Everyone loves having fresh herbs on-hand for any occasion. But with so many good herbs, it can be hard to find space to plant them all! This causes many concerns about what herbs can be planted together. In this article, we discuss which herbs you should grow together, and which herbs should be kept separate. Let’s find out…
What Herbs Can You Plant Together?
It’s important for all herbs planted together to enjoy the same environment, such as soil and light conditions. The most common herbs that are planted together are lavender, oregano, thyme, sage, and rosemary.
This news is great, as these herbs are some of the most essential herbs for cooking. Many people grow these five herbs in one container in their kitchen. The one herb to keep away from others is mint, as it is very invasive.
As we mentioned, it’s important to research what your herbs need to thrive. All herbs that match when it comes to soil, light, and environment can be planted in the same pot. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of herbs:
Mediterranean Herbs – Including lavender, thyme, rosemary, sage, and oregano, this type of herb enjoys lots of sunlight and doesn’t need moist soil.
Moisture Herbs – Including parsley and basil, this type of herb is similar to the Mediterranean herb, but they require soil that is moister. As such, the soil needs to be watered more often.
Lemon Herbs – Including lemon verbena and lemon thyme, these herbs should be kept together.
Mint Herbs – Although mint herbs don’t require any special treatment, they are an invasive species that can harm other herbs. It’s recommended to keep mint herbs in areas that receive lots of sunlight.
Let’s get specific…
- Rosemary, lavender, thyme, oregano, sage, and marjoram can be planted together
- Basil, parsley, tarragon, and cilantro can be planted together
- Lemon verbena and lemon thyme can be planted together
- All types of mint can be planted together, like peppermint, spearmint, orange mint, and cat mint
Planting Herbs with other Plants
So, we know what plants can be planted together, but what plants can be planted with herbs and why? Let’s find out…
You can plant herbs with your plants to improve growth and repel pests. In fact, it has been shown that some of our herbs and plants will secrete powers that enhance the flavour of plants around it.
The most common companion herbs are mint, rosemary, basil, thyme, parsley, garlic, sage, dill, and tarragon. Catnip is frequently used to around plants to protect them from unwanted pests.
Herb Companion Planting Chart
I will now jump into some of the most common companion herbs and plants that will benefit the other plants around them. Please also see the image below, which gives a quick overview (image from Jeavons, John. 1995. How to Grow More Vegetables).
Basil – Tomato growers will often plant basil near to their tomato plants. Just like putting basil in your dinner, planting basil next to tomatoes, peppers, or asparagus can improve the flavour. The herb is also great for repelling harmful pests, like whiteflies and aphids.
Mint – Although it’s an invasive species to other herbs, mint is actually beneficial when planted with tomatoes and cabbages. It improves flavour and deters harmful cabbage moths and fleas.
Rosemary – Mosquitoes, clothes flies, silverfish, beetles, and carrot flies HATE rosemary, so it’s great to plant with many plants and herbs.
Garlic – Garlic is delicious. It is also great for increasing the growth-rate of roses and raspberries. It can be used to scare away vampires… but also aphids, onion flies, spider mites, and beetles.
Thyme – I plant thyme on my cabbage patch with my cauliflower. It can also be planted with sprout and broccoli, especially if you are currently experience problem with moths and flies.
Dill – Just like thyme, dill is another that can be planted with plants in the cabbage family. It is primarily used by gardeners to improve the growth-rate and overall health of other plants in the same soil.
Wormwood – I use wormwood around the total perimeter of my garden. It deters animals, like rabbits and foxes, from entering my garden and eating my plants.
