Companion Planting for Herbs

If you don’t have the time or the space for growing vegetables, consider an herb garden. Growing herbs is easier than growing vegetables because herbs are less prone to pests and disease, and they require less care than vegetables. They're also forgiving of different growing conditions. However, like vegetables, herbs also have companions that they grow best with to enhance growth and flavor. You can have a vibrant, abundant herb garden by simply knowing which herbs grow well together.  

Benefits of Companion Planting for Herbs

Choose Compatible Herbs

Select herbs that thrive together – see chart below.  Each companion brings out the best in the other, promoting healthy growth. 

Full Sun or Partial Shade

Understand each herb's needs, such as some prefer full sun while others thrive in partial shade. Knowing the requirements will help you create a balanced garden. So, the herbs that like full sun include basil, chives, cilantro, dill, fennel, lavender, oregano, parsley, and rosemary. These herbs usually need 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to grow best. Others like partial shade including mint, thyme, and sage.

Prepare Your Space or Container

Be sure that your garden or containers have well-drained soil; this keeps roots healthy and promotes better growth. Certain mint family herbs, such as peppermint, spearmint and lemon mint, are aggressive plants and can take over your garden; therefore, plant them in a separate area of your garden or in separate containers. Other mint family herbs are not so aggressive, and you don’t need to worry about them.   

Plant Companions Close Together

Plant companion herbs close to each other for added benefits, such as enhanced flavor. 

Chives and Parsley

Water According to Their Needs

Herbs like rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano, marjoram, and lavender generally prefer drier soil and are often referred to as "hard herbs". These herbs thrive in well-draining conditions, often found in Mediterranean climates or areas with hot, dry weather. Herbs like basil, dill, cilantro, mint, parsley, lemon balm, and fennel prefer consistently moist soil. 

Monitor for Stress or Pests

Be alert for indications of stress or pests. Companion plants can aid in repelling undesirable insects, so make sure your pairings are flourishing together.

Harvest on a Regular Basis

Harvest your herbs on a regular basis; doing so encourages growth and helps you maintain a healthy garden.

Herb Companion Planting Chart

Herb	Good Companions
Basil	Chives, Marigolds, Parsley, Oregano, Thyme
Dill	Basil, Chives, Cilantro, Fennel, Lavender
Fennel	Chamomile, Chervil, Coriander, Dill, Parsley
Lavender	Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme
Marjoram	Basil, Chives, Oregano, Parsley, Sage, Thyme
Oregano	Basil, Chives, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme
Parsley	Basil, Chives, Cilantro, Dill, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Marjoram, Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon, Thyme
Sage	Lavender, Oregano, Rosemary, Thyme
Thyme	Basil, Chives, Lavender, Oregano, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary

Enjoy your herb garden!