The Benefits of Growing Basil Companion Plants

Are you looking for a way to make your basil plants thrive? Look no further than companion planting! By growing basil alongside other plants, you can ensure that your herbs will be healthy and flavorful. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of growing basil companion plants, as well as which herbs and vegetables are best suited for this gardening technique.

The Benefits of Companion Planting

Companion planting is an ancient gardening practice that has been used for hundreds of years. The idea behind it is simple: certain plants grow better when planted next to each other. This is because some plants have natural pest-repelling properties, while others have qualities that promote soil health or nutrient absorption. When these plants are grown together, they create a mutually beneficial ecosystem that allows each plant to thrive.

One of the main benefits of companion planting is that it can help reduce the need for pesticides and herbicides. By growing plants that naturally repel pests, you can avoid using harmful chemicals on your garden. Additionally, companion planting can help improve soil health by adding nutrients and breaking up compacted soil. This can lead to healthier plants overall, which in turn can result in higher yields.

Choosing the Right Companion Plants for Basil

When choosing companion plants for basil, it's important to consider the needs of both plants. Basil prefers warm, sunny conditions and well-draining soil. It also attracts a variety of pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Therefore, it's important to choose plants that can tolerate these conditions and help keep pests at bay.

Some of the best companion plants for basil include:

Tomatoes

Tomatoes and basil are a classic pairing in Italian cuisine, and they also make great companions in the garden. Tomatoes repel pests like aphids and whiteflies, while basil can help improve tomato flavor and repel hornworms.

Peppers

Peppers are another great companion plant for basil. They have similar growing requirements and can help repel pests like spider mites and aphids.

Beans

Beans are legumes that help fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit both basil and other plants in your garden. They also attract pollinators, which can help increase yields.

How to Plant Basil Companion Plants

When planting basil companion plants, it's important to consider the spacing and placement of each plant. Make sure to give each plant enough room to grow and avoid overcrowding. You should also plant taller plants at the back of the garden bed and shorter plants in front, to ensure adequate sunlight for each plant.

Planting Tomatoes with Basil

To plant tomatoes with basil, you can either place them in the same container or plant them next to each other in the garden bed. If you're planting them in the same container, make sure to choose a large pot that can accommodate both plants. When planting in the garden bed, place tomato plants at the back and basil plants in front, about 12-18 inches apart.

Planting Peppers with Basil

Peppers can be planted alongside basil in the same way as tomatoes. Give each plant plenty of space and make sure they receive adequate sunlight and water.

Planting Beans with Basil

To plant beans with basil, you can either plant them in the same container or interplant them in the garden bed. If you're planting in the same container, choose a large pot and place the bean plant in the back and basil in the front. When planting in the garden bed, place the beans at the back and basil in front, about 6-8 inches apart.

Caring for Basil Companion Plants

Once your basil companion plants are planted, it's important to care for them properly. Here are some tips to help keep your plants healthy:

Watering

Basil prefers well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist. Water your plants regularly, but be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.

Fertilizing

Basil responds well to regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth.

Pest Control

If you notice pests on your basil or companion plants, try using natural pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap. You can also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to your garden by planting flowers nearby.

FAQs

1. Can I plant basil with other herbs?

Yes! Basil can be planted with many other herbs, including parsley, oregano, and thyme.

2. What vegetables can I plant with basil?

In addition to tomatoes, peppers, and beans, basil can also be grown alongside cucumbers, eggplant, and zucchini.

3. Can I plant basil with fruits?

While basil is not typically grown with fruit plants, it can be planted near fruit trees like apples and pears to help repel pests.

4. How much sunlight does basil need?

Basil prefers full sun and should receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.

5. How often should I prune my basil plants?

Prune your basil plants regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent them from becoming too leggy. Pinch off the top few inches of the plant every few weeks, or as needed.



Growing basil companion plants is a great way to promote healthy, flavorful herbs in your garden. By choosing the right companion plants and caring for them properly, you can create a thriving ecosystem that benefits all of your plants. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you.