Kale + Nasturtium

Kale and nasturtium work well together primarily because nasturtium acts as a trap crop, drawing aphids away from kale foliage. Aphids colonize nasturtium readily, concentrating the pest where it can be monitored and removed rather than scattered across brassica leaves. Nasturtium also attracts hoverflies, whose larvae are effective aphid predators, adding a secondary layer of biological control.

Both crops tolerate similar conditions: full sun to partial shade, moderate water, and soil that drains reasonably well. Nasturtium actually prefers lean soil, so avoid heavy fertilization near it or the plant produces more foliage than flowers. Plant nasturtium at the border or downwind edge of the kale bed so aphid pressure is intercepted before it reaches the main crop.

This pairing is most useful during warm spells in spring and early fall when aphid populations spike. It is less relevant in midsummer heat, when kale struggles anyway and nasturtium may bolt.