What are the worst herb pairing mistakes?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Herb pairing errors create major issues for your garden. The most significant errors involve herbs that have different water requirements and are competing aggressively in a root-based manner. For example, pairing a moisture-loving basil plant directly with rosemary, which tolerates drought conditions, stresses the two plants. I came to learn about this issue when my rosemary became affected by root rot. Your ability to pair herbs properly will prevent the problems mentioned.
Roots grow aggressively destroying tender herbs. Mint rhizomes spread aggressively and take up valuable space, choking out nearby thyme. Contain invasive herbs with a physical barrier. I use bottomless buckets that are sunk 12 inches into the ground. You retain the balance of your garden without any takeover.
Soil Preparation
- Create separate moisture zones
- Amend soil for specific herb needs
- Test drainage before planting
Growth Monitoring
- Check for yellowing leaves weekly
- Measure root spread monthly
- Document growth rates
Corrective Actions
- Relocate stressed herbs immediately
- Install root barriers mid-season
- Adjust watering schedules
Chemical incompatibility prevents growth. Fennel releases anethole, which inhibits the growth of nearby herbs like dill. It is best to plant allelopathic herbs in isolation zones. I have fennel near my compost bins and out of the way of my main beds. That way, the rest of my plants do not suffer from any growth suppression.
Microclimate clashes create heat stress. Cool-season herbs like cilantro don't fare well next to heat-loving herbs like tarragon; group herbs together according to their preferred climate. My cilantro is now growing with chives in a cooler bed, grouping herbs according to climate and temperature preference. Your herbs have adapted to temperature changes with minimal variance in increasing patterns.
Nutritional competition causes deficiencies. Heavy feeders, such as basil, can deplete the soil that light feeders rely on. Each herb type should be fertilized appropriately. I use fish emulsion on basil, but not rosemary. This allows plants to have nutrition without an excess.
Seasonal adjustments mitigate typical pitfalls. Rotate pairings based on seasonal climate changes. Shift containers/wagons to an area depending on seasonal light. Each spring, I re-map my garden. Each of your improvements adds up to a better garden each season.
Read the full article: 16 Herb Companion Planting Pairs Revealed
