Best Herb Combinations: Plant These Together
Herbs to Plant Together
Ever wondered which herbs you can plant together? Pairing herbs with similar growing needs can make a big difference in the success of your garden. Imagine a lush, fragrant herb garden where every plant thrives because they all love the same conditions. In this blog post, we'll explore the best herb pairings based on their growing requirements and highlight some combinations to avoid. Let's dive into creating your thriving herb garden!
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Perfect Pairings: Herbs That Thrive Together
Mediterranean Herbs
These sun-loving, drought-tolerant herbs are perfect companions. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.
Rosemary
Thyme
Sage
Oregano
Lavender
Marjoram
Growing Tips:
Plant these herbs in a sunny spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight.
Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot.
Water sparingly once established, as these herbs prefer slightly dry conditions.
Moisture-Loving Herbs
These herbs enjoy moist soil and can handle partial to full sun. They thrive in conditions where the soil is kept consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Basil
Parsley
Cilantro (Coriander)
Chervil
Growing Tips:
Plant these herbs in an area that gets morning sun and afternoon shade or filtered sunlight throughout the day.
Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during hot weather.
Mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture and keep roots cool.
Full Sun, Moderately Moist Soil Herbs
These herbs prefer full sun and moderately moist soil. They grow well together and can enhance each other’s growth.
Dill
Chives
Growing Tips:
Plant these herbs in an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight.
Ensure the soil is well-drained but kept moderately moist.
Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and prevent weeds.
Shade-Tolerant Herbs
These herbs prefer partial shade and can tolerate less direct sunlight. They do well in well-drained soil but appreciate some moisture.
Mint
Lemon Balm
Growing Tips:
Plant in an area that receives dappled sunlight or is shaded for part of the day.
Mint can be invasive, so consider planting it in a container to prevent it from spreading.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
RELATED: Growing Herbs Indoors: Tips and Tricks for Beginners
Herbs That Should Not Be Planted Together
Certain herbs can inhibit each other’s growth or require drastically different growing conditions, making them poor companions.
Basil and Rue
Basil prefers moist soil and full sun.
Rue prefers dry, sandy soil and can tolerate poor soil conditions.
Reason to Avoid: Rue can hinder the growth of basil, as their soil and water requirements are quite different.
Fennel and Most Herbs
Fennel tends to inhibit the growth of other plants due to the chemicals it releases from its roots.
Reason to Avoid: Fennel can stunt the growth of nearby herbs and vegetables, so it's best planted in its own space.
Mint with Other Herbs
Mint is highly invasive and can quickly take over a garden space, crowding out other herbs.
Reason to Avoid: Mint’s aggressive growth habit makes it a poor companion for most herbs. It’s best grown in containers to keep it contained.
Dill and Carrots
Dill and Carrots should be kept apart as they can cross-pollinate, leading to inferior crops.
Reason to Avoid: Cross-pollination between dill and carrots can affect the quality of both plants, resulting in poor yields.
Creating a Harmonious Herb Garden
To create a harmonious herb garden, consider the growing conditions and compatibility of each herb. Group herbs with similar light, soil, and water requirements together, and keep aggressive or incompatible herbs apart. Here are a few additional tips to ensure success:
Companion Planting: Research companion planting strategies to find herbs that can benefit each other by repelling pests or enhancing growth.
Container Gardening: Use containers for invasive herbs like mint to keep them from overtaking the garden.
Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil is well-prepared with the right amendments to match the needs of your chosen herbs.
By thoughtfully pairing your herbs, you can create a beautiful, productive, and low-maintenance herb garden. Happy planting!
