Growing your own herbs can be incredibly rewarding, whether you’re using them to experience the freshest cooking or simply enjoy growing and smelling them in your garden. But did you know that not all herbs thrive when planted next to each other? Just like people (fences make good neighbors remember!!), some herbs make great neighbors, while others need their own space to flourish. Understanding which herbs are compatible can help you create a healthier, more productive garden.
Today we are going to explore and chat about which herbs grow best together and which combinations you should avoid. By planting the right pairs, you can maximize growth, keep pests at bay, and enjoy a thriving herb garden all season long.
So, let’s dive into the best (and worst) herb pairings to help your garden reach its full potential!
Herbs That Should (and Shouldn’t) Be Planted Together
Guide to herbs planted by each other:
We are going to break this down into 10 sets of herbs that you totally should plant by each other then 10 sets you really should avoid planting by each other.
And in usual Talk Plant To Me fashion I also share at the end some of my best tips for growing herbs in general so keep reading for those too!
10 Herb bestie pairings that thrive planted by each other
Basil + Tomatoes
- A classic companion pairing, basil helps repel pests like aphids and tomato hornworms, while also enhancing the flavor of tomatoes. Both prefer full sun and regular watering.
Rosemary + Sage + Thyme
- These Mediterranean herbs thrive in similar conditions—dry, well-drained soil and lots of sunlight. They make excellent companions because they don’t compete for resources and can deter pests.
Cilantro + Dill + Chives
- These herbs share a preference for cooler weather and moist soil. Dill attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs, which can help protect chives and cilantro from pests.
Parsley + Basil
- Both thrive in moist, well-drained soil and need plenty of sunlight. They grow well together without competing, making them perfect for a summer herb garden.
Oregano + Marjoram
- Oregano and marjoram are closely related and thrive in similar conditions. They both prefer dry, sunny environments and can support each other’s growth.
Thyme + Lavender
- Both herbs enjoy full sun and dry, well-drained soil. Planting them together makes the garden more fragrant, and they complement each other’s growth without overwhelming one another.
Chives + Carrots
- While not technically a herb-herb combo, chives help repel carrot flies, making them great companions. Chives can also improve the flavor of carrots, a win-win for gardeners.
Tarragon + Basil
- Tarragon and basil can be planted together because they share a preference for moist soil and sunlight. They also do not crowd each other out, allowing both to thrive.
Mint + Catnip
- Although invasive, mint and catnip can grow together in containers. Both are hardy, spread quickly, and attract beneficial pollinators like bees.
Fennel + Dill (with Caution)
- While they can grow near each other, care must be taken because fennel can inhibit the growth of other plants. However, it pairs well with dill as both attract beneficial insects.
10 herb pairings that really shouldn’t be planted together
Basil + Rosemary
- Basil likes more moisture and partial shade, while rosemary prefers dry, well-drained soil and full sun. Their differing needs make them poor companions.
Fennel + Almost Any Herb
- Fennel releases a compound that can stunt the growth of many plants, making it a poor companion for most herbs. It’s best to plant fennel alone.
Mint + Basil
- Mint’s invasive growth can easily take over and crowd out basil, which prefers more orderly conditions. Planting them together can lead to competition for resources.
Cilantro + Lavender
- Cilantro prefers moist soil and cool weather, while lavender thrives in dry, sandy soil and lots of sunlight. Their different environmental needs make them unsuitable for each other.
Dill + Carrots
- Dill and carrots are in the same plant family and can cross-pollinate, leading to poor flavor. Additionally, they compete for similar nutrients, leading to stunted growth.
Thyme + Parsley
- Thyme prefers dry, sandy soil, whereas parsley requires more water and richer soil. Planting them together can lead to one of them struggling to thrive.
Sage + Basil
- Sage prefers drier soil conditions, while basil needs more moisture. Their incompatible water requirements mean they do better when grown separately.
Mint + Chamomile
- Mint can easily overtake chamomile due to its invasive nature. Chamomile also prefers different soil conditions, making them poor companions.
Oregano + Cilantro
- Oregano thrives in dry, sunny conditions, while cilantro prefers cooler, moist environments. These contrasting needs mean they don’t grow well together.
Dill + Lavender
- Dill loves cool, moist soil, while lavender prefers dry, hot conditions. Their different growing needs mean they will both struggle if planted in the same area.
General Tips for Herb Pairing
- Consider Growth Habits – Herbs like oregano and thyme grow low and spread, while others like dill and fennel grow tall. Pairing different heights can maximize space.
- Watering Needs Matter – Group herbs with similar watering needs together. For instance, sage, rosemary, and thyme all like dry soil, while basil and parsley prefer more moisture.
- Sunlight Preferences – Ensure all herbs in the same bed enjoy the same level of sunlight. Mixing sun-loving herbs like rosemary with shade-tolerant ones like mint can cause issues.
Now let’s wrap it up-
Understanding which herbs can thrive together and which will clash can help you make the most of your garden space. Planting compatible herbs can improve growth, enhance flavor, and even ward off pests, while avoiding problematic pairings will save you a lot of frustration. Happy gardening!
Talk Plant To Me
If you enjoyed this article on Herbs That Should (and Shouldn’t) Be Planted Together then you probably (hopefully!) will enjoy and find these articles helpful as well:
| Talk Plant To Me | 