Before you start a designated herb garden consider companion planting with herbs instead! This complete guide of 12 best herbs for companion planting in your vegetable garden will not only help you get rid of unwanted pests, but also enjoy the plentiful benefits of growing many popular herbs!
Hey ya’ll and welcome to part 2 of our 3 part companion planting series! This series was created to help you build the best companion planting plan for your garden versus simply following a companion planting chart! In the last episode, we got an overview of companion planting and it’s benefits as well as walked through my simple companion planting process. Planting each main crop with an herb and a flower.
Today we are going to talk about companion planting with herbs as well as learn the properties of 12 of the most common and beneficial herb companions.
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What are the Benefits of Companion Planting with herbs?
So, let’s jump right into today’s episode and the benefits of companion planting with herbs! Last week we talked about the benefits of vegetable companion planting, and many of those are also relevant when we are thinking about companion planting with herbs.
In fact, aromatic herbs are excellent companion plants and the rock stars of the two most important benefits due to their essential oils and impressive flowers!
They are great for attracting beneficial insects such as honey bees and parasitic wasps and they are a great way to repel garden pests!
In addition to these companion planting benefits herbs also provide a wealth of health benefits and many of the herb companions are also culinary herbs! Think oregano, thyme, rosemary, and cilantro! All of these are great multipurpose herbs you should definitely be placing in your garden bed this growing season!
Best Herbs for Companion Planting
Now let’s dive into the 12 best herbs for companion planting! Keep in mind, these are only some of the most common and beneficial herb companions. There are many more out there that you can experiment with! But for now, let’s focus on these top 12.
Basil
Basil, a versatile herb loved by all gardeners, is a must-have in any kitchen garden. With its delightful aroma and culinary uses, it’s a favorite among beginners and experts. This annual herb from the mint family, native to tropical regions, thrives in different climates and can be grown in pots or gardens.
How does it work?
Basil’s strong aroma makes it a great companion plant to many crops plagued with pests in the garden! Most notably it repels the tomato hornworm and asparagus beetle.
Companion Plants
- Tomatoes
- Eggplant
- Peppers
- Asparagus
- Oregano
- Parsley
Also read: How to Grow Basil Indoors: A Super Simple Guide
Chives
Chives are delightful herbs, easy to grow, adding a delicate onion flavor to dishes. These perennial plants are culinary treasures and charming garden ornamentals. With slender green leaves and purple flowers, chives bring flavor and beauty to your culinary and gardening efforts.
How does it work?
As a member of the allium family, chives are another good companion plant in the garden! It’s particularly beneficial against rabbits, deer, aphids and japanese beetles (which can wreak havoc on roses bushes). *Note, alliums release chemicals that can stall the growth of legumes.
Companions
- Lettuce
- Apple trees
- Roses
- Carrots
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Brassicas
Dill
Dill is a versatile herb known for its feathery foliage and unique flavor. Its delicate leaves and aromatic seeds bring freshness to many dishes, like pickles, salads, and seafood. Beyond cooking, dill has medicinal benefits and beneficial insects to your garden.
How does it work?
Dill makes a good companion to many crops in the garden because of its ability to act as a trap crop and its ability to attract predatory insects like the parasitic wasp. These insects attract both hornworms and aphids. Bouquet dill also makes a beautiful cut flower!! * Do not plant near carrots and dill can inhibit the growth of carrots.
Companions
- Kohlrabi
- Cauliflower
- Collard Greens
- Kale
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
- Cucumbers
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
Sage
Sage is a versatile herb known for its strong, earthy flavor and medicinal properties. With its velvety gray-green leaves and delicate purple flowers, sage adds both visual appeal and aromatic richness to your garden. Whether you’re using it to flavor savory dishes or brewing it into a soothing tea, sage is a valuable addition to any herb garden.
How does it work?
The strong aroma of sage is great for pest control in the garden making it a great herb to companion plant with. Sage is known to repel pests such as carrot flies and cabbage worms. *Do not plant near cucumbers as it releases a chemical that can inhibit cucumber growth.
Companions
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Kale
- Cauliflower
- Collard Greens
- Brussels Sprouts
- Kohlrabi
- Carrots
Rosemary
Rosemary, a beloved herb known for its aromatic foliage, delicate flowers, and culinary versatility. With woody stems and needle-like leaves, it enhances flavor and visual appeal in your garden. Whether seasoning dishes or savoring its fragrance outdoors, rosemary delights the senses.
How does it work?
Rosemary can be grown all throughout the garden. Its particularly great for plants that require full sun, as it thrives in dry warm weather! Rosemary is known to repel cabbage moths, bean beetles, Japanese beetles, and carrot flies.
Companions
- Kohlrabi
- Collard Greens
- Cauliflower
- Brussels Sprouts
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Kale
- Peas
- Beans
- Carrots
Also Read: How to Propagate Rosemary from Cuttings: 2 Simple Methods
Thyme
Thyme is a lovely herb valued for its aromatic foliage, delicate flowers, and culinary uses. With woody stems and tiny leaves, thyme enhances flavor and visual appeal in your garden. Whether seasoning dishes or making tea, thyme is a great addition to any herb garden.
How does it work?
Thyme can repel pests such as cabbage loopers and cabbage moths as well as rabbits and deer! They make good companions to many brassicas as they also attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs which are predators of many garden pests.
Companions
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Kohlrabi
- Collard Greens
- Kale
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
- Tomatoes
- Tomatillos
- Strawberries
Oregano
Oregano, a flavorful herb with aromatic leaves, brings depth and complexity to dishes like pizzas, pasta sauces, and grilled meats. It truly elevates the taste of your culinary creations!
How does it work?
Oregano plants make good companions with crops most susceptible to aphids! It also deters pests that attack cucumbers such as cucumber beetles!
Companions
- Cucumbers
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Squash
- Beans
- Cabbage
- Brassicas
- Strawberries
Mint
Mint is known for its refreshing flavor, aromatic foliage, and culinary versatility. With its fast-growing and prolific nature, mint adds both flavor and beauty to your garden. Whether used for drinks, desserts, sauces, or savory dishes, mint invigorates your taste buds and senses.
How does it work?
Mint can be invasive, so grow in containers instead of directly in the garden. As a companion it repels white cabbage moths, aphids, and flea beetles.
Companions
- Tomatoes
- Peas
- Brassicas
Parsley
Parsley’s vibrant green leaves add flavor and visual appeal to many dishes. Whether as a garnish, seasoning, or key ingredient, parsley enhances the taste and look of your culinary creations.
How does it work?
Parsley can attract parasitic wasps and lacewings to your garden which feed on garden pests. Additionally, it can deter asparagus beetles! Caution planting parsley near garlic and carrots.
Companions
- Tomatillos
- Tomatoes
- Asparagus
- Chives
Borage
Borage, a delightful herb boasting vibrant blue flowers, a flavor reminiscent of cucumber, and medicinal properties. Its velvety leaves and star-shaped blossoms not only add beauty but also flavor to your garden. Incorporate it in your culinary creations, teas, or remedies to indulge your senses and enrich your gardening experience.
How does it work?
As a companion plant, borage can help prevents diseases in tomato plants and attracts beneficial insects as pollinators as well as predatory beneficial insects.
Companions
- Strawberries
- Cucumbers
- Squash
- Tomatoes
Cilantro
Cilantro, also known as coriander in certain regions, stands out as a versatile herb highly esteemed for its vibrant flavor and culinary flexibility. With its tender leaves and aromatic essence, cilantro brings a refreshing depth to a wide array of dishes. Whether used in Mexican, Indian, Asian, or Middle Eastern cuisine, cilantro elevates the taste and fragrance of your culinary creations.
How does it work
Cilantro is a cool weather crop that thrives in the late winter and early spring! But as a companion, it shines after it begins to bolt! The large flower pads of cilantro attracts pollinating hoverflies and predators that prey on colorado potato beetles!
Companions
- Potatoes
- Lettuce
- Arugula
- Spinach
Chamomile
Chamomile, a gentle herb treasured for its soothing nature and daisy-like flowers. Its sweet, apple-like scent and calming effects make it a popular ingredient in teas, skincare, and remedies. Whether you’re sipping chamomile tea, using it for aromatherapy, or soothing skin, chamomile offers comfort and relaxation.
How does it work
Chamomiles strong scent can mask that of brassicas! It’s multitude of flowers attracts beneficial pollinators.
Companions
- Brassicas
- Blueberries
- Cucumbers
Also Read: Ep. 11 – What is Companion Planting + FREE Printable Companion Planting Chart
Companion Planting Herbs in the Garden
Before we end this episode, I want to share a few best practices for using herbs as companion plants in the garden!
- Mix it up! Instead of planting all of your herbs in one area, interplant them throughout your garden to maximize their benefits.
- When planning your garden, don’t plan herbs for the middle of the garden beds! They will grow much larger than you anticipate. Plant them along the borders where you can harvest often
- Allow herbs to go to flower! Herbs like dill and cilantro make good companion plants when they flower because their compound flowers attract all sorts of beneficial insects.
- Harvest often! This can help you manage the growth of your herbs as well as give you abundant harvests for culinary and medicinal uses.
So there you have it! Herbs not only bring flavor and beauty to your garden, but they also serve as valuable companions to other plants.
Keep in mind that companion planting is not an exact science and some trial and error may be necessary to find the perfect combinations for your specific garden.
And remember this list is not exclusive! There are tons of herbs that can be used to companion plant alongside your garden vegetables!
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