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If you’re planning a cool‑season garden or filling a raised bed with leafy greens, you may wonder: Are kale and Swiss chard companion plants? It’s a common question, especially for gardeners working with limited space on balconies, terraces, or small backyard beds.
I’ve grown both crops side‑by‑side in several seasons, and the real-world answer is:
Kale and Swiss chard are compatible, but they are not ideal companion plants.
They won’t harm each other, but they also don’t provide the classic mutual benefits seen in strong companion pairs like basil and tomatoes or carrots and radishes. Instead, kale and Swiss chard tend to compete for nutrients, space, and light if planted too closely. This guide walks you through how to grow them successfully together and when it’s better to separate them.
Why Kale and Swiss Chard Are Not Ideal Companion Plants
From hands‑on experience in raised beds and container gardens, here’s why they aren’t perfect partners:
- Both are large, long‑season leafy greens. As the season progresses, their leaves spread widely, competing for space and airflow.
- They have similar nutrient demands. These two crops are heavy feeders. Without rich soil and regular composting, one will outgrow the other.
- Pests often affect both. Aphids, flea beetles, and leaf miners can easily spread between closely planted leafy greens.
- They enjoy the same sunlight pattern. Neither shades the other helpfully unlike pairings where one plant protects the other from heat.
They don’t hurt each other chemically or biologically they simply want the same things.
Why They Can Still Be Planted Together
Even though they’re not classic companions, kale and Swiss chard can grow together successfully when managed properly:
- Neither is aggressive or allelopathic (they don’t release compounds that inhibit growth).
- Both thrive in cool weather, making them easy to plant at the same time.
- Both appreciate consistent moisture and mulching.
- Both benefit from regular harvesting, which helps keep spacing workable.
In larger beds or well‑maintained soil, they can peacefully coexist.
What Materials You’ll Need
- Kale seedlings or seeds
- Swiss chard seedlings or seeds
- Compost or well‑rotted manure
- Raised bed, garden plot, or large container (at least 12 inches deep)
- Mulch (straw, shredded leaves, or compost)
- Drip irrigation or a watering can
- Optional: organic pest control tools (Neem, row covers)
Eco tip: Leafy greens are easy to grow organically synthetic fertilizers often make them grow too fast and turn bitter.
How to Plant Kale and Swiss Chard Together (Step-by-Step)
1. Prepare Rich, Well-Draining Soil
Both are heavy feeders, so soil quality matters.
- Add 2–3 inches of compost to the top 6–8 inches.
- Aim for a loose, crumbly texture avoid compact soil.
2. Give Them Generous Spacing
This is the most important step.
- Space kale 12–18 inches apart.
- Space Swiss chard 10–12 inches apart.
- Keep at least 12 inches between kale and chard.
In my raised beds, staggering them in a zig‑zag pattern prevents crowding better than planting them in rows.
3. Plant in Cool Seasons
Ideal times:
- Early spring
- Fall
- Late winter in mild climates
They will both tolerate light frost but suffer in heat.
4. Water Deeply
Both want consistent moisture not soggy soil.
- Water 2–3 times per week in cool weather.
- Water more often in dry, warm weather.
- Mulch to keep the soil cool and moist.
Swiss chard droops slightly before kale does, so it’s a useful indicator that watering is needed.
5. Feed Regularly
To prevent competition:
- Add compost every 4–6 weeks.
- Avoid high‑nitrogen synthetic fertilizers that cause floppy, weak growth.
6. Harvest Smartly
- Harvest outer kale leaves regularly to keep airflow open.
- Pick Swiss chard stems when they reach full size; this keeps plants compact.
Keeping both plants trimmed prevents overcrowding and disease spread.
Pro Tips & Best Practices
- Choose compact kale varieties (like dwarf curly kale) if space is tight.
- Swiss chard handles partial shade better, so plant it on the shadier side of the bed.
- Use row covers early if aphids or flea beetles are common.
- Rotate greens each season to reduce soil-borne pests.
- If chard starts to overshadow kale (common in hot climates), prune a few large leaves.
FAQ
Are kale and Swiss chard harmful to each other?
No. They don’t chemically interfere, and neither is invasive.
Will they crowd each other out?
Yes if spacing is too tight. Give at least 12 inches between plants.
Can I grow kale and Swiss chard together in containers?
Yes, but use a large container (minimum 15–20 gallons) and avoid overcrowding.
Do they attract the same pests?
Often yes. Aphids, leaf miners, and flea beetles can affect both.
Can kale and Swiss chard share nutrients?
They compete heavily. Add compost often if growing them side‑by‑side.
When NOT to Plant Kale and Swiss Chard Together
Avoid pairing them when:
- You’re gardening in a small container (they compete too strongly).
- You have poor soil and can’t amend regularly.
- You garden in hot climates Swiss chard outgrows kale in heat.
- You deal with heavy pest pressure on leafy greens.
Better Alternative Companions
Best partners for kale:
- Onions
- Garlic
- Dill
- Sage
- Beets
- Celery
Best partners for Swiss chard:
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Radishes
- Carrots
- Marigolds
These combinations improve growth and reduce pests more effectively.
Conclusion
So, are kale and Swiss chard companion plants? Not really but they can grow well together if spaced generously and fed regularly. They share similar needs and won’t harm each other, but they do compete for light and nutrients, especially in small beds.
With good soil, consistent watering, and smart harvesting, you can grow both successfully in the same garden. But if you have limited space or poor soil, choosing better companion pairings will give you stronger, healthier plants.
If you’d like, I can also create a full companion planting chart for leafy greens or for your entire garden layout.