Discover The Best And Worst Basil Companion Plants: A Complete Guide 2023

Hey there, fellow gardeners! Are you looking to grow some delicious basil in your garden this season? Well, you’re in luck because I have a complete guide to companion planting with basil.

I’ve been gardening for years and found that companion planting is an excellent way to improve plant health, protect against pests, and increase yields.

In this article, I’ll be sharing with you the best and worst companion plants for basil, their benefits, and tips on how to grow them together effectively.

You’ll learn how to plan your basil companion plants, harvest your basil, and even repel pests naturally using basil. So, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, this guide will give you all the information you need to grow a bountiful basil harvest.

Let’s get started!

Overview

Companion planting is a popular gardening technique that involves growing plants together to enhance their growth and protect them from pests. Basil is a versatile herb that pairs well with a variety of other plants, making it an ideal candidate for companion planting.

Planting basil alongside certain vegetables and herbs can improve the flavor and health of both plants, while also deterring common pests. However, there are also some plants that should not be grown alongside basil as they can stunt its growth or negatively affect its flavor.

By understanding the best and worst companion plants for basil, you can create a thriving garden that is both beautiful and productive.

Benefits of Basil Companion Plants

Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together for mutual benefit. By choosing the right companion plants for basil, you can enhance the overall productivity of your garden.

Companion planting can help to improve soil quality and fertility, and to deter pests and diseases. Good companion plants for basil include tomatoes, bell peppers, asparagus, marigolds, potatoes, root vegetables, garlic, nasturtiums, cilantro, borage, oregano, parsley, and marjoram. These plants can help to deter pests and improve the flavor of basil.

However, it’s important to avoid planting basil near cucumbers, fennel, thyme, common rue, and sage, as these plants can stunt the growth of basil and reduce its flavor.

Choosing the right companion plants for basil can also help to attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs, which are natural predators of aphids. Companion planting can also help to improve pollination and biological control, and to improve the overall health of your garden.

By avoiding planting certain plants near basil, you can help to ensure its success in your garden. So, choose your companion plants wisely and watch your basil thrive!

Good Companion Plants

Find the perfect plant partners for your basil with these recommended companions, enhancing your garden’s productivity and flavor while deterring pests and attracting beneficial insects. As a fan of companion planting, I highly recommend growing basil alongside tomatoes, bell peppers, asparagus, marigolds, potatoes, root vegetables, garlic, nasturtiums, cilantro, borage, oregano, parsley, and marjoram.

These good companion plants for basil offer a multitude of benefits, including improved growth and health of plants, organic pest control, attracting beneficial insects, improving soil quality and fertility, and improving flavor of vegetables.

• Basil and tomatoes are a classic combination, as basil boosts the yield of tomato plants and deters tomato hornworms(scientific name Manduca sexta).
• Asparagus attracts ladybugs that prevent aphids and deter asparagus beetle, while marigolds can help deter a variety of pests and improve the flavor of basil.
• Root vegetables make great companions for basil, benefiting from the pest-repelling fragrance of basil. Garlic helps repel aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, and cilantro has similar requirements for sun and water and can help keep pests at bay.
• Borage attracts pollinators and helps keep bugs away from other plants, while oregano, chives, and chamomile assist in pest control and improve the flavor of basil. Similarly, parsley has similar requirements for sun and water and can help deter some pests, and marjoram helps to repel pests and attract beneficial insects.

Plants to Avoid

You’ll want to steer clear of certain plants when planning your basil garden, as they can hinder its growth and ability to thrive. Cucumbers, fennel, thyme, common rue, and sage are all plants to avoid as companion plants for basil.

While basil can benefit from companion planting, it’s important to choose the right plants to pair it with. These plants can stunt basil’s growth and affect its flavor, making it important to carefully consider which plants to avoid when planting a basil garden.

Basil as a Companion Plant

If you want to elevate your gardening game and improve the health and growth of your entire garden while also reducing the need for harmful chemicals, consider incorporating basil companion plants.

Basil is a great companion plant due to its ability to deter certain pests and attract beneficial insects. It also improves pollination and biological control, benefiting other vegetables and herbs in your garden.

Companion planting basil with certain plants can also improve pest control. Plants like tomatoes, eggplants, and cole crops benefit from basil’s pest-repelling abilities. Root vegetables like potatoes also benefit from the pest-repelling fragrance of basil.

Additionally, flowering herbs like cilantro, oregano, and chamomile can enhance the flavor and essential oil content of basil.

Overall, companion planting basil can improve the health and flavor of your garden while reducing the need for harmful chemicals and pesticides.

Basil Flowering and Harvesting

In the midst of a garden full of fragrant herbs and vegetables, the sight of vibrant basil flowers can be a beautiful addition. Not only do these flowers add visual appeal, but they also serve a practical purpose. Basil flowers attract pollinators and beneficial insects, making them an excellent companion plant for basil.

When it comes to harvesting basil flowers, it’s important to do so before they go to seed. This will encourage the plant to continue producing new growth and ensure that the flowers don’t take away from the flavor of the leaves. Simply pinch off the flowers as they appear, being careful not to damage the leaves or stems.

By incorporating basil flowers into your culinary creations, you can enjoy their delicate flavor and reap the benefits of companion planting with this versatile herb. Consider pairing basil with other plants to grow with basil, such as tomatoes, asparagus, and marigolds, to reap the benefits of companion planting.

Other Basil Companion Plants

In addition to the previously mentioned Basil companion plants, there are many other options to consider when interplanting with basil. Flowering cilantro, sage, and sweet alyssum are all great options for attracting pollinators and beneficial insects to your garden. Rosemary and thyme also have similar cultural requirements to basil and can help improve pest control.

When it comes to vegetables, basil can benefit from being planted alongside lettuce, cole crops, eggplants, and potatoes. These plants not only help improve the soil quality and fertility but also provide necessary shade for the basil. Additionally, basil can help deter pests from these vegetables and enhance their flavor.

Overall, incorporating a variety of companion plants with your basil can create a diverse and thriving garden.

Basil Enemies

Now we’ll take a look at the enemies of basil and which plants should be avoided when planting alongside this versatile herb.

Cucumbers are a definite no-go when it comes to companion planting with basil. They tend to absorb the flavor of nearby plants, including basil, which can ruin the taste of your cucumbers.

Fennel is another plant that should be avoided as it can stunt the growth of or even kill a companion plant like basil.

Sage and rue should also not be planted near basil, and rosemary should be grown separately.

While there are plants to avoid planting with basil, there are plenty of plants that make great companions for this herb.

Asparagus attracts ladybugs that prevent aphids and deter asparagus beetle.

Borage repels bugs and improves the taste and growth of basil.

Chives, oregano, and chamomile increase essential oil content and enhance flavor.

Marigolds are an ideal natural pest-repellent pair, and peppers provide a dense ground cover and are the best pest-repellent.

Root vegetables benefit from the pest-repelling fragrance of basil.

By avoiding planting basil enemies and choosing plants to grow with basil, you can create a thriving garden with healthy, flavorful herbs and vegetables.

Pest Repelling Abilities of Basil

Did you know that basil has amazing pest-repelling abilities? It’s true! Basil is not only a delicious herb, but it also helps deter pests from your garden.

The strong aroma of basil repels flies, mosquitoes, and other insects that can damage your plants. Plus, it attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate your plants and keep the ecosystem of your garden healthy.

Basil repels certain pests like tomato hornworms and aphids, making it a great companion plant for tomatoes and other vegetables. It also helps improve the flavor and growth of plants like asparagus and root vegetables.

By incorporating basil into your garden, you can reduce the need for pesticides and create a more natural, sustainable garden environment. So, why not try planting some basil alongside your favorite fruits and veggies? Your garden will thank you!

Learn more about basic gardening and plant care for other plant varities.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it – a complete guide to basil companion plants. By choosing the right companions for your basil plants, you can improve their growth and flavor, while also deterring pests and increasing biodiversity in your garden.

Avoid planting basil with its enemies, such as rue and fennel, and instead opt for beneficial companions like tomatoes, peppers, and marigolds.

With a little planning and care, your basil will thrive and provide you with a delicious harvest all season long. So get planting and enjoy the many benefits of this wonderful herb!