Cabbage, broccoli or cauliflower could make a contribution, the UT scientists say, because the timing allows for maturing of both crops. Also, the fertility levels, insect, disease and labeled weed control methods are fairly compatible. Still, there are many factors to consider in deciding to add a second crop, says Dr. Al Rutledge, Extension specialist in small fruits and vegetables. Vegetable plants are easy to obtain in spring, but producers have to plan ahead to get them for fall. Variety selection is important, too.
Some popular herbicides labeled for tobacco are an unknown entity for cole crops.
Current research is aimed at making those recommendations. Last but not least, Rutledge said, is marketability of vegetables. You can allow a horn worm to eat a hole in a tobacco leaf and still sell it. But if you allow a cabbage worm to damage cabbage, then you have an unsaleable product. That simply means that a producer is going to have to walk the fields early and constantly.