QUESTION: Which herbs grow best with basil? I am going to grow a couple of basil plants, but I have room for two or three other herbs too and hope you might have some suggestions! – Karole A
ANSWER: There are quite a few herbs that grow well alongside basil as companion plants. However, you must be mindful to only grow herbs approved as a companion plant for basil. Otherwise, they’ll compete for moisture.
The herbs which grow best with basil include the following:
1. Chamomile
Chamomile is a beautiful herb with small white flowers and bright yellow centers. The herb is typically enjoyed as a tea.
However, it also makes a great companion plant for basil as it’s known for keeping pests away while simultaneously improving basil’s flavor.
2. Borage
Borage is another pretty herb which consists of vibrant blue flowers. This herb is native to the Mediterranean territory, so it’s an annual in most growing locations.
This herb is a wonderful companion plant for basil as it keeps pests away, improves the flavor of basil, and also invites pollinators to the area.
3. Oregano
Oregano is a delicious herb great for adding flavor to a variety of dishes. This plant is a perennial in planting zones four through ten.
Should you decide to grow this plant alongside basil, understand that it’s a wonderful defender of basil. Oregano is known for keeping pests away from your basil plants and also improving its flavor.
4. Chives
Chives are one of my favorite herbs. They’re easy to grow, flavorful, and they’re stunning the larger they become.
If you’re in the market for a perennial companion plant for basil, don’t overlook chives. Like others mentioned on this list, chives add to basil’s flavor while protecting it from pests.
5. Parsley
Parsley is another commonly grown herb which makes a great companion plant for basil. This herb can be a perennial option in planting zones four through nine.
Plus, it’s a great fit to grow with basil as they have similar growing conditions. Though parsley isn’t known for keeping pests away from basil, it is known for improving the flavor of nearby basil plants.
6. Cilantro
Our last herb which makes a good companion to basil is cilantro. This herb is a wonderful choice because you can enjoy the foliage as cilantro or save the seeds which are coriander.
If this is of interest to you, understand that cilantro is great at repelling pests from basil, and it enjoys similar growing conditions as basil.
These are six herbs which make a nice growing companion for basil. Some are great at protecting basil, others grow in similar growing conditions, and some improve the overall flavor of basil when planted close by.
Pick the options which most fit the herbs you enjoy and try growing them near your basil plants to see if companion planting is a new technique you’d like to use around your garden.
More About Growing Basil
https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-basil
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/basil/
https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/basil-in-the-garden
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