How to Grow Kale Successfully: Companion Planting & Crop Rotation Tips for a Thriving Garden

"The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." – Psalm 24:1

As stewards of God’s creation, we’re called to work the land with wisdom, care, and purpose. At Homestead Raising, we believe that gardening isn’t just about food—it’s about faith, family, and sustainable living. Today, we’re diving into one of the most nutritious and resilient crops you can grow: kale.

Whether you're a seasoned homesteader or just planting your first raised bed, this guide will help you grow abundant, flavorful kale using time-tested methods like companion planting and crop rotation.

Ideal Growing Conditions for Kale

Kale is a cool-season leafy green that thrives in early spring and fall gardens. It’s frost-hardy, and cooler temperatures actually enhance its sweetness and flavor.

Here’s what kale loves:

• Soil: Rich, well-drained loamy soil (pH between 6.0 and 7.0)

• Light: Full sun (6+ hours/day), though it tolerates some shade

• Water: 1 to 1.5 inches per week; keep soil evenly moist

• Temperature: Best between 55°F–75°F; handles light frosts with ease

• Spacing: Plant 12–18 inches apart for airflow and growth

Best Companion Plants for Kale

God’s creation works in beautiful harmony—some plants protect and support others. Companion planting is a simple way to reduce pests, improve flavor, and boost garden productivity naturally.

Good Neighbors for Kale

Herbs:

• Dill – Attracts ladybugs and beneficial predators

• Chamomile – Improves kale’s flavor and brings in pollinators

• Cilantro – Deters aphids and attracts hoverflies

• Sage & Thyme – Repel flea beetles and cabbage moths

Vegetables & Greens:

• Carrots – Loosen soil and don’t crowd kale

• Beets – Coexist well with similar nutrient needs

• Celery & Onions – Help deter insect pests

• Spinach & Swiss Chard – Shallow roots, space-efficient companions

Flowers:

• Marigolds – Repel aphids and nematodes

• Nasturtiums – Act as a trap crop for aphids and cabbage worms

What Not to Plant Near Kale

Avoid pairing kale with:

• Tomatoes – Compete for nutrients and space

• Strawberries – May inhibit kale’s growth

• Pole Beans – Shade out and compete with kale

  
  

  

  
  

  Types of Kale

There are several different types of kale, each with its own unique appearance, flavor, and best use in the kitchen or garden. Here's a breakdown of the most common and popular types:

1. Curly Kale (Scots Kale)

• Appearance: Bright green leaves with tight, frilly edges

• Texture: Crisp and hearty

• Flavor: Slightly peppery, gets sweeter after a frost

• Best Uses: Salads (massaged), soups, chips, sautés

• Popular Varieties: ‘Dwarf Blue Curled’, ‘Winterbor’

2. Lacinato Kale (Dinosaur Kale / Tuscan Kale)

• Appearance: Dark blue-green, narrow leaves with a bumpy texture

• Texture: Thinner and more tender than curly kale

• Flavor: Milder and slightly nutty

• Best Uses: Raw in salads, braised dishes, Italian recipes

• Popular Varieties: ‘Nero di Toscana’, ‘Black Magic’

3. Red Russian Kale

• Appearance: Flat, fringed green leaves with purple veins and stems

• Texture: Tender, more delicate than other kales

• Flavor: Mild, slightly sweet with a hint of pepper

• Best Uses: Raw in salads, smoothies, lightly sautéed

• Cold Hardy: Very – sweetens even more after frost

4. Siberian Kale

• Appearance: Broad, blue-green leaves with ruffled edges

• Texture: Softer and more tender than curly kale

• Flavor: Milder and more cabbage-like

• Best Uses: Steamed or sautéed

• Hardiness: Extremely cold-hardy—great for northern climates

5. Premier / Early Kale

• Appearance: Smooth, flat, deep green leaves

• Texture: Soft and easy to chew

• Flavor: Very mild

• Best Uses: Early spring harvests; great for quick-cooking dishes

6. Ornamental Kale (Flowering Kale)

• Appearance: Vibrant pink, white, or purple centers with frilly leaves

• Texture: Tough—grown mainly for looks

• Flavor: Edible but bitter and fibrous

• Best Uses: Decorative borders or edible landscaping

7. Portuguese Kale (Tronchuda Kale)

• Appearance: Wide, flat, cabbage-like leaves with thick white stems

• Texture: Tender with crunchy stems

• Flavor: Mild, sweet, and juicy

• Best Uses: Soups, especially traditional Portuguese dishes like caldo verde

Crop Rotation: What to Plant in the Box Next Year

Kale is a brassica, meaning it shares soil-borne pests and nutrient needs with other cabbage family members. Avoid planting other brassicas in the same spot the following season.

Instead, rotate with:

• Legumes – Peas and beans to restore nitrogen

• Root crops – Carrots, radishes, or turnips

• Nightshades – Tomatoes and peppers (only if soil is replenished)

• Corn or grains – Good for soil diversity and structure

This method helps reduce disease, improve yields, and honor God’s design for renewal and rest in the land (Leviticus 25:4 reminds us of the importance of letting the soil recover!).

Final Thoughts from the Homestead

Whether you’re planting one raised bed or an entire field, growing kale is a rewarding way to nourish your family and live more self-sufficiently. Pair it with the right plants, rotate wisely, and steward your soil like the precious resource it is.

Recipes and tips for using kale will be provided later this week.

If you're looking for more resources on planting schedules, homestead planning, or downloadable guides—stay tuned or subscribe to our newsletter!

Let every seed you sow be a reminder of the blessings and responsibilities we hold as caretakers of His creation.

Have you planted kale before? What companion plants have worked best in your garden? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!

For more tips and homestead wisdom, visit HomesteadRaising.com