What Does Basil Grow Well With? The Ultimate Companion Planting Guide for Healthy Basil

Growing lush, flavorful basil is a joy for any gardener. But this popular herb can be susceptible to pests and disease. Luckily, choosing the right companion plants can help basil thrive

Certain plants make excellent neighbors for basil. They help repel pests improve soil nutrients, and create the ideal microclimate. Meanwhile other plants compete with basil or make it more vulnerable. Understanding companion planting is key to a successful and abundant basil harvest.

Why Companion Plant Basil?

Basil is an extremely useful culinary herb. Its signature scent and flavor enhance everything from pasta sauces to cocktails. However, basil can be prone to issues like

• Aphids
• Whiteflies
• Fusarium wilt
• Downy mildew
• Root rot

Companion planting is an organic way to protect basil from these common problems. The right plant partners will:

• Deter pests like aphids and tomato hornworms
• Repel diseases like fusarium wilt
• Improve soil quality and nutrient availability
• Create beneficial microclimates and airflow
• Attract pollinators like bees and butterflies

Thoughtfully chosen companion plants allow basil to thrive with minimal intervention. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides or fertilizers. Companion planting promotes plant and soil health in a sustainable way.

The Best Companion Plants for Basil

Many vegetables, herbs, and flowers make excellent companions for basil. Here are some research-backed plant pairings to try in your garden:

Tomatoes

Tomatoes and basil are a classic combination, for good reason. Growing them together offers mutual benefits:

• Pest control – Basil repels tomato hornworms, cutworms, and whiteflies. Meanwhile, tomatoes fend off aphids, Japanese beetles, and asparagus beetles.

• Enhanced flavor – The two plants boost each other’s essential oils and antioxidants when grown in close quarters.

• Shared needs – Tomatoes and basil thrive in similar conditions, including full sun exposure, fertile soil, consistent moisture, and warm weather.

Asparagus

Asparagus makes a great neighbor for basil. Here’s why they complement each other so well:

• Pest control – Asparagus attracts ladybug predators that eat aphids on basil. And basil’s scent deters asparagus beetles.

• Shared needs – Both plants prefer nutrient-rich soil and consistent moisture. Asparagus enjoys the shade provided by bushy basil.

• Air circulation – Tall asparagus fronds don’t compete for light with basil. They promote airflow which prevents fungal disease.

Peppers

Peppers are another nightshade relative that grows well with basil. Consider planting:

• Sweet bell peppers – Basil traps moisture and provides humidity for peppers.

• Chili peppers – The reflected light from basil boosts photosynthesis. And chili peppers mask the scent of basil from pests.

• Pest control – Basil’s flowers attract pollinators for peppers. And it repels aphids, spider mites, and ants in the pepper garden.

Chives

Onion relatives like chives make excellent companions for basil. Here are some of the benefits:

• Pest control – Chives deter aphids, slugs, Japanese beetles, carrot flies, and cabbage worms.

• Enhanced flavor – Onions and basil complement each other in cooking. And they tend to intensify each other’s essential oils.

• Shared needs – Chives and basil thrive in similar conditions. Both want nutrient-rich soil, full sun, and frequent irrigation.

• Pollination – The small flowers of chives attract beneficial pollinating insects. These pollinators help maximize basil’s seed production.

Marigolds

Marigolds are one of the most versatile companion plants. Here’s what makes them a smart match for basil:

• Pest control – Marigolds deter nematodes, whiteflies, slugs, aphids, cabbage maggots, and other pests.

• Soil health – The roots of marigolds secrete acids that kill harmful nematodes and soil fungi. This improves the soil environment for basil.

• Mutual planting needs – Marigolds and basil both thrive in fertile, well-drained sites with full sunlight.

• Weed suppression – Bushy marigolds act as living mulch, blocking light from reaching weed seeds.

Borage

Borage is an edible flower that makes an excellent basil companion. Consider adding it to your garden to:

• Attract pollinators – Showy borage flowers feed bees, butterflies, and beneficial wasps. These pollinators promote growth and seed production in basil.

• Enhance flavor – Some gardeners report borage can intensify the scent of nearby basil.

• Deter pests – Hairy borage leaves may help deter pests like whiteflies from colonizing basil.

French Marigold

French marigolds are edible flowers with strong pest-repelling qualities. Here’s how they help basil thrive:

• Nematode control – French marigolds release chemicals from their roots that kill microscopic roundworms. These nematodes damage basil roots.

• Pest confusion – The strong scent of French marigolds can mask the smell of basil, preventing pests from finding it.

• Shared needs – French marigolds and basil require the same growing conditions, including full sun and fertile soil.

Nasturtiums

Bright nasturtiums make gorgeous edible companions for basil. Consider adding them to:

• Control pests – Nasturtiums deter aphids, squash bugs, cabbage loopers, and other pests that damage basil.

• Enhance appearance – Trailing nasturtiums soften the look of an herb garden. Their colorful flowers and foliage complement bushy basil plants.

• Improve drainage – With deep roots, nasturtiums help break up compacted soil and improve drainage for basil.

Potatoes

Below ground, potatoes offer protective benefits to basil. Consider interplanting potatoes to:

• Deter pests – Potatoes mask the scent of basil from pests like cabbage moths and carrot flies.

• Improve soil – As potatoes grow, they break up and loosen heavy soil. This benefits shallow-rooted basil plants.

Carrots

Plant carrots and basil together for these synergistic effects:

• Pest control – Carrots disguises the smell of basil, preventing pests like carrot flies from finding it. Basil deters cabbage worms and slugs from carrots.

• Soil improvements – Carrots burrow deep to loosen soil. Basil is shallow-rooted, so it doesn’t compete for nutrients.

Radishes

Quick-growing radishes make great companions for basil because they:

• Deter pests – Radish greens mask the scent of basil from pests like flea beetles and cucumber beetles.

• Improve soil structure – Fast-growing radishes work the soil and create channels for water and air circulation.

• Don’t compete – Radishes grow so quickly, they don’t crowd out basil or hog nutrients from the soil.

Herbs That Complement Basil

Many aromatic culinary herbs thrive next to basil. Here are some all-star herbal companions:

• Oregano – Oregano may enhance the essential oil and antioxidant content in basil. It also provides ground cover to retain soil moisture.

• Parsley – Parsley improves soil nutrients and deters carrot flies and other pests. Both parsley and basil thrive in rich, moist soil.

• Cilantro – Cilantro’s strong scent helps mask basil from pests. It also attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and predatory wasps.

• Thyme – Thyme thrives in hot, dry conditions. It provides shade and retains moisture in the soil to protect basil.

• Dill – Dill attracts predatory wasps and hoverflies to protect basil from pests. Its flowers provide nectar for pollinators.

• Chamomile – This gentle herb deters flying pests like whiteflies, aphids, and cabbage moths. Chamomile tea fertilizes plants when used as a foliar spray.

• Garlic and chives – Onion relatives repel aphids, Japanese beetles, slugs, and other pests. They also enhance the flavor of basil.

• Mint – Mint family members help confuse pests and enhance the fragrance of basil. But plant mints in containers to prevent spreading.

Plants to Avoid Growing Near Basil

While many plants complement basil beautifully, a few species are better kept separate. Steer clear of:

• Fennel – This herb may compete with basil for nutrients and water. Some gardeners report fennel stunts the growth of basil.

• Peppermint and oregano – These aggressive plants can take over garden space and starve basil. Keep them in separate beds or containers.

• Cabbage family plants – Basil harbors insects that damage broccoli, kale, cauliflower, and cabbage. Separate these crops.

• Rue – Rue releases chemicals that inhibit the growth of basil. Keep these herbs in different garden zones.

• Beans and peas – Legumes deplete nitrogen, compete for nutrients, and don’t provide pest control for basil. Avoid interplanting.

• Wormwood – This herb stunts basil growth. And wormwood’s poor drainage increases risk of root rot in basil.

Companion Planting Tips for Happy Basil

Follow these tips to successfully employ companion planting for your basil:

• Research – Learn which plants thrive under the same conditions as the type of basil you’re growing. Consider factors like climate, soil needs, and sun exposure.

• Space wisely – Give basil 12-18 inches between plants so companions have room to grow. But keep companions close enough to interact beneficially.

• Use succession planting – Follow a crop of early companions like radishes or lettuce with basil plantings. This builds healthy soil for basil’s long summer harvest.

• Add pollinators – Choose flowering companion plants like nasturtiums, marigolds, and borage. Their blooms sustain bees to pollinate basil for seed production.

• Try vertical gardening – Use trellises, cages, or poles to grow vining companions like tomatoes or nasturtiums vertically. This saves space for herbs like basil.

• Start seeds – Customize companion planting by starting seeds together indoors based on ideal planting times in your area. Then transplant into the garden according to companion relationships.

• Monitor relationships – Observe companion plants regularly. Remove aggressive species or plants that show signs of disease to protect neighboring basil.

Companion Planting Maximizes Basil’s Growth

Basil is one of the most useful plants for any herb garden. Take advantage of its Culinary versatility and signature scent through thoughtful companion planting.

Choosing the right plant partners promotes a healthy garden ecosystem. Beneficial companions will help your basil prosper and provide an abundant, Pest-free harvest throughout the summer season.