Which Herbs Plant Together: A Guide to Companion Planting

The Importance of Companion Planting

Are you looking for a way to maximize your herb garden's potential? If so, companion planting may be the solution you're seeking. Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together in a way that benefits each other's growth and health. In this blog post, we'll dive into which herbs plant together and how to create a thriving herb garden using companion planting techniques.

Choosing the Right Companions

When it comes to companion planting, choosing the right partners is crucial. Plants that grow well together will share similar light, water, and nutrient requirements. Some herbs that make great companions include:

Basil and Tomatoes

Basil and tomatoes are natural companions. Basil repels pests that commonly attack tomato plants, while also improving their flavor.

Chives and Carrots

Chives are believed to improve the flavor of carrots while also deterring pests such as aphids and carrot rust flies.

Mint and Cabbage

Mint can help repel cabbage moths and flea beetles, which are common pests that can damage cabbage plants.

Parsley and Asparagus

Parsley attracts beneficial insects that prey on asparagus beetles, helping keep your asparagus crop healthy.

Creating Your Herb Garden

Now that you know which herbs plant together, it's time to planning your herb garden. Here are some tips to help you get ed:

Location

Choose a location for your herb garden that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day and has well-draining soil.

Spacing

Make sure to give each herb enough space to grow. Overcrowding can lead to poor airflow and increase the risk of disease.

Soil Preparation

Before planting your herbs, make sure to prepare the soil. Remove any weeds, rocks or debris, and add compost or other organic matter to improve soil quality.

Companion Planting Techniques

There are several techniques you can use to maximize the benefits of companion planting:

Interplanting

Interplanting involves planting different herbs in close proximity to one another. This technique helps maximize space while also promoting healthy growth and pest management.

Succession Planting

Succession planting involves planting different herbs at different times throughout the growing season. This technique helps ensure a continuous harvest while also providing a variety of herbs to use in your kitchen.

Trap Cropping

Trap cropping involves planting a sacrificial crop to attract pests away from your main crop. For example, you could plant marigolds to attract aphids away from your basil plants.

Maintaining Your Herb Garden

Once your herb garden is established, it's important to maintain it properly to ensure healthy growth and abundant harvests. Here are some tips to help you keep your herb garden thriving:

Watering

Herbs require consistent moisture to thrive. Water regularly and deeply, making sure not to overwater.

Fertilizing

Use an organic fertilizer to provide nutrients to your herbs. Avoid using chemical fertilizers, as they can harm beneficial insects and microorganisms in your soil.

Pest Control

Monitor your herbs regularly for signs of pest damage. Use natural methods such as handpicking, insecticidal soap, and companion planting to control pests.



Companion planting is a simple yet effective way to maximize the potential of your herb garden. By choosing the right companions and following proper techniques, you can promote healthy growth, improve flavor, and deter pests naturally. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just ing out, companion planting is a valuable tool that can help you create a thriving herb garden.

FAQs

1. Can all herbs be planted together?

No, not all herbs make good companions. Make sure to research which herbs work well together before planting.

2. Can companion planting reduce the need for pesticides?

Yes, companion planting can help reduce the need for pesticides by promoting natural pest control methods.

3. How do I know if my herbs are getting enough water?

Check the soil moisture level regularly. If the top inch of soil feels dry, it's time to water.

4. What is trap cropping?

Trap cropping involves planting a sacrificial crop to attract pests away from your main crop.

5. Can I use chemical fertilizers in my herb garden?

It's best to avoid using chemical fertilizers in your herb garden, as they can harm beneficial insects and microorganisms in your soil.