The Ultimate Guide To Companion Planting Herbs

Introduction

Companion planting is a gardening practice that involves planting certain plants together to benefit each other. This can be done for a variety of reasons, such as to improve the flavor of the plants, to repel pests and diseases, or to attract beneficial insects.

Herbs are particularly well-suited for companion planting, as they can provide a variety of benefits to each other. In this guide, we will discuss the benefits of companion planting herbs, as well as some specific herb pairings that you can try in your own garden.

Benefits of Companion Planting Herbs

There are many benefits to companion planting herbs, including:

• Improved flavor: Some herbs can actually improve the flavor of other plants when they are grown together. For example, basil is often planted with tomatoes to enhance their flavor.
• Repulsion of pests and diseases: Many herbs have natural insecticidal or fungicidal properties, which can help to protect your other plants from pests and diseases. For example, mint can repel aphids, and chives can repel Japanese beetles.
• Attraction of beneficial insects: Some herbs attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and bees. These insects can help to pollinate your plants and control pests. For example, dill attracts ladybugs, which help to control aphids.
• Improved soil quality: Some herbs can help to improve the soil quality in your garden. For example, mint can help to aerate the soil, and chamomile can help to improve drainage.

Specific Herb Pairings

Here are some specific herb pairings that you can try in your own garden:

• Basil and tomatoes: Basil is often planted with tomatoes to enhance their flavor. It is also thought to repel aphids and whiteflies.
• Chives and roses: Chives are thought to repel aphids, Japanese beetles, and spider mites. They can also help to improve the drainage of soil around roses.
• Dill and carrots: Dill is thought to improve the flavor of carrots. It can also help to repel carrot flies.
• Lavender and beans: Lavender is thought to repel aphids, beetles, and moths. It can also help to attract bees and butterflies.
• Marigolds and vegetables: Marigolds are thought to repel nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies. They can also help to attract beneficial insects.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many benefits to companion planting herbs. By planting certain herbs together, you can improve the flavor of your plants, repel pests and diseases, attract beneficial insects, and improve the soil quality in your garden.

If you are new to companion planting, I recommend starting with a few simple pairings, such as basil and tomatoes or chives and roses. Once you get the hang of it, you can experiment with other pairings to see what works best in your garden.

Herbs you can plant together

When planning your herb garden, it's important to consider which herbs will grow well together. Some herbs, such as basil and mint, can be aggressive growers and will crowd out other plants. Others, such as rosemary and thyme, have similar water and sunlight requirements, making them ideal companions.

There are a few different factors to consider when choosing herbs to plant together. First, think about the climate in your area. Some herbs, such as lavender and rosemary, prefer hot, dry conditions, while others, such as parsley and cilantro, prefer cooler, moister weather.

Second, consider the size of your herb garden. If you have a small space, you'll want to choose herbs that are compact growers. Basil, chives, and oregano are all good choices for small gardens.

Finally, think about the flavors of the herbs you want to plant. Some herbs, such as basil and oregano, have strong flavors that can overpower other herbs. If you want to create a balanced flavor profile, you'll want to choose herbs with complementary flavors.

For more information about which herbs you can plant together, visit Gardenia Inspiration. This website provides a comprehensive list of herbs and their companion plants, as well as tips for planting and caring for your herb garden.

FAQ of herbs you can plant together

Q1. What are some herbs that can be planted together?

A. There are many herbs that can be planted together, but some of the most popular combinations include:

• Basil, tarragon, and oregano: These Mediterranean herbs tend to pair well due to similar growing requirements, and planting oregano alongside basil and tarragon may help prevent pests.
• Lemon verbena, dill, and cilantro: These herbs all have a strong scent that can deter pests, and they also complement each other's flavors in cooking.
• Lavender, rosemary, and thyme: These woody herbs are all drought-tolerant and can thrive in full sun, making them a good choice for container gardens.
• Parsley, sage, and chives: These herbs are all easy to grow and have a variety of culinary uses.

Q2. What are some herbs that should not be planted together?

A. Some herbs should not be planted together because they can compete for resources or attract pests. For example, basil should not be planted with rosemary, fennel, or cucumbers. Dill should not be planted with carrots, peppers, or mature tomatoes.

Q3. What are the benefits of companion planting herbs?

A. There are many benefits to companion planting herbs, including:

• Increased crop yield: Companion plants can help to attract beneficial insects, which can help to control pests and improve pollination.
• Improved plant health: Companion plants can help to suppress weeds and diseases.
• Enhanced flavor: Some companion plants can actually improve the flavor of other plants.

Q4. How do I choose herbs to plant together?

A. When choosing herbs to plant together, it's important to consider their growing requirements, such as sun exposure, water needs, and soil type. It's also important to consider their pest and disease resistance.

Q5. What are some tips for planting herbs together?

A. Here are some tips for planting herbs together:

• Plant herbs with similar growing requirements together.
• Plant herbs that attract beneficial insects together.
• Plant herbs that repel pests together.
• Plant herbs that complement each other's flavors together.

Image of herbs you can plant together

5 different images of herbs you can plant together, sourced from Pinterest:

• Basil, Tarragon, and Oregano: These Mediterranean herbs tend to pair well due to similar growing requirements, and planting oregano alongside basil and tarragon may help prevent pests.
• Lemon Verbena, Dill, and Cilantro: These herbs all have a citrusy flavor, and they can be planted together in a container or in the ground.
• Lavender, Rosemary, and Thyme: These herbs are all drought-tolerant and can be planted together in a sunny spot. They also have a lovely fragrance that can be enjoyed all summer long.
• Parsley, Sage, and Chives: These herbs are all versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. They also have different colors and textures, which can add visual interest to your herb garden.
• Oregano, Thyme, and Mint: These herbs are all aromatic and can be used to flavor a variety of dishes. They also have different heights, which can create a layered effect in your herb garden.