The Ultimate Guide to Herb Companion Planting Chart

- Why Herb Companion Planting is Important

If you're an avid gardener, you know that plants don't grow in isolation. There are many different factors that can affect how well your plants grow, including soil quality, water availability, and sunlight exposure. But did you know that the plants you choose to grow together can also have a big impact on their growth and health? This is where companion planting comes in.

Companion planting is the practice of planting certain types of plants together in order to benefit each other. Some plants can attract beneficial insects, while others can repel pests or help to improve the soil. When it comes to growing herbs, companion planting becomes even more important. Not only can companion planting help to improve the overall health of your herbs, but it can also enhance their flavor and aroma.

In this blog post, we'll explore the world of herb companion planting in detail. We'll cover everything from selecting the right plants to creating a herb companion planting chart that works for you. By the end of this post, you'll have all the information you need to growing your own herbs successfully.

Understanding Herb Companion Planting

Before we dive into the specifics of herb companion planting, let's take a closer look at what it actually entails. In general, there are three main categories of companion planting:

• Plants that attract beneficial insects

• Plants that repel pests

• Plants that improve soil quality

When it comes to herb companion planting, you'll want to focus primarily on plants that attract beneficial insects and repel pests. This is because herbs are often used in cooking or for medicinal purposes, so you'll want to avoid using pesticides or other chemicals that can be harmful to your health.

Plants that Attract Beneficial Insects

One of the most important things you can do when growing herbs is to attract beneficial insects to your garden. These insects can help to pollinate your plants, control pests, and improve soil health. Here are some of the best plants to grow alongside your herbs:

• Borage

• Calendula

• Chamomile

• Dill

• Fennel

• Lavender

• Mint

• Parsley

• Thyme

Borage

Borage is a great plant to include in your herb garden because it attracts bees and other pollinators. It also has beautiful blue flowers that can add a pop of color to your garden. Borage is an annual plant that prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Calendula

Calendula is another great plant that can attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings. It's also known for its medicinal properties and can be used to make salves and ointments. Calendula prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Chamomile

Chamomile is a popular herb that has a calming effect and can be used to make tea. It's also a great companion plant because it attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps. Chamomile prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Plants that Repel Pests

In addition to attracting beneficial insects, you'll also want to include plants in your herb garden that can repel pests. This can help to reduce the need for pesticides and other chemicals that can be harmful to your health. Here are some of the best plants to grow alongside your herbs:

• Basil

• Chives

• Lavender

• Mint

• Oregano

• Rosemary

• Sage

• Thyme

Basil

Basil is a great plant to include in your herb garden because it can repel mosquitoes and other insects. It's also easy to grow and can be used in a variety of dishes. Basil prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Chives

Chives are a member of the onion family and have a mild onion flavor. They can also repel pests like aphids and spider mites. Chives prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Mint

Mint is another great plant to grow alongside your herbs because it can repel pests like ants and mosquitoes. It's also a versatile herb that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Mint prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

Creating Your Own Herb Companion Planting Chart

Now that you know which plants to include in your herb garden, it's time to create your own herb companion planting chart. This will help you keep track of which plants should be grown together and which ones should be kept apart.

When creating your chart, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you choose plants that have similar growing requirements. This will help to ensure that all of your plants thrive in their environment. Second, consider the amount of space you have available in your garden. Some plants can take up a lot of room, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Here's an example of what your herb companion planting chart might look like:

Herb	Companion Plants	Plants to Avoid
Basil	Tomatoes, peppers, oregano, parsley	Sage, rue
Chives	Parsley, thyme, rosemary	Garlic
Lavender	Rosemary, thyme, sage
Mint	Chamomile, dill, parsley
Oregano	Basil, thyme, sage
Parsley	Chives, basil, tomatoes
Rosemary	Lavender, thyme, sage
Sage	Rosemary, thyme, lavender
Thyme	Rosemary, lavender, oregano

Frequently Asked Questions About Herb Companion Planting

1. What are the benefits of herb companion planting?

Companion planting can help to improve the overall health of your plants, reduce the need for pesticides and other chemicals, and enhance the flavor and aroma of your herbs.

2. Can I plant all my herbs together in one container?

Yes, you can plant multiple herbs together in one container as long as they have similar growing requirements.

3. What are some common mistakes to avoid when companion planting herbs?

Some common mistakes to avoid include planting herbs with different growing requirements together, overcrowding your garden, and planting herbs too close to each other.

4. Can companion planting really help to repel pests?

Yes, certain plants can repel pests like aphids, mosquitoes, and spider mites. By planting these plants alongside your herbs, you can reduce the need for pesticides and other chemicals.

5. Do I need to fertilize my herbs if I'm using companion planting?

While companion planting can help to improve soil quality, it's still a good idea to fertilize your herbs regularly to ensure that they have all the nutrients they need to thrive.



Herb companion planting is a great way to improve the health and flavor of your herbs, reduce the need for harmful chemicals, and attract beneficial insects to your garden. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this post, you'll be well on your way to creating a thriving herb garden. So go ahead and planning your own herb companion planting chart today!