Grow Basil Like A Pro: The Best Companion Herbs For Basil

Grow Basil Like a Pro: The Best Companion Herbs for Basil

Basil is a popular herb that is easy to grow and adds a delicious flavor to many dishes. But did you know that there are certain herbs that can help basil grow even better? Companion planting is the practice of planting certain plants together to benefit each other. When you plant basil with the right companion herbs, you can improve the growth, flavor, and pest resistance of your basil plants.

In this blog post, we will discuss the best companion herbs for basil. We will also provide some tips on how to plant basil with these herbs for the best results.

What are Companion Herbs?

Companion herbs are plants that benefit each other when they are planted together. They can do this in a number of ways, such as:

• Attracting beneficial insects: Some companion herbs attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which help to control pests.
• Reducing the risk of pests: Some companion herbs release chemicals that deter pests from attacking other plants.
• Improving soil quality: Some companion herbs help to improve the soil quality, which can benefit the growth of all of the plants in the garden.
• Enhancing flavor: Some companion herbs can enhance the flavor of other plants.

The Best Companion Herbs for Basil

There are many different herbs that can be planted with basil. However, some of the best companion herbs for basil include:

• Marigolds: Marigolds are a great companion plant for basil because they help to repel pests, such as aphids and whiteflies. They also attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings.
• Chives: Chives are another great companion plant for basil because they help to repel pests, such as aphids and spider mites. They also improve the flavor of basil.
• Oregano: Oregano is a good companion plant for basil because it helps to improve the flavor of basil. It also helps to repel pests, such as aphids and whiteflies.
• Parsley: Parsley is a good companion plant for basil because it helps to improve the flavor of basil. It also helps to attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings.
• Borage: Borage is a good companion plant for basil because it helps to attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings. It also helps to improve the soil quality, which can benefit the growth of all of the plants in the garden.
• Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums are a good companion plant for basil because they help to attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings. They also help to repel pests, such as aphids and whiteflies.

How to Plant Basil with Companion Herbs

When planting basil with companion herbs, it is important to choose the right location. The plants should be planted in full sun and well-drained soil. The herbs should also be planted in a way that allows them to benefit each other. For example, marigolds can be planted around the perimeter of the basil plants to help repel pests. Chives can be planted near the basil plants to help improve the flavor of basil.

Conclusion

By planting basil with the right companion herbs, you can improve the growth, flavor, and pest resistance of your basil plants. This will help you to enjoy fresh, delicious basil all season long.

Basil is a delicious and versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes. But did you know that basil can also be a great companion plant for other herbs and vegetables?

There are many benefits to companion planting, including:

• Increased crop yields
• Reduced pest pressure
• Improved pollination
• Enhanced nutrient uptake

Basil is a particularly good companion plant for tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes. It also helps to repel pests such as aphids, mosquitoes, and whiteflies.

If you're interested in learning more about basil companion planting, I recommend visiting Gardenia Inspiration. This website has a wealth of information on the topic, including a list of the best companion plants for basil, as well as tips on how to plant and care for them.

FAQ of basil companion herbs

Q: What are the best companion plants for basil?

A: Basil is a versatile herb that can be paired with many different plants. Some of the best companion plants for basil include:

• Asparagus: The combination of basil and asparagus appeals to ladybugs in particular, which helps control the presence of aphids and other pests in the garden.
• Borage: Borage is a flowering herb that attracts beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies. It also helps to repel pests, such as cabbage moths.
• Chamomile, oregano, and chives: These herbs all have strong scents that can help to deter pests, such as mosquitoes and ants.
• Marigolds: Marigolds are another flowering herb that attracts beneficial insects and deters pests. They also help to improve the soil quality around basil plants.
• Peppers: Peppers and basil are both members of the nightshade family, and they benefit from being planted together. Peppers help to deter pests, such as whiteflies, from basil plants.
• Root vegetables: Basil can be planted near root vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes, to help deter pests. The strong scent of basil can help to keep pests away from these vegetables.

Q: What are the benefits of planting basil with companion plants?

A: There are several benefits to planting basil with companion plants. These include:

• Improved pest control: Companion plants can help to deter pests from basil plants. For example, marigolds and chives have strong scents that can repel pests, such as mosquitoes and ants.
• Increased pollination: Companion plants can attract beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, which can help to pollinate basil plants. This can lead to a higher yield of basil.
• Improved soil quality: Some companion plants, such as borage, can help to improve the soil quality around basil plants. This can lead to healthier and more productive basil plants.
• Enhanced flavor: Some companion plants, such as tomatoes, can enhance the flavor of basil. This is because the strong scents of the companion plants can react with the basil to create new and complex flavors.

Q: What are some plants that should not be planted near basil?

A: There are a few plants that should not be planted near basil. These include:

• Cucumbers: Cucumbers and basil can compete for nutrients, so it is best to avoid planting them together.
• Eggplants: Eggplants can attract pests that also target basil plants, so it is best to avoid planting them together.
• Melons: Melons and basil can compete for water, so it is best to avoid planting them together.
• Potatoes: Potatoes can attract pests that also target basil plants, so it is best to avoid planting them together.

Q: How far apart should basil and companion plants be planted?

A: The spacing between basil and companion plants will vary depending on the size of the plants. In general, basil plants should be spaced about 12 inches apart. Companion plants can be spaced closer together, but it is important to make sure that they have enough space to grow.

Image of basil companion herbs

• Chives: Chives are a good companion for basil because they help to repel pests. They also have a similar growing requirement as basil, so they can be planted together in the same pot or garden bed.
• Oregano: Oregano is another good companion for basil because it helps to repel pests and attract pollinators. It also has a similar flavor profile to basil, so it can be used in many of the same dishes.
• Marigolds: Marigolds are not technically herbs, but they are a good companion plant for basil because they help to repel pests. They also have beautiful flowers that can add color to your herb garden.
• Lettuce: Lettuce is a good companion for basil because it helps to shade the soil and prevent it from drying out. It also doesn't compete with basil for nutrients, so they can be planted together without any problems.
• Tomatoes: Tomatoes are a good companion for basil because they help to improve the flavor of each other's fruits. They also have similar growing requirements, so they can be planted together in the same pot or garden bed.