Companion Herbs: The Best Herbs to Grow Together

The Benefits of Companion Planting

Growing herbs together can have many benefits. Some herbs complement each other well when planted together, while others can help to repel pests and diseases that might otherwise harm your plants. By choosing the right combination of herbs to grow together, you can create a thriving herb garden that not only looks beautiful but is also healthy and productive.

Companion Planting Basics

When it comes to companion planting, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, it's important to choose herbs that have similar growing requirements. This means selecting herbs that require a similar amount of sunlight, water, and soil conditions. Additionally, it's important to consider the growth habits of each herb. For example, tall herbs may shade out shorter ones, so it's best to plant them in separate areas or use trellises to allow for vertical growth.

The Best Herbs to Grow Together

Now that we've covered the basics of companion planting, let's take a look at some of the best herbs to grow together. Here are fifteen combinations of herbs that work well together:

1. Basil and Tomatoes

Basil is an excellent companion plant for tomatoes. It helps to repel pests like aphids and spider mites, and its strong scent can also mask the smell of ripe tomatoes, which can attract fruit flies. Plus, the two plants have similar growing requirements, making them easy to care for together.

How to Grow Them Together:

Plant basil and tomato plants together in a sunny location with well-drained soil. To encourage bushier, more productive basil plants, pinch off the top set of leaves once your plant has reached about six inches tall.

2. Cilantro and Dill

Cilantro and dill are both members of the parsley family, and they make great companions in the garden. Cilantro attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps, which can help to control aphids and other pests. Meanwhile, dill is a natural deterrent for spider mites and cabbage loopers, two common garden pests.

How to Grow Them Together:

Plant cilantro and dill seeds directly in the ground or in containers in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Be sure to space them out so that they have plenty of room to grow.

3. Chives and Carrots

Chives and carrots are another great pairing. Chives repel carrot flies, which can be a major pest for carrot plants. Additionally, chives have a shallow root system, which means they won't compete with the deeper roots of the carrot plants.

How to Grow Them Together:

Plant chive seeds around the edges of your carrot patch, or interplant them throughout your bed. Be sure to keep the soil moist and weed-free to promote healthy growth.

4. Rosemary and Sage

Rosemary and sage are both hardy, drought-tolerant herbs that make great companions in the garden. They also complement each other well in cooking, making them a popular choice for herb gardens.

How to Grow Them Together:

Plant rosemary and sage together in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Be sure to water them deeply once a week, and avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause the plants to become leggy.

5. Thyme and Oregano

Thyme and oregano are two herbs that go well together both in the garden and in the kitchen. They have similar growing requirements and complement each other well in dishes like pizza and pasta sauces.

How to Grow Them Together:

Plant thyme and oregano in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Be sure to prune them regularly to promote bushy growth and prevent them from becoming too woody.

6. Chamomile and Yarrow

Chamomile and yarrow are two herbs that are often used for their calming properties. In the garden, they make great companions because they attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which can help control pests like aphids and whiteflies.

How to Grow Them Together:

Plant chamomile and yarrow in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Be sure to deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.

7. Mint and Lemon Balm

Mint and lemon balm are two herbs that are known for their refreshing scents and flavors. In the garden, they make great companions because they repel many common garden pests like ants and aphids.

How to Grow Them Together:

Plant mint and lemon balm in a partially shaded area with moist soil. Be sure to keep them contained, as both herbs can be invasive if left unchecked.

8. Fennel and Rue

Fennel and rue are two herbs that are often used for medicinal purposes. In the garden, they make great companions because fennel attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and syrphid flies, while rue repels many common garden pests like beetles and slugs.

How to Grow Them Together:

Plant fennel and rue in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Be sure to keep the soil moist, as both herbs prefer consistently moist conditions.

9. Lavender and Catnip

Lavender and catnip are two herbs that are often used for their calming properties. In the garden, they make great companions because they attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate your other plants.

How to Grow Them Together:

Plant lavender and catnip in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Be sure to prune them regularly to promote bushy growth and prevent them from becoming too woody.

10. Parsley and Marigolds

Parsley and marigolds are two herbs that complement each other well in the garden. Parsley attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps, while marigolds repel many common garden pests like aphids and whiteflies.

How to Grow Them Together:

Plant parsley and marigolds together in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Be sure to water them deeply once a week, and avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause the plants to become leggy.

11. Tarragon and Chervil

Tarragon and chervil are two herbs that are often used in French cuisine. In the garden, they make great companions because they have similar growing requirements and look beautiful when planted together.

How to Grow Them Together:

Plant tarragon and chervil in a partially shaded area with moist soil. Be sure to keep the soil consistently moist to promote healthy growth.

12. Coriander and Mustard Greens

Coriander and mustard greens are two herbs that complement each other well in the garden. Coriander attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps, while mustard greens repel many common garden pests like aphids and whiteflies.

How to Grow Them Together:

Plant coriander and mustard greens together in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Be sure to water them deeply once a week, and avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause the plants to become leggy.

13. Lemon Verbena and Bee Balm

Lemon verbena and bee balm are two herbs that have a refreshing citrus scent. In the garden, they make great companions because they attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate your other plants.

How to Grow Them Together:

Plant lemon verbena and bee balm in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Be sure to prune them regularly to promote bushy growth and prevent them from becoming too woody.

14. Sage and Winter Savory

Sage and winter savory are two herbs that are often used in meat dishes. In the garden, they make great companions because they have similar growing requirements and complement each other well in flavor.

How to Grow Them Together:

Plant sage and winter savory in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Be sure to water them deeply once a week, and avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause the plants to become leggy.

15. Stevia and Lemon Grass

Stevia and lemon grass are two herbs that are often used for their sweet flavors. In the garden, they make great companions because they have similar growing requirements and complement each other well in flavor.

How to Grow Them Together:

Plant stevia and lemon grass in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Be sure to water them deeply once a week, and avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause the plants to become leggy.



Growing herbs together can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you choose the right combinations of plants. By following these tips and selecting the best companion herbs for your garden, you can create a thriving herb garden that not only looks beautiful but is also healthy and productive.

FAQs

1. How many herbs should I plant together?

There's no hard and fast rule about how many herbs you should plant together, but it's generally best to stick to two or three at a time. This will prevent overcrowding and allow each plant to get the space it needs to grow.

2. Can I plant herbs in containers?

Yes! Herbs can be grown successfully in containers as long as you provide them with the right growing conditions. Be sure to choose a pot that's big enough for your plants, and use high-quality potting soil to ensure adequate drainage.

3. Do companion herbs really work?

Yes! Companion planting has been used for centuries to promote healthy plant growth and ward off pests and diseases. While there's no guarantee that companion planting will solve all of your gardening problems, it can certainly help.

4. Can I grow herbs indoors?

Yes! Many herbs can be grown successfully indoors, as long as you provide them with adequate light, water, and nutrients. Be sure to choose a sunny location and use a high-quality potting soil to ensure healthy growth.

5. Do I need to fertilize my herbs?

Herbs generally don't require a lot of fertilizer, but you can give them a boost by using a high-quality organic fertilizer once or twice a season. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully, and don't over-fertilize, as this can cause your plants to become leggy.