Thanks to its aromatic and flavorful leaves, Basil is a favorite in both the kitchen and garden. But to get the best flavor and a healthy harvest, where you plant your basil matters.
Companion planting can help your basil grow better, deter pests, and even enhance the taste of nearby crops.
Let’s take a look at how it works, and which plants make the best neighbors.
Why Companion Planting Matters for Basil
Companion planting is the practice of growing certain plants together to provide mutual benefits.
Some plants protect each other from pests, while others improve soil health, attract pollinators, or offer shade.
When you plant basil near its beneficial companions, you’ll often see stronger plants, fewer pests, and better flavor. Companion planting can also help reduce reliance on chemical pesticides while creating a more biodiverse garden ecosystem.
9 Plants That Basil Loves Being Next To
1. Tomatoes: A Classic Duo
Basil and tomatoes are a well-loved pairing. Basil may improve the flavor of tomatoes and is thought to repel common pests like whiteflies and aphids.
2. Marigolds: Natural Pest Fighters
Bright and easy to grow, marigolds are natural pest repellents. They produce a scent that deters aphids, whiteflies, and even root-knot nematodes in the soil.
Planted near basil, they create a barrier that helps reduce insect problems while bringing some color to your vegetable garden.
3. Peppers: Mutual Boost
Peppers and basil enjoy the same warm temperatures, full sun, and well-drained soil. Growing them together makes watering and feeding routines more efficient.
Plus, basil may help repel certain pests that target peppers, like spider mites and aphids, while also attracting beneficial pollinators that help the peppers produce fruit.
4. Oregano: Aromatic Allies
Both oregano and basil are Mediterranean herbs from the mint family, and they prefer growing under similar conditions. They enjoy full sun and warm temperatures, so they can be watered and maintained on a similar schedule.
Oregano is also thought to help enhance the essential oils in basil, giving it a stronger aroma and flavor.
5. Asparagus: Unexpected Friends
Basil and asparagus may not seem like an obvious pair, but they work well together.
Asparagus attracts beneficial insects like ladybirds and hoverflies—both of which help control aphids and other soft-bodied pests. In return, basil helps deter the asparagus beetle by masking the scent of the tender new shoots.
6. Garlic: Protection with Benefits
Another popular culinary pairing, garlic and basil make a strong partnership in the garden. Garlic naturally repels aphids, fungus gnats, and spider mites—common problems for basil.
The sulfur compounds released from garlic may also protect surrounding plants from fungal infections. They are even said to enhance each other’s flavor while acting as a pest deterrent to nearby crops.
7. Chamomile: Flavor Enhancer
Chamomile is known for boosting the essential oils in herbs planted nearby, including basil. This means your basil may be more fragrant and flavorful when grown close to chamomile.
Plus, chamomile attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, helping support a healthy and diverse garden.
8. Lettuce: Friendly Neighbors
Lettuce benefits from being planted near basil in more ways than one. Basil’s strong aroma can help deter common lettuce pests like aphids. Some gardeners also report that basil can subtly enhance the flavor of nearby lettuce.
9. Borage: Pollinator Magnet
Borage has star-shaped blue flowers that lots of beneficial insects love, including ladybugs, which are predators of aphids. It is also said to enhance the flavor of basil by enriching the soil.
Plants to Keep Away from Basil
While basil suits being planted with many crops, there are a few which should be kept separate.
These plants either compete for resources, have conflicting growing needs, or may even stunt each other’s development:
- Rue: This herb is known to release a chemical that inhibits basil’s growth and can affect its flavor.
- Sage: This drought-tolerant herb has different moisture needs from basil, which can lead to stress for both plants. Basil may also outcompete sage for sunlight and nutrients.
- Cucumbers: The strong scent of basil and other aromatic herbs can disrupt the flavour of cucumber. Basil may also cause reduced yields for cucumber plants.
Easy Tips for Successful Basil Companion Planting
Here are a few quick tips to get the most out of your basil and its companions:
Conclusion
Basil benefits from being planted near the right companions. Plants like tomatoes, marigolds, and chamomile can help improve its growth, reduce pests, and even enhance its flavor.
On the other hand, poor matches such as rue and sage can hold basil back. Choosing well-suited plant partners is a simple way to get more from your herb or vegetable garden.
