Lovage Companion Plants: How to Grow Them Together for Better Yields

Are you tired of planting your lovage alone or with plants that don't complement its growth? Lovage is a versatile herb that can be used in various dishes, but it requires specific environmental conditions to thrive. One way to ensure your lovage grows healthy and produces higher yields is by planting it alongside compatible plant species, also known as companion plants. In this article, we will explore the benefits of lovage companion plants, what plants are suitable to grow alongside lovage, and how to care for them.

The Benefits of Lovage Companion Plants

Companion planting, the practice of growing different plants together, offers many benefits. By planting lovage alongside compatible species, you can create a symbiotic relationship between them. The benefits of companion planting include:

Natural Pest Control

Planting lovage alongside certain plants can help repel pests that would usually harm your plants. For example, planting lovage alongside tomatoes can deter hornworms and aphids that feed on tomato plants.

Improved Soil Quality

Some plants, such as legumes, have nitrogen-fixing capabilities, meaning they can convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can utilize. Planting lovage alongside these nitrogen-fixing plants can improve soil quality by increasing the amount of nitrogen available to your plants.

Increased Yield

Certain plants, when grown together, can benefit each other by providing shade, shelter, or support. This can result in better yields and healthier plants. Growing lovage alongside compatible plants can lead to higher yields, better quality, and more robust plants.

What Plants are Suitable to Grow Alongside Lovage?

Now that we have established the benefits of companion planting let's explore what plants are suitable to grow alongside lovage. The following are some plants that can thrive when grown with lovage:

Tomatoes

Tomatoes benefit from being grown alongside lovage as it has the ability to deter pests such as aphids and hornworms. Also, lovage’s deep roots can help hold the soil moisture levels for tomatoes.

Celery

Celery and lovage make great companions. Both plants belong to the same family, Apiaceae or Umbelliferae. They have similar growing conditions and can help repel pests like aphids and spider mites.

Peppers

Peppers can benefit from being grown alongside lovage due to its natural pest-repelling properties. Moreover, lovage can also act as a shade plant, providing a protective environment for peppers.

Beans

Beans and other legumes are nitrogen-fixing plants. When grown with lovage, they can improve soil quality by increasing the amount of nitrogen available to your plants.

Broccoli and Cabbage

Lovage can help repel pests that would harm broccoli and cabbage, including aphids and root maggots. Additionally, lovage can provide a shaded environment for these plants, helping them retain moisture.

How to Care for Lovage Companion Plants

Planting lovage alongside compatible species is only the first step. Proper care is essential to ensure your plants thrive. Here are some tips on how to care for lovage companion plants:

Provide Adequate Water and Sunlight

Most plants require at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Water your plants regularly, preferably in the morning or evening when temperatures are low.

Prune Regularly

Pruning your plants can help keep them healthy and promote growth. Removing dead or diseased leaves and flowers can prevent pests and diseases from spreading to other parts of your garden.

Control Weeds

Weeds can compete with your plants for nutrients and water. Keep your garden free of weeds by pulling them out regularly or using a weed control solution.

Rotate Crops

Crop rotation is essential to prevent soil-borne diseases and maintain soil quality. After harvesting your crops, plant different species that are compatible with lovage.

Lovage Companion Planting Chart

Here is a table that summarizes some of the best lovage companion plants:

| Plant | Benefits |
| --- | --- |
| Tomatoes | Repels aphids and hornworms |
| Celery | Similar growing conditions, repels pests |
| Peppers | Provides shade and pest control |
| Beans | Improves soil quality |
| Broccoli and Cabbage | Repels pests, provides shade |


In growing lovage alongside compatible species can provide many benefits, including natural pest control, improved soil quality, and higher yields. Some plants that are suitable to grow alongside lovage include tomatoes, celery, peppers, beans, broccoli, and cabbage. Proper care is crucial to ensure your plants thrive, including providing adequate water and sunlight, pruning regularly, controlling weeds, and rotating crops.

FAQs

1. Is lovage easy to grow?

Yes, lovage is relatively easy to grow. It requires full sun exposure and well-draining soil. The plant can grow up to 6 feet tall, so make sure to provide adequate space between plants.

2. Can I grow lovage indoors?

Yes, you can grow lovage indoors. It requires bright light and well-draining soil. Make sure to water it regularly and rotate it frequently to ensure even growth.

3. Can I use lovage as a natural remedy?

Yes, lovage has many medicinal properties and can be used as a natural remedy for various ailments. It can help reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and alleviate coughs and colds.

4. Can I grow lovage in containers?

Yes, lovage can be grown in containers. Make sure to use a large pot with adequate drainage holes and fill it with well-draining soil. Water your plant regularly and fertilize it every few weeks.

5. Do I need to prune my lovage plant?

Yes, pruning is essential to keep your lovage plant healthy and promote growth. Remove dead or diseased leaves and flowers regularly to prevent diseases from spreading.