Bad Companion Plants for Lavender: What to Avoid Planting Together

The Importance of Choosing the Right Companion Plants for Lavender

When it comes to growing lavender, choosing the right companion plants is crucial. Not only can the wrong plants hinder the growth and health of your lavender, but they can also impact its aroma and flavor. In this post, we'll take a look at some of the bad companion plants for lavender that you should avoid planting together.

The Top 5 Bad Companion Plants for Lavender

1. Mint

Mint and lavender may seem like a natural pairing, both being fragrant herbs. However, mint is known to spread aggressively and can quickly overtake your lavender plants. Additionally, the strong scent of mint can mask the delicate fragrance of lavender.

If you do choose to plant mint and lavender together, make sure to keep them in separate containers or plant the mint in an area where it won't invade the lavender's space.

2. Rosemary

Rosemary and lavender are often recommended as companion plants, but in reality, they should be kept apart. Both plants require similar growing conditions, which can lead to competition for resources like water and nutrients.

Additionally, rosemary produces a strong aroma that can overpower the subtle scent of lavender. If you must plant these two herbs together, make sure to give them plenty of space and avoid planting them in the same container.

3. Oregano

Like mint, oregano can quickly spread and take over an area. This can be especially problematic if you're growing lavender as a border plant, as oregano can easily spill over onto your lavender.

In addition to being invasive, oregano has a strong scent that can clash with lavender. If you want to grow these two herbs together, consider planting them in separate containers or in different areas of your garden.

4. Fennel

Fennel is a member of the carrot family and can attract aphids, which can be harmful to your lavender. Additionally, fennel produces a strong odor that can mask the fragrance of lavender.

If you must plant fennel and lavender together, make sure to keep them separated and monitor for any signs of pest infestation.

5. Sage

While sage and lavender are both members of the mint family, they should not be planted together. Sage is known to release chemicals into the soil that can inhibit the growth of other plants, including lavender.

Additionally, sage has a strong aroma that can overpower the delicate scent of lavender. If you want to plant these two herbs together, make sure to give them plenty of space and monitor their growth closely.

Other Plants to Avoid Planting with Lavender

In addition to the five plants mentioned above, there are several others that you should avoid planting with lavender:

6. Thyme

Thyme is another member of the mint family that can compete with lavender for resources like water and nutrients.

7. Chamomile

Chamomile is known to attract pests like aphids and spider mites, which can be harmful to lavender.

8. Dill

Dill is a member of the carrot family and can attract pests like carrot rust flies, which can damage your lavender.

9. Basil

Basil is another herb that can compete with lavender for resources and may also attract pests like spider mites.

10. Marjoram

Like thyme and oregano, marjoram is a member of the mint family and can be invasive if not kept in check.

Tips for Choosing Good Companion Plants for Lavender

Now that you know which plants to avoid planting with lavender, here are some tips for choosing good companion plants:

11. Choose plants with similar growing conditions

Plants that require similar amounts of water, light, and nutrients are generally good choices for companion planting.

12. Look for plants with complementary scents

Plants with complementary scents can enhance the fragrance of your lavender and create a more pleasant overall aroma.

13. Consider plants that attract pollinators

Plants that attract bees and other pollinators can help increase the yield of your lavender and promote overall garden health.

14. Avoid plants that are prone to disease or pests

Plants that are susceptible to disease or pests can spread these issues to your lavender, so it's best to avoid them altogether.

15. Research before planting

Before planting any new companion plants with your lavender, be sure to do your research to ensure that they're a good match.

FAQs

1. Can lavender be planted with other herbs?

Yes, lavender can be planted with other herbs as long as they have similar growing conditions and scents that complement each other.

2. Will lavender repel insects?

While lavender is often used as a natural insect repellent, it won't necessarily repel all insects. It's still important to monitor for pests and take action if necessary.

3. Can I plant lavender with vegetables?

While lavender can be planted with some vegetables, it's important to choose companion plants carefully to avoid competition for resources and other issues.

4. How often should I water my lavender?

Lavender prefers well-draining soil and doesn't like to be over-watered. Water your lavender deeply once a week during the growing season, or as needed based on the moisture level of the soil.

5. What's the best time of year to plant lavender?

Lavender is best planted in the spring or fall when temperatures are mild and there is less risk of stress from heat or cold.