Basil, the aromatic herb that’s a must-have in every kitchen garden, can benefit greatly from the right plant partners.
Companion planting can improve basil’s growth, reduce pests, and even enhance the flavor of this versatile herb.
So, let’s explore the world of basil and its 15 best companion plants that will help your basil grow stronger and more delicious.
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes and basil are a match made in heaven, both in the kitchen and in the garden.
These two plants can help each other grow, as basil repels pests like whiteflies and aphids, which can target tomato plants.
Additionally, it’s believed that basil can improve the flavor of your tomatoes when grown together.
Talk about a garden friendship that’s beneficial and tasty!
Furthermore, tomatoes can offer a bit of shade for basil during the hottest parts of the day, creating a mutually beneficial growing environment.
2. Marigolds
Marigolds, the colorful and hardworking garden flowers, can be a fantastic addition to your basil garden.
These vibrant blooms are known to repel various pests, such as aphids and whiteflies, that can harm your basil plants.
By planting marigolds nearby, you’re not only adding a touch of beauty to your garden but also helping to protect your basil from pesky insects.
Moreover, marigolds attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that will happily feast on any lingering pests, making them great allies for your basil plants.
3. Oregano
Oregano, another flavorful herb, can be a valuable companion to your basil.
Oregano’s strong scent can help deter pests that might target basil, like aphids and whiteflies.
Additionally, planting oregano near basil can create a more diverse and robust herb garden, providing you with a variety of flavors to enjoy in your culinary creations.
Moreover, oregano is known to be a good ground cover, which can help to suppress weeds that might compete with your basil plants for nutrients.
4. Chives
Chives, the delightful onion-flavored herb, can be a helpful ally for basil.
Their pungent scent can help to deter pests like aphids that can damage your basil plants.
Chives can also attract beneficial insects like hoverflies and ladybugs, which prey on harmful pests.
Plant chives near your basil for added pest protection and to create a flavorful herb garden.
Chives can also help improve soil fertility, making them a great companion for basil and other herbs in your garden.
5. Peppers
Peppers, whether sweet or hot, can be fantastic neighbors for basil.
Basil can help to repel pests that might target pepper plants, such as aphids and spider mites.
In return, peppers can provide a bit of shade for your basil during the hottest parts of the day.
Together, they form a mutually beneficial and flavorful partnership in your garden.
The strong scent of basil can also help to improve the flavor of your peppers, making them a dynamic duo in the kitchen as well.
6. Lettuce
Lettuce, the salad staple, can make a great companion for your basil plants.
Basil can help to repel insects that might target lettuce, such as aphids and leafhoppers.
Additionally, lettuce provides ground cover, which can help to maintain moisture levels in the soil.
Grow lettuce near your basil to create a healthy and harmonious garden environment.
Lettuce has a shallow root system, so it won’t compete with basil for nutrients, and it can even help suppress weed growth around your basil plants.
7. Spinach
Spinach, the nutritious and versatile leafy green, can also be a great companion for your basil.
Basil can help to
deter pests like aphids that might target spinach plants.
Meanwhile, spinach can help to maintain moisture in the soil, which is beneficial for both plants.
Planting spinach and basil together can create a healthy and productive garden space.
Moreover, spinach is known for being a nutrient accumulator, drawing up essential nutrients from the soil, which can ultimately benefit your basil plants when you rotate your crops.
8. Chamomile
Chamomile, the soothing and fragrant herb, can be a surprising yet effective companion for basil.
Chamomile can help to improve the flavor of your basil, giving it a subtle and unique taste.
The herb also attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies, ladybugs, and lacewings, which can help keep pest populations in check.
Add chamomile to your basil garden for a touch of beauty and a boost to the flavor of your harvest.
Chamomile also helps to improve the soil’s health by accumulating essential nutrients such as calcium, potassium, and sulfur, making it a great companion for basil.
9. Borage
Borage, the lovely edible flower, can be an excellent companion for basil.
This versatile plant is known for attracting pollinators like bees, which can benefit your entire garden.
In addition, borage can help to repel pests like hornworms, which can harm your basil plants.
As a bonus, borage leaves are rich in nutrients, and when used as a mulch or green manure, they can help improve the soil quality around your basil plants.
10. Parsley
Parsley, another popular culinary herb, makes a great companion for basil.
Both herbs have similar growing requirements, making them ideal to grow together.
Parsley can help to deter pests like asparagus beetles and carrot flies, which might not directly target basil but could pose a threat to other plants in your garden.
Together, basil and parsley create a diverse and aromatic herb garden that’s not only visually appealing but also beneficial to your garden’s overall health.
11. Calendula
Calendula, the vibrant and hardy flower, can be a helpful addition to your basil garden.
Calendula is known for its ability to repel various pests, such as aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes, which can harm your basil plants.
Also, calendula can attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, adding an extra layer of protection to your garden.
Brighten up your basil patch with calendula for an attractive and pest-free garden space.
12. Garlic
Garlic, the pungent and flavorful bulb, can be a fantastic companion for your basil plants.
Garlic’s strong scent can deter pests like aphids and spider mites, which can harm your basil.
Moreover, garlic can help to deter larger pests like deer and rabbits that might be tempted to nibble on your basil leaves.
Plant garlic near your basil plants for a powerful and aromatic duo that offers protection and flavor enhancement.
13. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, the citrus-scented herb, is a great companion for basil.
Its delightful aroma can help to repel pests like aphids and whiteflies that might target your basil plants.
Lemon balm can also attract pollinators like bees, which can benefit your entire garden.
Plant lemon balm near your basil for a delightful scent and added pest protection.
14. Petunias
Petunias, the colorful and low-maintenance garden flowers, can make a fantastic addition to your basil garden.
These pretty blooms can help to repel pests like aphids, tomato worms, and asparagus beetles, which can pose a threat to your garden’s overall health.
Petunias also add visual appeal to your basil garden, creating an attractive and functional garden space.
Additionally, petunias can attract beneficial insects like lacewings and ladybugs that prey on harmful pests.
Plant petunias near your basil plants for a beautiful and pest-free garden environment.
15. Carrots
Carrots, the crunchy and nutritious root vegetable, can be a great companion for basil plants.
Basil can help to deter pests like carrot flies that can damage carrot plants, while carrots can provide valuable nutrients to the soil.
The delicate root system of carrots can help to break up the soil, improving aeration and drainage, which is beneficial for your basil plants.
Grow carrots alongside basil for a healthy and harmonious vegetable and herb garden combination.
Final Thoughts
Companion planting is a simple yet effective way to create a healthy and vibrant garden.
By choosing the right companions for your basil plants, you can not only protect them from pests but also enhance their growth and flavor.
Try incorporating some of these 15 best companion plants into your basil garden and watch your plants thrive, creating a lush and productive garden space that’s enjoyable to tend and even more enjoyable to harvest. Happy gardening!
