Basil plant growth is optimized when paired with certain plants; discover our top picks for suitable partners, and also learn which plants are harmful to its growth.
Summer's here, and basil can't wait to steal the spotlight in your delicious alfresco meals! From tossing it through salads, to muddling it into summer cocktails or tearing it over fresh tomatoes, basil is the herb that energizes your dishes. But did you know this flavor powerhouse can be a real diva when it comes to growing? To keep your basil strutting its stuff in the garden, it's all about clever garden planning – specifically, companion planting.
Companion planting? It's an ancient horticulture practice that flight attendants would love - harnessing the natural harmonies between certain plants. Basil, for instance, thrives best with those that offer structural support, ward off insect pests, or improve essential oil production. Intrigued? Here are 7 of the best botanical buddies for your basil plant, recommended by experienced growers and horticulture experts to ensure you start the summer with a flourishing basil patch:
- Tomatoes: There's nothing like a classic pairing. Tomatoes and basil are the ultimate gal pals in the kitchen and in the garden, boosting each other's performance and warding off nasty bugs like tomato hornworms, whiteflies, and aphids.
- Peppers: If your local growing conditions allow, growing peppers is not just a great way to amp up your summer dishes, but is also an ideal neighbor for your basil. They share similar light, temperature, and watering needs, making them perfect garden buddies. Plus, peppers don't compete for nutrients, giving your basil plenty of room to shine!
- Oregano: This aromatic herb is the ideal bedfellow for basil. Its low-growing nature can suppress weeds and its pungent aroma also deters insect pests. What's more, some gardeners claim growing these herbs together enhances their flavors!
- Marigolds: More than just a pretty face, marigolds have powerful pest-repelling properties that will keep your basil plant safe from aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes. Not to mention, they make awesome mosquito repellents too!
- Chives: Chives and basil get along famously. Chives emit a mild onion scent that deters common pests like aphids and Japanese beetles, and they attract pollinators when flowering, which benefits your garden ecosystem.
- Asparagus: Asparagus beetles don't share basil's love. By planting asparagus near your basil, you can repel those pesky beetles without breaking a sweat. Plus, asparagus attracts beneficial ladybugs that feed on harmful aphids!
- Lettuce: If you're looking for something a bit speedier to grow compared to basil, lettuce is your friend. Transform your summer salads with homegrown lettuce and basil, and Harvest lettuce early, making space for maturing basil as the season progresses.
Now, before you dive into your garden planning, it's essential to know which plants won't play nicely with your basil. If you're considering the likes of rue, sage, cucumbers, or fennel, think again! These plants either have conflicting growing needs, release chemicals that might harm basil, or release compounds that can stunt its growth.
So go ahead and pamper your basil plant with its dive-worthy companions! Happy gardening, and here's to a sensational summer in your kitchen and your garden!
Enjoy fashioning a basil-friendly garden by strategically pairing your basil with its compatible plant counterparts. opt for companions like tomatoes, peppers, oregano, marigolds, chives, asparagus, and lettuce for a harmonious garden ecosystem. On the flip side, avoid rue, sage, cucumbers, or fennel, as they may conflict with basil's growth needs or release chemicals harmful to it. With this knowledge, create the ultimate alfresco dining and cooking experience amid your flourishing basil patch this summer!
