What Herbs Grow Well Together in the Garden

There are many herbs that grow well together in the garden. There are numerous benefits to planting herbs in company. Some naturally repel pests and insects and some enhance the growth and flavor of their companion herbs.

Growing herbs at home is an excellent idea. Herbs are easy to grow and care for, and they provide exceptional flavor to meals. But if you have limited space you may want to consider planting some herbs together, but which ones are best planted together?

Well in this article we will be discussing the best herbs to grow together either in your garden or in pots.

It is very important to match the recommendations of each plant together. When choosing the right companion plants, the best thing to do is to read the herb plants tag or seed packet to see the preferred environment and conditions.

Make sure that the herbs that you do decide to grow, require the same soil type, water and sunlight. Next you will want to check the compatibility of these herbs planted together. Some herbs will reject their companions causing them to die.

For the next step you will want to make sure that your herb plants are not planted to close together. Always plant them at least 10 – 12” inches apart. Doing this will allow them to share the soils nutrients.

The list below will provide you with everything you need to know about companion planting before proceeding with your herb garden.

Basil

Basil grows well together with chives, parsley, cilantro, tarragon, oregano and chamomile. Basil is known to repel mosquitos and flies. Basil should never be planted with sage and rue. A fantastic way to grow basil is in big pots.

Mint

Mint grows well with oregano. It should not be planted anywhere near parsley. The mint herb is very invasive, and will spread and take over your garden if not watched closely. The best place for the mint plant is in long window boxes or long pots that are 10-12″ deep. This is because went mint grows it roots grow sideways not downwards.

Rosemary

Rosemary is the type of herb that does not get along with most herbs. The only herbs that I would recommend planting together with rosemary is sage, lavender and thyme. Otherwise, rosemary gets along excellent with beans, cabbage, and hot peppers and broccoli in your garden.

Chives

Chives are great to plant with basil, parsley, cilantro, tarragon because they all have the same soil and watering requirements. Never plant chives with oregano, marjoram, rosemary, thyme and sage.

Oregano

Oregano is an easy to grow herb that can do good beside rosemary, sage, thyme, lavender, basil and marjoram. These herbs are excellent to grow together because the have the same needs for soil sunlight and water.

Thyme

Thyme is the type of herb that prefers soil that is not moist. Therefore, it is often planted with Rosemary, oregano, sage, lavender, and marjoram and should not be planted with basil, chives, tarragon, parsley and cilantro.

Sage

Sage is one of the few herbs that grows wonderful with rosemary and thyme. Do not plant this herb with chives, rue or fennel. Sage is not to be planted with cucumbers because it can stunt their growth.

Lavender

Lavender grows best in full sunlight and little water. Lavender is usually best grown on its own. The only herbs that i would recommend growing with lavender are Rosemary, oregano, sage, thyme, and marjoram.

Marjoram

Marjoram is liked by most garden plants. When, planted in your garden it stimulates the growth of your vegetables. It is best to plant it with herbs with the same requirements. Marjoram can be planted with oregano, sage, rosemary, thyme, lavender and chamomile.

Parsley

Parsley is best to grow in pots or containers. The best herbs to grow together with parsley are basil, cilantro and tarragon. Do not plant parsley near mint or chives. Keep this herb away from lettuce, onions, garlic, potatoes and carrots.

Cilantro

Grow cilantro with parsley, tarragon, mint, yarrow, tansy and basil. Cilantro does wonderful with most green leafy vegetables in your garden. Keep it away from fennel because it will stunt growth.

Tarragon

Tarragon is a moisture herb that loves full sun. It grows well with parsley, basil and cilantro because they all have the same water, soil and sun requirements. Tarragon grows very well in your garden, enhancing the flavor and yields of your vegetables.

Garlic

Garlic works well in most gardens but just keep it away from parsley, beans, peas, sage and asparagus because it will stunt their growth. It is an excellent natural pest repellent. Garlic’s best herb companions are dill, rue, chamomile and yarrow.

Dill

Dill is best grown with garlic. Poor companions to dill are Cilantro and Lavender. Dill works well in certain garden situations. It enhances the flavor of tomatoes and works well around cabbage, brussels sprouts and broccoli. It should not be planted with carrots, fennel and celery.

Chamomile

The best companion to chamomile is basil. It can also grow good with mint but I would not advise it because the mint plant is very invasive. Chamomile grows well with cucumbers and plants from the cabbage family because it deters pests because of its strong smell.

Chervil

Chervil grows well with dill, coriander and cilantro. Chervil is an excellent companion to radishes and carrots as well as broccoli and lettuce plants. Growing chervil near these plants will prevent slugs from attacking them.

Winter Savory

The best herbs to grow with winter savory is sage, lavender, thyme and hyssop. In the garden winter savory is best to grow around tomatoes, beans and onions. Onions that are planted near your winter savory will take on a sweeter than normal taste.

Bergamot (Bee Balm)

Herbs that can be planted with Bee balm are basil, thyme, chives and parsley. Most vegetables make good companions with bee balm such as squash, tomatoes, onions, fennel, kale, brocolli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts. Bee balm does best in containers because of its aggressive growth.

Lemongrass

Lemon grass can grow superb with mint, thyme, basil and cilantro. It does best in containers or pots. It can grow well in gardens with tomatoes and peppers but I advise not to because it can take over a garden rather quickly. Lemon grass is a pest and insect repellent like mosquitoes because it contains citronella.

Frequently Asked Questions

What herbs can be planted next to each other?

Herbs that are commonly planted next to each other are chives, rosemary, mint, dill, parsley, thyme, basil, cilantro, tarragon and garlic.

How close can you plant herbs together?

Many herbs can be planted together but just how close together? Plant herbs about 2-4 feet (1.22 meters) apart so that do not interfere with each other.

Can herbs grow close together?

Yes of course you can grow herbs together. The only thing you must remember is to keep the herbs that have the same soil, sun and water requirements together.

How many herbs can you put in one pot?

When growing more than one herb in pots, it is recommended to use a pot a minimum of 18″ inches and deep enough the herbs roots. Plant them in a small pot and the plants will eventually become root bound and will stop growing. Always select herbs for pots that have the same sunlight, water and soil requirements.

Can parsley and basil be planted together?

Parsley and basil are excellent together and compliment each other. These two herbs go great because they have the same soil, water and sunlight requirements.

What can you not plant with basil?

Rue or sage should not be planted together with basil because it will harm it.

What herbs grow well with chives?

It is not recommended to plant chives near spinach, beans, asparagus beans and peas. They have a harder time growing when planted near chives.

What herbs grow well with cilantro?

Herbs that grow well with cilantro are basil, yarrow, mint, parsley, chervil and tansy, lavender and dill. You can also plant the cilantro plant near tomatoes, spinach, jalapeño peppers and onions.

What to plant in a herb garden?

The most common herbs to plant in your herb garden are basil, parsley, chives, mint, coriander, dill, tarragon, rosemary, sage, oregano and fennel.

How close can you plant herbs together?

When, planting herbs together I would recommend spacing your plants approximately 12″ apart. This will give enough room for each plant to not interfere with each other during growth.

Do herbs grow back after cutting?

Yes all herbs will grow back after cutting them. If you prune your plant properly, it will encourage and stimulates growth of your herb plant.

How do I make my herbs grow bushier?

Pruning is essential to making your herbs grow. Pruning or cutting off stems will promote growth. Do not cut more than 1/3 of the plant at a time. Doing this will give your plant shape and also make your bushier over time.

Hope you enjoyed this tutorial on how to grow herbs in your garden.. For more information on growing your favorite herbs at home, make sure to check out some of our other great tutorial articles below.