Companion Planting with Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide
Introduction
Companion planting is a gardening technique that involves planting different plants together to benefit each other. Herbs are a great choice for companion planting because they can provide a variety of benefits, such as pest control, attracting beneficial insects, and improving flavor.
Benefits of Companion Planting with Herbs
There are many benefits to companion planting with herbs, including:
- Pest control: Some herbs, such as basil and garlic, can help to repel pests.
- Attracting beneficial insects: Other herbs, such as chamomile and dill, can attract beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, which can help to pollinate your plants and control pests.
- Improving flavor: Some herbs, such as tarragon and sage, can help to improve the flavor of other plants.
Choosing Companion Plants
When choosing companion plants for your herb garden, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Heavy feeders: Avoid planting heavy feeders, such as tomatoes and peppers, next to each other, as they will compete for nutrients.
- Strong smelling/tasting plants: Strong smelling/tasting plants, such as mint and rosemary, can change the flavors and scents of other herbs or vegetables.
- Beneficial relationships: Consider the beneficial relationships between different herbs. For example, basil is a good companion for tomatoes, as it can help to improve their flavor and repel pests.
Herb Companion Planting List
Here is a list of common herbs and their companion plants:
- Basil: Tomatoes, peppers, asparagus, oregano
- Chamomile: Cabbage, onion, cucumber
- Garlic: Most plants
- Mint: Tomatoes, most plants (avoid combining mint varieties)
- Chives: Carrots, tomatoes, dill, most herbs
- Tarragon: Eggplant
- Cilantro: Spinach, caraway, anise, dill
- Sage: Rosemary
- Dill: Onions, corn, lettuce, cucumbers
- Rosemary: Beans, peppers, broccoli, cabbage, sage
- Catnip: Pumpkins, beets, squash, hyssop
- Lavender: Cauliflower
Fennel: A Special Case
Fennel is a unique herb that does not get along well with most other plants. It is best planted in an area all by itself, as its strong aroma can repel other plants. However, fennel can still provide benefits to your garden, as it repels fleas and aphids and attracts beneficial pollinators.
Tips for Successful Companion Planting
Here are a few tips for successful companion planting with herbs:
- Plan your garden carefully: Consider the different needs of your plants and choose companion plants that will benefit each other.
- Start small: Don’t try to plant too many companion plants at once. Start with a few simple pairings and add more as you gain experience.
- Be patient: It takes time for companion planting to show results. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate benefits.
Conclusion
Companion planting with herbs is a great way to improve the health and productivity of your garden. By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and beneficial herb garden that will provide you with years of enjoyment.
