What herbs grow well together?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Companion planting with herbs creates strong partnerships in your garden that work powerfully together. Certain herbs can easily be grown in tandem, developing a natural synergy. They help to protect each other from pests and promote faster growth. You will end up with better plants with much less effort. Each growing season, I personally utilize these pairings in my own herb beds and gardens.
Successful combinations possess common base needs. The main factors of sunlight and water requirements need to be addressed first. Consider basil and oregano, which both prefer full sun. Their needs are compatible. They require hot areas. Chives and parsley are compatible in their need for partial shade and constant moist conditions. You would group them in the shadier areas, like in the garden.
Root Compatibility
- Shallow-rooted herbs pair with deep-rooted companions
- Avoid invasive roots near delicate herbs
- Use barriers for aggressive growers like mint
Pest Management
- Strong-scented herbs repel specific insects
- Attract beneficial predators with flowering herbs
- Rotate pairings annually to disrupt pest cycles
Flavor Enhancement
- Certain pairings boost essential oil production
- Harvest companion herbs simultaneously for best results
- Preserve flavor partners together in oils or vinegars
Soil compatibility is important; Mediterranean herbs like well-drained sandy soil. Moisture lovers primarily seek richer, organic materials. I amend the soil a little differently, though, for each group. I add extra sand to my rosemary while I add compost to mint. This prevents potential root issues.
Attracting different plants will benefit all herbs. Consider pairing flowering herbs, such as lavender, with vegetable plants to create a visually appealing and harmonious garden. Not only do bees love the flowers, but they will also pollinate everything else in your garden. I plant borage near all my tomatoes for this reason. It enhances your harvest as you will see the benefits of these plant relationships.
Begin with pairings that are well-known beauties before experimenting. For example, try basil with tomatoes first. You can then go to more complex combinations. Be sure to record your progress in your gardening journal. Each season, I record my successes and failures. Each planting round brings you more knowledge.
Read the full article: 16 Herb Companion Planting Pairs Revealed
