What to Plant With Basil to Promote Growth & Flavor

What to Plant With Basil?

When deciding what to plant with basil, there are many beneficial options to consider.

Asparagus, beets, borage, broccoli, cauliflower, chamomile, chives, garlic, grape plants, marigolds, nasturtiums, oregano, parsley, petunias, bell peppers, chili peppers, potatoes, radishes, and tomatoes are all excellent choices for companion planting with basil.

These plants can enhance the growth and health of basil by deterring pests, attracting beneficial insects, enhancing flavor, and maximizing space utilization in the garden.

Key Points:

  • When deciding what to plant with basil, consider companion planting options.
  • Asparagus, beets, borage, broccoli, cauliflower, chamomile, chives, garlic, grape plants, marigolds, nasturtiums, oregano, parsley, petunias, bell peppers, chili peppers, potatoes, radishes, and tomatoes are all good companion plants for basil.
  • Companion planting with these plants can deter pests and attract beneficial insects.
  • Planting these plants with basil can also enhance flavor and maximize garden space utilization.
  • Choosing the right companion plants can enhance the growth and health of basil.
  • Considering these options can result in a thriving basil garden.

Did You Know?

1. Did you know that planting tomatoes alongside basil can actually improve the flavor of your tomatoes? This combination not only adds amazing flavor to your dishes but also helps protect each plant from pests such as aphids and tomato hornworms.
2. When planting basil, consider adding some marigolds or nasturtiums nearby. These flowers are not just visually appealing; they also act as natural deterrents for pests that commonly attack basil, such as whiteflies and aphids.
3. If you’re looking to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies to your garden, consider planting lavender near your basil. The aromatic scent of lavender acts as a powerful attractant for these pollinators, enhancing the overall health and productivity of your basil plants.
4. Did you know that planting parsley alongside basil can actually help repel harmful insects like mosquitoes? This combination not only provides a diverse range of flavors for your culinary adventures but also adds a natural mosquito-repelling element to your garden.
5. For an interesting twist, try planting some strawberries alongside your basil. The two complement each other quite well, with the basil helping to repel pests and enhance the flavor of strawberries, while the strawberries provide a beautiful ground cover that helps keep the soil around the basil moist and cool.

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Asparagus

Asparagus is an excellent companion plant for basil as it helps to deter pests such as aphids and repels harmful nematodes in the soil. The tall and feathery foliage of asparagus also provides shade to the lower-growing basil plants, preventing them from overheating in harsh sun. Additionally, the deep root system of asparagus helps to improve the overall soil structure, reducing competition for nutrients with basil.

Planting asparagus alongside basil not only benefits the growth and flavor of both plants but also promotes a healthier ecosystem in the garden. The strong aroma of basil deters pests that may damage asparagus, such as asparagus beetles. Furthermore, the combination of asparagus and basil adds visual interest to the garden, creating a beautiful and harmonious blend of colors and textures.

“It is important to note that asparagus and basil have different soil moisture requirements. Asparagus prefers consistently moist soil, while basil prefers well-draining soil. Therefore, it is essential to find a balance in watering to ensure both plants thrive.”

  • Asparagus deters pests such as aphids and repels harmful nematodes
  • Tall and feathery asparagus foliage provides shade for basil
  • Deep root system of asparagus improves soil structure
  • Basil’s strong aroma deters pests that may damage asparagus
  • Combination of asparagus and basil adds visual interest to the garden

Beets

Beets are beneficial companion plants for basil as they attract beneficial insects such as bees and ladybugs to the garden. These insects play a crucial role in pollination and act as natural predators for common garden pests. By attracting these beneficial insects, beets help to maintain a healthy balance in the garden ecosystem and promote the overall well-being of the basil plants.

Furthermore, beets have a shallow root system which complements the deeper roots of basil. This prevents competition for nutrients and water, allowing both plants to flourish without hindering each other’s growth. The presence of beets also helps to improve soil fertility by adding organic matter when their leaves are mulched or left to decompose in the soil.

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In terms of flavor, planting basil with beets can have a positive impact. Some gardeners believe that the aromatic compounds released by basil can enhance the taste of beets when grown together. This adds a delightful twist to culinary dishes that feature both herbs and vegetables. Therefore, if you’re looking to optimize the growth and flavor of your basil, consider planting it alongside beets for a fruitful and flavorful garden.

Borage

Borage is a true friend to basil in the garden, thanks to its beneficial characteristics and complementary needs. Borage is known for its attractive blue flowers, which not only add an appealing aesthetic touch to the garden but also serve as a magnet for pollinators and beneficial insects.

By attracting these valuable visitors, borage helps to pollinate the basil plants, ensuring a successful harvest. Moreover, borage is a dynamic accumulator, meaning it has deep roots that mine nutrients from the soil and make them available to neighboring plants such as basil.

This nutrient-sharing behavior improves the nutrient content of the soil and provides basil with a natural source of fertilization. Borage also acts as a natural pest deterrent, repelling harmful insects such as tomato hornworms and cabbage worms, which can negatively affect basil.

The growth habit of borage is also beneficial for basil. As a taller plant, borage provides partial shade to the lower-growing basil plants, protecting them from excessive heat and sunburn. Additionally, borage has a high resistance to drought, which reduces competition for water between the two plants and ensures that basil receives its necessary moisture.

planting borage with basil not only promotes the growth and flavor of basil but also adds beauty to the garden while attracting pollinators and repelling harmful pests. It is a mutually beneficial combination that enhances the overall health and productivity of the garden.

  • Borage has attractive blue flowers that attract pollinators and beneficial insects.
  • Borage helps to pollinate basil plants, ensuring a successful harvest.
  • Borage is a dynamic accumulator, improving the nutrient content of the soil and acting as a natural source of fertilization for basil.
  • Borage acts as a natural pest deterrent, repelling harmful insects that can negatively affect basil.
  • The taller growth habit of borage provides partial shade to basil plants, protecting them from excessive heat and sunburn.
  • Borage has a high resistance to drought, reducing competition for water between the two plants and ensuring basil receives sufficient moisture.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What should basil not be planted next to?

Basil should not be planted next to rue as they have a mutual dislike for each other, possibly due to the contrasting flavors of sweetness and bitterness. Additionally, fennel is not a great companion for many plants, as it tends to be disliked by most. Therefore, it is advisable to keep fennel at a safe distance from the vegetable garden to avoid any negative effects on neighboring plants.

What herbs grow best together?

Basil, parsley, and chives thrive well together as they complement each other in terms of flavor and growth requirements. Basil’s aromatic leaves, parsley’s lush green foliage, and chives’ delicate purple flowers create a visually appealing herb garden. Additionally, these herbs have different growth habits, allowing them to coexist without competing for space or resources.

Does basil like full sun?

Yes, basil loves full sun! Being a tropical herb, it thrives when exposed to six to eight hours of sunlight each day. However, it is important to note that in the South and Southwest, providing it with afternoon shade becomes necessary. Additionally, basil requires moist, nutrient-rich soil that also drains well for optimal growth.

Can you plant basil and coriander together?

Yes, basil and coriander can be planted together as they both have similar moisture needs. These water-loving herbs thrive when grouped together in the same pot, along with other herbs such as mint and parsley. However, it is important to keep herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, and oregano separate, as they prefer a drier environment. By selecting the right herbs to plant together, you can create a harmonious and thriving herb garden.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4

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