Herbs That Love Each Other: The Ultimate Guide To Companion Planting

Herbs That Love Each Other: The Ultimate Guide to Companion Planting

Companion planting is a gardening practice that involves planting certain plants together in order to benefit each other. This can be done by planting herbs that have similar growing conditions, attract beneficial insects, or deter pests.

When it comes to herbs, there are a number of pairings that are considered to be ideal companions. Here are a few of the best herbs to plant together:

• Basil and parsley: These two herbs have similar growing conditions and can help to repel pests such as aphids and whiteflies. Basil also releases a compound called eugenol, which can help to improve the flavor of parsley.
• Chives and tomatoes: Chives can help to repel tomato hornworms and other pests, while tomatoes can provide shade for chives. Chives also release sulfur compounds that can help to improve the flavor of tomatoes.
• Cilantro and carrots: Cilantro can help to repel carrot flies, while carrots can help to improve the flavor of cilantro. Cilantro also releases a compound called coumarin, which can help to inhibit the growth of fungi.
• Lavender and roses: Lavender can help to repel aphids, spider mites, and other pests, while roses can provide support for lavender. Lavender also releases a compound called linalool, which has a calming effect that can help to reduce stress.
• Marjoram and thyme: These two herbs have similar growing conditions and can help to attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and hoverflies. Marjoram also releases a compound called carvacrol, which can help to deter pests such as cabbage moths and tomato hornworms.

In addition to these specific pairings, there are a few general rules of thumb to follow when companion planting herbs. For example, it is generally a good idea to plant herbs with similar water and light requirements together. You should also avoid planting herbs that are known to compete for nutrients or space.

If you are new to companion planting, it is a good idea to do some research to learn more about the specific needs of the herbs you want to plant. There are a number of resources available online and in libraries that can help you get started.

With a little planning, you can use companion planting to create a herb garden that is both beautiful and productive.

Companion planting is a gardening practice of planting certain plants together to benefit each other's growth and health. This can be done with vegetables, flowers, and herbs. Herbs are especially well-suited for companion planting, as they can provide a variety of benefits to other plants.

For example, basil can improve the growth and flavor of tomatoes, while mint attracts beneficial insects and repels pests. Chives can repel carrot flies and Japanese beetles, and parsley attracts ladybugs and other beneficial insects.

If you're interested in learning more about companion planting herbs, I recommend visiting Gardenia Inspiration. This website has a wealth of information on the topic, including a list of compatible herbs, tips for planting and caring for companion plants, and more.

FAQ of companion planting herbs

What are the benefits of companion planting herbs?

Companion planting herbs is the practice of planting certain herbs near each other to benefit each other's growth and health. There are many benefits to companion planting herbs, including:

• Attracting beneficial insects: Many herbs attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, which prey on garden pests. For example, borage attracts bees, which are important pollinators.
• Repelling pests: Some herbs have strong scents that repel pests. For example, mint repels aphids and mosquitoes.
• Improving soil quality: Some herbs can improve soil quality by adding nutrients or helping to break down organic matter. For example, chamomile can help to improve drainage and aerate the soil.
• Maximizing space: Companion planting can help to maximize space in the garden by planting taller herbs in the back and shorter herbs in the front. This can also help to create a more visually appealing garden.
• Diversifying the garden: Companion planting can help to diversify the garden by planting a variety of herbs. This can help to attract a wider variety of beneficial insects and pollinators.