Feverfew Companion Planting: A Guide to Growing a Healthy Garden

If you're an avid gardener, you're probably familiar with companion planting. This is the practice of planting different crops together in order to benefit from their natural symbiosis. While some plants don't get along well with others, there are many that thrive when grown in close proximity. One such plant is feverfew. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of feverfew companion planting and provide you with some tips on how to grow a healthy garden.

The Benefits of Feverfew Companion Planting

Feverfew is a medicinal herb that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including headaches, arthritis, and digestive issues. When grown alongside other plants, it can also provide a number of benefits:

Natural Pest Control

Feverfew is known to repel certain insects, including aphids, spider mites, and thrips. By planting it alongside susceptible crops, you can reduce the need for chemical pesticides and keep your garden healthy and organic.

Improved Soil Health

Feverfew is a member of the daisy family and, like many other members of this family, is a nitrogen fixer. This means that it can take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that is usable by plants. By planting feverfew alongside nitrogen-hungry crops like tomatoes or peppers, you can improve the overall health of your soil.

Attractive Flowers

Feverfew produces small, daisy-like flowers that are both beautiful and functional. They attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which can help keep your garden free of pests. They also add a pop of color to your garden and can be used in floral arrangements.

How to Grow Feverfew

Before you can companion planting with feverfew, you need to know how to grow it. Here are some tips:

Choose the Right Location

Feverfew prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It also likes well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Make sure to choose a spot in your garden that meets these criteria.

from Seed

Feverfew is best ed from seed, which can be sown directly in the garden after the last frost. You can also seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost and transplant them outside when they are big enough.

Water Regularly

Feverfew likes moist soil but doesn't like to be waterlogged. Water regularly but make sure the soil has time to dry out between waterings.

Harvest Frequently

To encourage bushier growth, pinch back the tips of the plant frequently. You can also harvest the leaves and flowers as needed for medicinal or culinary purposes.

Companion Plants for Feverfew

Now that you know how to grow feverfew, it's time to talk about companion plants. Here are some suggestions:

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are heavy feeders that benefit from the nitrogen-fixing properties of feverfew. In addition, feverfew can help repel tomato hornworms and other pests.

Peppers

Like tomatoes, peppers benefit from the nitrogen-fixing properties of feverfew. They also appreciate feverfew's pest-repelling abilities.

Cabbage

Cabbage and other members of the brassica family can benefit from planting feverfew nearby. Feverfew can help repel cabbage moths and other pests.

Carrots

Carrots are a good companion for feverfew because they have shallow roots that don't compete with feverfew's deeper roots. In addition, feverfew can help repel carrot flies.

Feverfew Companion Planting Tips

Here are some additional tips to help you get the most out of your feverfew companion planting:

Plant in Clusters

To maximize the benefits of feverfew, plant it in clusters rather than scattering it throughout your garden.

Rotate Crops

To prevent soil-borne diseases, rotate crops every year. This means moving feverfew and its companion plants to a different spot in your garden each year.

Use Mulch

Mulching around your feverfew plants can help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds.

Don't Overcrowd

While companion planting is great, don't overcrowd your plants. Make sure there is enough space between each plant for air flow and adequate sunlight.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I grow feverfew in containers?

Yes, you can grow feverfew in containers as long as the container is at least 12 inches deep and has good drainage.

2. Can I use feverfew as a pest repellent for indoor plants?

Yes, feverfew can be effective against certain indoor pests like spider mites and whiteflies. Simply place a few freshly-picked leaves near your indoor plants to repel pests.

3. How often should I harvest feverfew?

It's best to harvest feverfew when the flowers are in full bloom. You can then harvest the leaves and flowers as needed throughout the growing season.

4. Can I use feverfew in cooking?

Yes, feverfew leaves can be used in cooking to add a bitter, herbaceous flavor to dishes like salads and soups.

5. Is feverfew safe for pets?

While feverfew is generally safe for humans, it can be toxic to cats and dogs if ingested in large amounts. Keep your pets away from feverfew plants or use it sparingly if you have pets.


Feverfew companion planting is a great way to grow a healthy garden that is free of pests and disease. By following the tips and plant suggestions in this blog post, you can create a thriving garden that is both beautiful and functional. So go ahead and give feverfew companion planting a try - your garden (and your health) will thank you!