Lettuce and kohlrabi are popular vegetables among home gardeners, often grown for their distinct textures and flavors. Both are members of the brassica family, making them suitable for cool climates, but you might wonder if they can be planted together in the same garden bed.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, understanding the dynamics between these two plants can help you optimize your gardening layout and ensure a bountiful harvest.

In this article, we’ll explore whether lettuce and kohlrabi are compatible as companion plants. We’ll dive into their growing requirements, potential benefits, and any drawbacks that gardeners should be aware of.

Can Lettuce And Kohlrabi Be Planted Together?

1. What Are the Growing Requirements for Lettuce? 

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is a cool-season crop that thrives in temperatures ranging from 55°F to 65°F (13°C to 18°C). It grows best in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Lettuce requires consistent moisture, especially during the germination and early growth stages. It prefers partial shade during hot summer months, as excessive heat can cause it to bolt (flower and go to seed), leading to a bitter taste.

2. What Are the Growing Requirements for Kohlrabi?

Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes) is a member of the brassica family and thrives in similar conditions to other cool-season vegetables like cabbage and broccoli. Kohlrabi grows best in temperatures between 40°F and 75°F (4°C to 24°C). The plant prefers loose, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter, and its pH should ideally be between 6.0 and 7.5. Regular watering and proper spacing are important for kohlrabi’s growth to prevent competition for nutrients, ensuring it forms a large, crisp bulb.

3. Benefits of Planting Lettuce and Kohlrabi Together

• Space Efficiency: Lettuce is a relatively low-growing plant, making it an excellent companion for taller plants like kohlrabi. By planting them together, you can optimize the use of space in your garden. Lettuce can fill in the gaps around kohlrabi, making the most of the area available for planting.
• Pest Control: Both lettuce and kohlrabi are susceptible to pests like aphids, slugs, and caterpillars, but planting them together can confuse and deter pests. Some gardeners believe that the scent or growth habits of one plant can interfere with the pests’ attraction to the other, helping to keep both crops healthy.
• Soil Health: Since both lettuce and kohlrabi are relatively lightweight feeders, they do not deplete the soil in the same way that heavy feeders like tomatoes or corn do. This makes them ideal candidates for companion planting, where both can grow together without causing soil degradation.
• Complementary Growth: Lettuce grows quickly and can be harvested before kohlrabi matures, allowing for multiple harvests within a single growing season. This ensures that the space occupied by lettuce can be used effectively without interfering with the kohlrabi’s growth cycle.

4. Potential Drawbacks of Planting Lettuce and Kohlrabi Together 

• Root Competition: Both plants require nutrients from the soil, and although they are relatively light feeders, there may still be competition for space and nutrients, especially if the soil is not properly amended. Careful attention to spacing is essential to ensure that both plants have access to the resources they need.
• Bolting Risk for Lettuce: If the temperature gets too warm, lettuce is prone to bolting, which can affect its growth and taste. While this is a risk for lettuce when planted with any companion, it may be more pronounced in certain regions where kohlrabi can grow larger and taller, potentially shading the lettuce and causing it to bolt.
• Pest Attraction: While planting lettuce and kohlrabi together can deter some pests, both are still susceptible to similar insects like aphids and cabbage worms. To mitigate this risk, gardeners should be proactive in monitoring for pests and using organic control methods when needed.

5. How to Plant Lettuce and Kohlrabi Together

To plant lettuce and kohlrabi together successfully, follow these steps:

1. Choose the Right Location: Select a spot in your garden that gets partial to full sunlight and has well-draining soil. Consider planting lettuce in the shady spaces created by kohlrabi’s larger, taller growth.
2. Prepare the Soil: Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. Test the soil pH to ensure it falls within the ideal range for both crops.
3. Spacing: Space kohlrabi plants about 8-12 inches apart, and plant lettuce seedlings around them, leaving about 6-8 inches between each lettuce plant. This ensures that both crops have enough room to grow without overcrowding.
4. Watering and Maintenance: Water the plants regularly, ensuring consistent moisture without waterlogging the soil. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and keep the soil cool, which benefits both lettuce and kohlrabi.
5. Harvesting: Harvest lettuce leaves as soon as they are large enough, and let kohlrabi mature before harvesting its bulbs. Be mindful of lettuce bolting in hot weather and harvest early to prevent bitterness.

Can Lettuce And Kohlrabi Be Planted Together?FAQs

1. Can I grow lettuce and kohlrabi in the same container?
   • Yes, as long as the container is large enough to accommodate both plants with proper spacing, you can grow lettuce and kohlrabi together in a container. Ensure good drainage and fertile soil.
2. What are the ideal temperatures for growing lettuce and kohlrabi?
   • Lettuce grows best in temperatures between 55°F and 65°F (13°C to 18°C), while kohlrabi prefers temperatures between 40°F and 75°F (4°C to 24°C).
3. What pests affect lettuce and kohlrabi?
   • Lettuce and kohlrabi are both prone to aphids, cabbage worms, slugs, and flea beetles. Regularly inspect your plants and use organic pest control methods.
4. Can I grow lettuce and kohlrabi in hot climates?
   • Lettuce struggles in hot climates, especially above 75°F (24°C). It is best to grow lettuce during cooler seasons or provide partial shade. Kohlrabi is more heat-tolerant but may also suffer in prolonged high temperatures.
5. How often should I water lettuce and kohlrabi?
   • Both lettuce and kohlrabi require consistent moisture. Water them deeply once a week, or more frequently during hot, dry spells, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
6. Is kohlrabi a good companion for other crops besides lettuce?
   • Yes, kohlrabi pairs well with other cool-season vegetables like peas, carrots, and spinach. Avoid planting it with other brassicas like cabbage, as they may compete for nutrients.
7. How long does it take to grow lettuce and kohlrabi?
   • Lettuce typically matures in 30-60 days, depending on the variety, while kohlrabi takes around 50-70 days to reach full maturity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, planting lettuce and kohlrabi together can be a smart and efficient strategy for maximizing garden space and improving crop yields. While there are some potential challenges, such as competition for nutrients and the risk of lettuce bolting in hot weather, the benefits of companion planting far outweigh the drawbacks.

These two plants can complement each other by utilizing space effectively, deterring pests, and supporting healthy soil.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, planting lettuce and kohlrabi together is worth considering. By following the proper planting techniques, spacing, and maintenance guidelines, you can ensure both crops thrive in your garden.

Remember to monitor your plants closely for pests and adjust your watering schedule to suit the growing conditions.If you’re looking for ways to make the most of your garden space, consider adding lettuce and kohlrabi to your vegetable garden today. Happy gardening