like lettuce or spinach, you can plant them 6 to 10 inches away from broccoli. Larger companions like dill or celery may need 12 to 18 inches to avoid overcrowding. Always make sure there’s enough room for airflow around each broccoli plant to prevent disease.

Can broccoli affect the growth of other plants around it?

Yes. Broccoli can release natural compounds into the soil that may slow the growth of certain neighboring plants, especially other brassicas. This allelopathic effect is one reason why it’s better to rotate broccoli to a different spot each season and avoid planting it near close relatives like cabbage or cauliflower.

What’s the best way to rotate broccoli with other crops?

After harvesting broccoli, avoid planting another brassica in the same spot for at least two to three seasons. Instead, rotate with legumes, root crops like carrots or beets, or leafy greens that aren’t part of the brassica family. This helps break pest and disease cycles and gives your soil time to recover from heavy feeding.

Do companion plants help with broccoli yields or just pest control?

They can do both. Some companion plants improve the soil, attract pollinators, or help manage moisture levels—indirectly supporting healthier, faster-growing broccoli. Others focus on pest control, reducing the chance of damage and stress. When chosen well, companion plants can create the right conditions for your broccoli to grow stronger and yield better.