Herb Combination Planting: A Guide to Growing Compatible Herbs for Enhanced Yields
Starting a Harmonious Herb Garden
Want to cultivate a flourishing herb garden right at your doorstep? But have you considered that not all herbs get along? Some may require different amounts of water, sun, or soil. And sometimes, it can get a bit more complicated. Did you know that common mint and peppermint shouldn't share the same pot?
Enjoy the fusion of flavors and improved growth with companion planting. By selecting herbs that complement each other, you can elevate your herb garden's taste and cultivation. Here's the lowdown on designing the perfect herb garden.
What is Companion Planting?
Companion planting is a method of planting herbs that brings together varietals beneficial to each other. Plants may enhance each other's flavor, growth, or offer mutual protection from pests. Additionally, it involves choosing herbs with similar water, sunlight, and soil requirements for a harmonious herb garden.
We highly recommend companion planting as a standard practice, whether you are starting a container garden or looking to protect and boost your larger vegetable garden bed.
Your Herb Companion Garden Options
Get ready to assemble your herb garden starring these perennial herbs, though note that some may not always play well together. Here's your lineup:
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Lavender
- Lemon Thyme
- Lemon Verbena
- Marjoram
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Tarragon
- Thyme
The Star Performer: Basil
A versatile and delicious herb, basil can be planted with parsley, cilantro, and tarragon.
A World Traveler: Cilantro
Known as coriander in some parts, cilantro goes well with parsley, basil, and tarragon.
The Royal Scent: Lavender
Homegrown lavender is a must-have. Fresh lavender is heavenly, and it enhances its taste when grown with rosemary, oregano, sage, thyme, and marjoram.
Bright and Citrusy: Lemon Thyme
Lemon thyme offers a vibrant, citrusy note, unlike its cousin thyme. It pairs well with lemon-scented herbs like lemon verbena and lemon balm.
The Morning Treat: Lemon Verbena
Fresh lemon verbena leaves in hot water are a luxurious start to the day. They go well with lemon thyme and lemon balm.
Medicinal Marvel: Marjoram
Marjoram has been utilized for centuries for its healing properties and has a pleasing aromatic flavor that enhances both cocktails and dishes. Pair it with rosemary, oregano, sage, lavender, and thyme.
The Italian Staple: Oregano
Oregano plays nicely with rosemary, marjoram, sage, lavender, and thyme.
Your Daily Herb: Parsley
Parsley is an everyday herb. Plant it along with basil, cilantro, and tarragon.
The Holiday Spice: Rosemary
Rosemary can be finicky with some herbs, but it gets along well with marjoram, oregano, sage, lavender, and thyme.
The French Flavor: Sage
Sage marries well with rosemary, marjoram, oregano, lavender, and thyme.
A Tarragon Tango: Tarragon
Subtly enhance your poultry, salads, and sauces with the anise-like flavor of tarragon. Plant it with basil, parsley, and cilantro.
Thyme for Everything: Thyme
Thyme is a classic savory herb. Combine it with marjoram, rosemary, sage, oregano, and lavender.
When Herbs Don't Coexist
While each plant on our list can be a great companion, not every pair plays well together. Herbs can be grouped into the following categories:
- Moisture-Loving Mediterranean Herbs
- Dry Environment Mediterranean Herbs
- Lemon Herbs
- Minty Herbs
Moisture-Loving Mediterranean Herbs
These need plenty of water, damp, and moist soil to thrive. While some can be planted with dry environment herbs, it's best to plant them together.
This group includes:
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Dill
- Parsley
- Tarragon
Dry Environment Mediterranean Herbs
These love full sun and drier climates. Group them together in dry soil and place the container in a sun-soaked area. They do best with other dry environment herbs.
This group includes:
- Oregano
- Lavender
- Marjoram
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Thyme
Lemon Herbs
Lemon-scented herbs can mostly be paired with other varietals sharing similar soil and sun needs, except for parsley.
This group includes:
- Lemon balm (lemon mint)
- Lemongrass
- Lemon Thyme
- Lemon Verbena
Minty Herbs
Minty herbs have specific companions. You can plant mint with basil, oregano, cilantro, and dill, but avoid planting it with parsley, rosemary, or other mint varieties.
This group includes:
- Common mint (spearmint)
- Catmint (catnip)
- Orange mint
- Peppermint
- Lemon balm (lemon mint)
Cherishing the Growth of Your Herbs
By sticking to the categories above, you can expect a thriving herb garden. However, there's always room for improvement. Here are some top gardening tips:
Choosing the Ideal Container
Selecting the right container can make or break your herb harvest. Opt for a large, sturdy vessel with exceptional drainage and plenty of space for growth.
Planting Distance
Herbs should ideally be planted 4 to 6 inches apart. If you're starting with seeds, bury them about 2 inches deep. If you're starting with saplings, plant the root system entirely in the soil.
Get growing and enjoy the bounty of your herb garden!
- To create a harmonious herb garden that offers a fusion of flavors and improved growth, consider companion planting, which involves selecting herbs that complement each other based on their water, sunlight, and soil requirements.
- Basil, cilantro, lavender, lemon thyme, lemon verbena, marjoram, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, tarragon, and thyme are all suitable for companion planting in a harmonious herb garden, though some may not always play well together.
- When contemplating fashion-and-beauty or food-and-drink preparations, you can enhance the flavor of your dishes by growing herbs like lemon thyme, lemon verbena, and tarragon together in a container garden, as they pair well with similar lemony-scented herbs.
- Remember, while herbs can be grouped into categories like moisture-loving Mediterranean herbs, dry environment Mediterranean herbs, lemon herbs, and minty herbs to ensure proper growth and prevent competition, it's also essential to research individual herb pairings and ensure that not every pair plays well together.
