Basil Companion Plants: The Best and Worst Plants to Grow Nearby
Companion plants for basil
When it comes to companion planting, basil is a superstar. It's one of the best herbs to grow near other plants because it helps them grow better and protects them from pests. But what are the best plants to grow next to basil? And which ones should you avoid? In this blog post, we'll answer those questions and give you a list of the 10 best and worst plants to grow near your basil!
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What is Companion Planting?
Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together for mutual benefit. Many gardeners swear by companion planting because it not only helps improve the health and growth of their plants but also helps protect them from pests and diseases.
What are the Benefits of Companion Planting?
Companion planting offers a variety of benefits, including:
Improved Growth and Health of Plants
One benefit of companion planting is that it can improve the growth and health of plants. When plants are grown together, they can benefit from each other's nutrients, moisture, and shade.
Organic Pest Control
Another benefit of companion planting is that it can help control pests naturally. When different plants are grown together, they create a natural barrier against pests and diseases.
Attracts Beneficial Insects
Many gardeners also believe that companion planting can attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, bees, and butterflies. These insects help control pests naturally and can be very helpful in the garden.
Improves Soil Quality and Fertility
Companion planting can also improve the quality of the soil. When different plants are grown together, they add organic matter and nutrients to the soil, which helps improve its fertility.
Improves Flavor of Vegetables
Finally, companion planting can also improve the flavor of vegetables. When different plants are grown together, they create a synergistic effect and the flavors of the vegetables are enhanced.
Serve As Markers
Plants all grow at different rates so pairing fast-growing plants with slow growers can help you keep track of where everything is in your garden. This is especially helpful if you have a large garden or are growing multiple varieties of the same plant.
Provide Necessary Shade
Taller plants can provide the necessary shade for shorter plants, which can help them stay cooler and avoid sun damage. In the summer, it's important to provide some relief from the hot sun.
Now that we've talked about the benefits of companion planting, let's take a look at the best and worst plants to grow near basil.
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Basil and tomatoes are good companion plants because both love the same conditons.
Companion planting can attract beneficial insects.
Basil Companion Plants
Now let's talk a look at the good companion plants for basil. Here are the best vegetables and flowers for basil companion planting.
Tomatoes
Basil and tomato companion planting is a classic combination. These two plants have been grown together for centuries and there's a good reason why.
Tomatoes are a great companion plant for basil because they both love the same conditions – full sun and well-draining soil. Basil also helps protect tomatoes from pests, such as aphids, whiteflies, thrips, and the Tomato Hornworm. Keeping these pests from tomatoes will increase the yield and quality of your tomatoes.
Planting basil with tomatoes is also thought to improve the flavor of the tomatoes. Try companion planting basil with some purple tomato varieties.
Bell Peppers
Like tomatoes, peppers are another good companion plant for basil. They both love the sunlight and planting them together can help improve the flavor of both plants.
Basil plants are an excellent insect repellent for peppers, as it repels spiders mites, mosquitoes, and flies.
The basil plant may also be grown with the help of bell pepper leaves, which usually provide a bit of shade over it and protect it from harsh weather.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a good companion plant for basil because attracts ladybugs which are natural predators of aphids.
Basil also repels the Asparagus beetle, which can badly damage asparagus plants' newly sprouted tips.
Both basil and asparagus thrive in sunny locations which makes them a perfect companion pairing.
Marigolds
Marigolds are often used as companion plants because they can help deter a variety of pests, including nematodes, aphids, Japanese beetles, and slugs.
They also attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps which help control pests in the garden.
In addition to being a great pest deterrent, marigolds also improve the flavor of basil.
When planting these two plants next to each other make sure you choose a marigold variety that doesn't get too big, as they can crowd out basil.
Potatoes
Potatoes are another basil plant companion.
Basil and potatoes are a great combination, not just because they taste delicious together, but also because they grow well together.
Basil enhances the potato crop's development. This companion plant will not only assist in a healthy and plentiful potato harvest, but it will also provide aesthetic appeal as well as a tasty herb option to your garden.
Beneficial insects, such as butterflies and bees, will be attracted to your vegetable garden if you plant potatoes.
Root Vegetables
Root vegetables, such as carrots and beets, make great companions for basil.
Basil is a companion that can improve the growth and flavor of these vegetables.
Soil boring insects are particularly common on the root vegetables' leafy green tops. The basil plant's scent can deter pests in the soil, so it may be used as a natural pest-control treatment.
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Garlic
Garlic is a beneficial herb to plant near basil because it helps repel aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
Basil and garlic also improve the flavor of each other when grown together.
Be sure to space these plants out so they have enough room to grow – don't overcrowd them.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are a good companion plant for basil because they act as a trap crop.
When planted near basil, nasturtiums will lure aphids and other pests away from the herb. Nasturtiums also add beautiful color to the garden and their flowers are edible.
Herbs also make great good companion plants for basil. Let's talk a look at some of the best herbs for basil plants.
Cilantro
Cilantro is a good companion plant for basil because they have similar light and watering requirements.
Growing basil and cilantro in close proximity can help to keep pests like aphids and beetles at bay, since cilantros' volatile oils may repel them.
Borage
Borage is a good companion plant for basil because it attracts pollinators, such as bees and other beneficial insects, to the garden.
It also works to keep bugs away from basil's other pals, such as tomato hornworms.
Borage also improves the growth and flavor of basil. Borage is also considered a medicinal herb and can offer many benefits.
Oregano, Chives, Chamomile
These three herbs are good companion plants for basil.
Not only do they assist in pest control, but it also helps to improve the flavor of basil and make it more effective as a pest repellent. They also increase the essential oils in the herb.
Growing these herbs together can give your dishes a delicious boost of flavor.
Parsley
Parsley is another great basil plant companion. They both have similar requirements for sun and water. Parsley and basil both need consistent moisture in order to thrive.
Parsley also helps to improve the flavor of basil.
Parsley can also help to deter some pests, such as asparagus beetles and nematodes. Read more to find out the best parsley companion plants.
Marjoram
Marjoram is a good companion for basil because it helps to repel pests, including aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
It also attracts beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
It also can grow in the same conditions as basil and thrive. Marjoram also enhances the flavor of basil.
Looking for an easy reference guide? Then check out this dedicated sheet outlining the MOST beneficial companion plants on Etsy.
Basil Companion Planting Chart
Plants to Avoid Growing With Basil
Now that we've discussed some of the best plants to grow with basil, let's talk about some plants that you should avoid growing with your basil plant.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a bad basil plant companion because the two plants compete for resources, such as water and nutrients.
Basil can also impact the flavor of cucumbers. Cucumbers tend to take on the taste of their neighbors, so if you don't want your cucumbers to taste like basil, it's best to avoid planting them together.
Fennel
Fennel is another plant that you should avoid growing with your basil.
In addition, fennel attracts pests that could infest your basil plants.
Fennel doesn't play well with others and can stunt the growth of other plants in the garden.
Thyme
Thyme is another herb that you should avoid growing near your basil.
Thyme and basil's growing requirements are different. Thyme needs drier soil and is tolerant of sandy soil, whereas basil requires moist, nutrient-dense soil.
Common Rue
Rue is a plant that you want to avoid growing near basil. Rue can stunt the growth of basil and make it more susceptible to pests and diseases.
It can also make the flavor of basil more bitter.
Sage
Sage is another herb that you should avoid planting near your basil.
The two plants have different growing needs. Sage prefers drier soil than basil.
Summing Up Basil Companion Planting
There are many different basil companion plants. Some of the best include marigolds, potatoes, cilantro, root vegetables, borage, oregano, and parsley. These plants all have different benefits that can help your basil plants to thrive.
On the other hand, there are some plants that you should avoid planting near your basil. These include cucumbers, fennel, common rue, sage, and thyme. When companion planting with basil it is important to be aware of these plants so as not to stunt the growth or flavor of your growing basil plant.
