Bok choy, a popular leafy green in Asian cuisine, thrives when grown alongside certain companion plants. These companions can enhance its growth, improve soil health, and provide pest control.
Understanding which bok choy companion plants are beneficial and which are detrimental is key to a successful bok choy garden.
Benefits of companion planting
- Enhanced Growth: Certain companions can boost bok choy’s growth and health.
- Pest Control: Some plants naturally repel pests that target bok choy.
- Soil Health: Companion planting can improve soil nutrients and structure.
- Avoiding Competition: It’s crucial to avoid plants that compete with bok choy for resources.
Good Bok Choy Companion Plants
Bok choy, a nutrient-dense leafy green in the cabbage family, can benefit from being planted alongside certain companion plants.
These companions not only help deter pests and improve flavor but also foster a healthier growing environment for bok choy
| Plant | Benefits for Bok Choy |
|---|---|
| Marigold | Repels pests, attracts beneficial insects |
| Chamomile | Improves flavor, attracts pollinators |
| Dill | Attracts beneficial insects |
| Mint | Repels pests |
| Garlic | Deters pests |
| Onions | Repels pests, improves flavor |
| Thyme | Repels cabbage worms |
| Celery | Repels white cabbage butterflies |
| Beets | Compatible root systems |
| Spinach | Provides ground cover |
Marigold
Marigolds are excellent companion plants for bok choy as they repel a variety of pests, including nematodes, Mexican bean beetles, and even rabbits. Their strong scent is offensive to many insects. Additionally, marigolds attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on aphids and other pests that can harm bok choy.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a great companion plant for bok choy as it improves the flavor of the greens and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its strong scent can also deter pests like aphids and spider mites. Chamomile’s shallow roots won’t compete with bok choy’s roots for nutrients and water.
Dill
Dill is an excellent companion plant for bok choy as it attracts beneficial insects like lacewings, ladybugs, and parasitic wasps, which prey on pests like aphids, cabbage worms, and spider mites. Its strong scent can also confuse and deter pests from finding the bok choy plants.
Mint
Mint is a great companion plant for bok choy as its strong scent can repel a variety of pests, including aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage moths. However, mint should be planted in a contained area as it can be invasive and spread quickly.
Garlic
Garlic is an excellent companion plant for bok choy as it deters a variety of pests, including aphids, spider mites, and cabbage worms. Its strong scent can also deter rabbits and other mammals from eating the bok choy plants.
Onions
Onions are great companion plants for bok choy as they repel a variety of pests, including aphids, cabbage worms, and even rabbits. Additionally, onions can improve the flavor of bok choy when planted nearby.
Thyme
Thyme is a great companion plant for bok choy as its strong scent can repel cabbage worms and other pests that may harm the greens. It’s also a low-growing herb that won’t compete with bok choy for sunlight or nutrients.
Celery
Celery is an excellent companion plant for bok choy as its strong scent can repel white cabbage butterflies, which can lay eggs that hatch into destructive caterpillars. Celery’s shallow roots won’t compete with bok choy’s roots for nutrients and water.
Beets
Beets are a great companion plant for bok choy as their root systems are compatible and won’t compete for nutrients and water. Additionally, beets can help loosen and aerate the soil, which is beneficial for bok choy’s growth.
Spinach
Spinach is a great companion plant for bok choy as it provides ground cover, which can help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weed growth. Its shallow roots won’t compete with bok choy’s roots for nutrients and water.
Bok Choy Bad Companion Plants
Bok choy can be adversely affected by certain plants when grown in close proximity. Here’s a brief introduction to some bad companion plants for bok choy
| Plant | Reason to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Strawberries | Attracts slugs that also target bok choy |
| Tomatoes | Competes for nutrients |
| Peppers | Similar pests and diseases |
| Eggplants | Competes for space and nutrients |
| Mustard Greens | Attracts similar pests |
| Cauliflower | Competes for nutrients |
| Broccoli | Attracts cabbage worms |
| Brussels Sprouts | Competes for space |
| Kale | Attracts cabbage moths |
| Radishes | May attract root pests |
Strawberries:
They attract slugs, which also feed on bok choy leaves, potentially causing significant damage to both crops.
Tomatoes:
They compete with bok choy for nutrients in the soil, potentially stunting the growth of one or both plants.
Peppers:
They can share similar pests and diseases with bok choy, increasing the risk of infestations or infections spreading between the crops.
Eggplants:
Like tomatoes, they compete with bok choy for space, nutrients, and water, potentially reducing yields for both.
Mustard Greens:
They attract pests that also feed on bok choy, such as cabbage worms and aphids, making pest management more challenging.
Cauliflower:
As a heavy feeder, it competes with bok choy for soil nutrients, potentially leading to nutrient deficiencies in one or both crops.
Broccoli:
It can attract cabbage worms, which also feed on bok choy leaves, causing potential damage to both crops.
Brussels Sprouts:
Their large size and spreading growth habit can crowd out bok choy, competing for space and light.
Kale:
It can attract cabbage moths, whose larvae (cabbage worms) feed on bok choy leaves, causing potential damage.
Radishes:
Their pungent odor may attract root pests like root maggots, which can also attack bok choy roots.
Bok choy companion plants vegetables
Bok choy can benefit from being grown alongside certain vegetable companions. When planted near compatible crops, bok choy may experience improved growth, flavor, and pest resistance. Some good vegetable companions for bok choy include:
| Vegetable | Benefits for Bok Choy |
|---|---|
| Lettuce | Mutual beneficial relationship |
| Swiss Chard | Provides shade, shares pests |
| Carrots | Compatible root systems |
| Peas | Adds nitrogen to soil |
| Beans | Adds nitrogen, provides structure |
| Cucumbers | Provides ground cover |
| Zucchini | Large leaves provide shade |
| Pumpkins | Spreads out, reducing weed growth |
| Corn | Acts as a natural trellis |
| Potatoes | Loose soil benefits both |
References
- [1] “Companion Planting Guide.” Cornell University, Cooperative Extension.
- [2] “Companion Planting for Pest Control.” University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources.
For a detailed understanding of companion planting with bok choy, these scientific and gardening resources are highly recommended.
Zaki Infitar is the driving force and creative mind behind GreenBuilt.co. As a self-taught gardener with an unwavering passion for all things green, Zaki’s journey into the world of gardening is a testament to his dedication and love for nature.