A thoughtful companion planting plan can turn a simple row of kohlrabi into a productive, low-maintenance garden bed. By pairing kohlrabi with the right roots, herbs and flowers, you naturally support soil health, attract beneficial insects and make life harder for common brassica pests.
- Balances nutrients: different root depths and growth habits share the soil more evenly.
- Improves soil structure: deep-rooted companions help open compact or clay soil.
- Reduces pests: aromatic herbs and alliums confuse or deter cabbage moths and aphids.
- Supports pollinators: flowers and herb umbels feed bees, hoverflies and beneficial insects.
Great Companions for Kohlrabi
Beetroot
Beetroot has a strong taproot that breaks up heavier soils, helping kohlrabi bulbs swell evenly. The two crops also share similar spacing and timing, making them easy to grow together.
Beetroot ‘Red Detroit’ Seeds are an excellent match for kohlrabi beds.
Onions & Leeks
Alliums such as onions and leeks release a strong scent that can help confuse or repel pests targeting brassicas.
- Onion ‘Brown Odourless’ Seeds – great border plants around kohlrabi.
- Leek ‘Large American Flag’ Seeds – slender plants that fit neatly between brassicas.
Dill
Dill produces umbrella-shaped flowers that attract hoverflies, lacewings and ladybirds — all of which help control aphids and other soft-bodied pests. It also doubles as a delicious herb for salads, soups and ferments.
Try Dill ‘Bouquet’ Seeds around the edges of your kohlrabi bed.
Sage
Sage is a classic brassica companion. Its strong aroma helps deter cabbage moths, and its flowers attract bees and other pollinators during the flowering season.
Sage Herb Seeds are ideal for interplanting at intervals along the bed.
Pollinator & Green Manure Mixes
Adding flower-rich mixes and soil-building green manures around or between kohlrabi plantings increases overall resilience.
- Beneficial Insect & Bee Mix – attracts bees, hoverflies and lacewings.
- Pollinator Green Manure Seed Mix – improves structure in heavy clay and feeds soil life.
Plants to Avoid Near Kohlrabi
- Beans: can compete for nutrients and prefer different soil conditions.
- Tomatoes: tend to spread and shade out compact brassicas like kohlrabi.
Turn One Crop into a Whole Garden Plan
- Kohlrabi + Beetroot + Spring Onions – compact root and stem bed with varied textures.
- Kohlrabi + Dill + Sage – a kitchen-friendly bed with herbs that support pest control.
- Kohlrabi + Pollinator & Green Manure Mix – rotational system for soil building and biodiversity.
Build Your Kohlrabi Companion Pack
When planning your seed order, think in terms of companion packs rather than isolated packets.
- Kohlrabi + Beetroot + Onion + Leek.
- Kohlrabi + Dill + Sage + Pollinator Mix.
- Kohlrabi + Pollinator Green Manure for clay or tired beds.
👉 Read the full ‘How to Grow Kohlrabi’ guide
👉 See how to cook your companion-grown harvest
👉 Find comprehensive information on Kohlrabi