Basil Companion Plants: Plants to Grow Nearby

Basil is a popular herb known for its flavorful leaves and versatile culinary uses. When growing basil, it is important to consider which plants make good companion plants and which plants should be avoided. Companion plants can enhance the growth and health of basil, while other plants may inhibit its growth or attract pests. This article will discuss the best and worst plants to grow nearby basil so that you can have a successful and bountiful basil crop.

What is Companion Planting?

Companion planting is the practice of planting different types of plants together in a garden or farm to enhance their growth, deter pests, and improve soil health. Companion planting can be used to create beneficial interactions between different plants, such as repelling pests, providing shade, or fixing nitrogen in the soil. Companion planting can also be used to improve crop yields and reduce the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Companion planting can be an effective way to optimize the use of space and resources in a garden and can be an important part of sustainable agriculture practices.

What are the Benefits of Companion Planting?

There are several benefits of companion planting, including:

1. Pest control: Some plants can repel pests that may harm other plants. For example, planting basil near tomatoes can repel hornworms.
2. Improved soil health: Some plants can fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit other plants. For example, beans can fix nitrogen and improve soil health for other plants nearby.
3. Increased yields: Companion planting can increase crop yields by improving pollination and reducing competition for resources. For example, planting borage near strawberries can increase the number of berries produced.
4. Reduced need for pesticides and fertilizers: Companion planting can reduce the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers by creating a diverse ecosystem that supports natural pest control.
5. Optimization of space: Companion planting can make efficient use of space in a garden by planting smaller plants next to taller plants or plants with different growth habits.
6. Diversity: Companion planting can create a diverse ecosystem and can be a way to incorporate plants that have different cultural or medicinal uses.
7. Enhanced flavor: Companion planting can enhance the flavor of some crops, basil and tomatoes, for example, when planted close to each other.

Basil Companion Plants 

1. Start by selecting the right location for your basil. Basil prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
2. Choose companion plants that will enhance the growth and health of your basil. Good companion plants for basil include tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, asparagus, oregano, and marigolds.
3. Plant your basil and companion plants in close proximity to one another. Basil planted near tomatoes, and peppers can repel pests and improve yields.
4. Water your plants regularly and provide them with adequate sunlight. Basil prefers moist soil, but be careful not to over-water, as this can lead to root rot.
5. Keep an eye out for any pests or diseases that may affect your plants. If you notice any issues, take action quickly to prevent them from spreading.
6. Regularly add organic matter to the soil to improve soil health and fertility. This will provide your plants with the necessary nutrients to grow strong and healthy.
7. Harvest your basil regularly to encourage bushier growth. Picking the leaves will also prevent the plant from going to seed too soon.
8. Enjoy the fruits of your labor by incorporating fresh basil leaves into your cooking and savoring the enhanced taste of your tomatoes and peppers.

Basil Companion Planting Chart

However, I can provide you a list of plants that are generally considered to be good companion plants for basil, as well as plants that should be avoided when planting basil.

Good Companion Plants for Basil:

• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Eggplants
• Asparagus
• Oregano
• Marigolds
• Petunias
• Nasturtiums
• Chives

Plants to Avoid Planting Near Basil:

• Rue
• Walnut tree
• Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower)
• Dill
• Sage

It is important to note that companion planting for basil is not an exact science, and results may vary depending on your location, weather, soil, and other factors. It’s also important to keep an eye on how the plants are doing and adjust as needed.

Plants to Avoid Growing With Basil

There are certain plants that should be avoided when growing basil, as they can inhibit its growth or attract pests. Some examples of plants to avoid growing with basil include:

• Rue: This herb is known to repel pests and insects, but it can also inhibit the growth of basil.
• Walnut tree: Walnut trees release a chemical called juglone that can be toxic to many plants, including basil.
• Brassicas: Plants such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are known to attract pests that can harm basil.
• Dill: Dill and basil are known to compete for resources and can inhibit each other’s growth.
• Sage: Sage can inhibit the growth of basil and should be planted separately.

It is important to note that these are not the only plants that should be avoided when growing basil, and it is always a good idea to keep an eye on how the plants are doing and adjust accordingly.

Basil Companion Planting

Companion planting is a technique of planting different types of plants together in order to enhance their growth, deter pests, and improve soil health. When it comes to companion planting with basil, it’s important to choose companion plants that will enhance the growth and health of your basil. Good companion plants for basil include tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, asparagus, oregano, and marigolds. These plants can help repel pests and improve yields.

On the other hand, it’s also important to avoid planting basil near certain plants that can inhibit its growth or attract pests. Some examples of plants to avoid planting near basil include Rue, Walnut tree, Brassicas, Dill, and Sage.

It’s important to keep in mind that companion planting is not an exact science, and results may vary depending on your location, weather, soil, and other factors. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on how the plants are doing and adjust as needed. With proper care and attention, companion planting can help you have a successful and bountiful basil crop.

Conclusion

In conclusion, companion planting is a technique of planting different types of plants together to enhance their growth, deter pests, and improve soil health. When it comes to companion planting with basil, it’s important to choose companion plants that will enhance the growth and health of your basil, such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, asparagus, oregano, and marigolds.

It’s also important to avoid planting basil near certain plants that can inhibit its growth or attract pests, such as Rue, Walnut tree, Brassicas, Dill, and Sage.