The Ultimate Guide to Basil Companion Plants

Are you looking to grow basil but want to maximize its growth and flavor? Companion planting is the practice of planting different crops together to benefit each other. In this guide, we'll explore some of the best companion plants for basil that can help improve its growth, taste, and overall health.

What are Companion Plants?

Companion plants are plants that are grown together to complement, protect, or enhance each other's growth. They can work together in various ways such as repelling pests, attracting beneficial insects, enhancing soil nutrients, or providing shade and support to each other. By choosing the right companion plants, gardeners can create a healthy and thriving ecosystem in their garden.

Benefits of Companion Planting with Basil

Basil is a popular herb known for its aromatic leaves and flavorful taste. It's also known for its ability to repel pests such as mosquitoes, flies, and whiteflies. However, did you know that planting basil with certain plants can also boost its growth and flavor? Here are some benefits of companion planting with basil:

Improved Flavor

Basil has a strong aroma and flavor that can enhance the taste of many dishes. By planting it with certain companion plants, you can improve its flavor even more. For example, planting basil with tomatoes can enhance the flavor of both plants, making them taste sweeter and more delicious.

Pest Control

Basil is a natural insect repellent that can keep pests away from your garden. However, planting it with certain companion plants can increase its effectiveness. For example, planting basil with marigolds can help repel aphids, whiteflies, and other harmful insects.

Soil Health

Companion plants can also improve the health of the soil by fixing nitrogen, adding organic matter, and improving soil structure. For example, planting basil with legumes such as beans or peas can help fix nitrogen in the soil, which is essential for plant growth.

Best Companion Plants for Basil

Now that we've explored some benefits of companion planting with basil, let's take a look at some of the best companion plants for basil:

Tomatoes

Tomatoes and basil are a classic combination in Italian cuisine. Planting them together not only enhances their flavor but also helps repel pests such as tomato hornworms and whiteflies.

Marigolds

Marigolds are known for their ability to repel harmful insects such as aphids and nematodes. Planting them with basil can help keep your basil plants healthy and pest-free.

Peppers

Peppers and basil are both warm-season crops that thrive in similar growing conditions. Planting them together can help conserve water and reduce weed growth. Plus, peppers can help repel spider mites and other pests that can harm basil.

Beans

Beans are legumes that can fix nitrogen in the soil, which is essential for plant growth. Planting them with basil can help improve soil quality and provide essential nutrients for both plants.

Oregano

Oregano is a herb that is closely related to basil. Planting them together can help improve soil quality and enhance the flavor of both plants.

How to Companion Plant with Basil

To successfully companion plant with basil, it's important to consider the following factors:

Soil pH

Basil prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Most companion plants that are suitable for basil also prefer similar soil conditions.

Sunlight

Basil loves sunlight and requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. When choosing companion plants, make sure they can tolerate the same amount of sunlight as basil.

Watering

Basil requires regular watering to thrive. When companion planting, make sure you choose plants that have similar watering needs.

Spacing

To ensure that your basil and companion plants have enough space to grow, it's important to consider their mature size and spacing requirements. Keep in mind that some companion plants may require more space than others.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I plant basil with other herbs?

Yes, basil can be planted with other herbs such as oregano, thyme, and rosemary. These herbs have similar growing requirements and can complement each other's flavor.

Q2. Can I plant basil with vegetables?

Yes, basil can be planted with many vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, beans, and eggplants. These plants can help repel pests and improve soil health.

Q3. How far apart should I plant basil and its companion plants?

The distance between basil and its companion plants will depend on the mature size of each plant. As a general rule, larger plants should be spaced farther apart to allow enough room for growth.

Q4. Can companion plants harm basil?

Not all companion plants are beneficial for basil. Some plants can compete for resources or attract harmful insects. It's important to choose companion plants that are compatible with basil.

Q5. Can I use companion planting instead of pesticides?

Companion planting can help reduce the need for pesticides by repelling pests naturally. However, it may not be enough to control severe infestations. It's important to monitor your garden regularly and take appropriate measures if necessary.


Companion planting is a great way to enhance the growth and flavor of basil while improving the health of your garden. By choosing the right companion plants, you can create a thriving ecosystem that benefits all plants. Remember to consider the soil pH, sunlight, watering, and spacing requirements when selecting companion plants for basil. Happy gardening!