Good and Bad Basil Companion Plants

This article highlights some great companion plants for growing basil. We’ve included some not-so-great companions that can hurt or hinder basil’s growth.

When done right, companion planting benefits both plants. They share the benefits of growing together, including repelling insects and improving plant growth.

Though basil is an herb, it thrives in the company of some vegetables and flowers.

Below, we will list some of the best and worst companions for basil.

Good Companion Plants for Basil

• Asparagus: Ladybugs flock to asparagus to eat the asparagus beetle eggs found on it. The ladybugs also eat aphids and other pests that may affect basil.
• Beans: Basil increases the yield and repels Mexican bean beetles, while beans fix nitrogen in the soil.
• Eggplant: Basil increases the yield of this plant.
• Herbs like borage, chives, oregano, marjoram, and chamomile add flavor and support growth. Their flowers also attract pollinators.
• Marigold protects plants with its insect-repellent properties.
• Peppers are excellent next to basil, as basil repels some pests that affect them and boost their flavor.
• Root vegetables include potatoes, beets, carrots, parsnips, and radishes. The smell of basil helps keep insects off these crops so they can thrive.
• Tomatoes: Basil improves tomato yield while also deterring tomato hornworms. There’s some debate over whether or not they enhance each other’s flavors.
• Cauliflower benefits from basil, which fights against certain pests that affect it.
• The same goes for cabbage and cauliflower. The strong scent of basil repels some cabbage pests.

Other plants you can grow next to basil include garlic, cilantro, lettuce, dill, turnips, nasturtium, and parsley.

What Not to Plant with Basil

Cucumbers tend to take on the flavor of the plants around them, so that’s a good reason to avoid planting them near basil. The two also compete for resources.

Herbs—fennel, rue, sage, rosemary, thyme, and mint—have different watering needs and invasive roots. In addition, rue, sage, and rosemary prefer dry soil, which could kill basil.

How to Grow

Now that we know what plants help and hinder basil’s growth let’s discuss the plant itself, namely how to grow and care for it.

1. Planting

This herb loves warm weather and lots of sunshine. However, the herb could get sunscald if you live in a very hot climate, so partial shading is recommended.

Plant basil right after the ground has fully warmed up in the spring. Also, start the seeds indoors about six weeks before the last frost.

You can also successfully grow basil indoors, provided you have plenty of light and warmth in your home or greenhouse. Grow lights will help with this requirement.

Spacing is also crucial, ensuring proper root development and overall growth. You also need space for its plant companions without overcrowding.

The recommended spacing for basil plants is 12 to 16 inches apart. Plant out of windy areas to avoid damaging the plants, especially young ones.

2. Care and Maintenance

Avoid overhead watering to prevent damage to the plants. Moreover, though basil likes a lot of water, it doesn’t like standing in it, so water only until the soil is damp.

Drainage is also essential. It grows best in well-drained soil. When growing in pots, ensure that drainage holes are at the bottom.

Additionally, trim the leaves every two to three weeks. The flower buds should also be pinched off after the plant’s first flowers arrive to promote leaf production. This will encourage more vigorous growth.

3. Pests and Diseases

Like all plants, basil has its share of pests that like to feed on it. These pests include snails, slugs, whiteflies, and aphids.

Diatomaceous earth, which is natural and safe for organic gardening, can prevent snails and slugs. Horticultural soap will also remove whitefly and aphid infestations.

Fusarium wilt, leaf spot, downy mildew, and gray mold are common diseases that affect basil [1]. Research various organic methods to treat these crop diseases.

4. Harvesting

Harvesting can begin once the plant is 6 to 8 inches tall. Some sources say more, but most agree that six inches is the minimum.

To harvest basil so it keeps growing, pinch or carefully snip off leaves from the top down with small scissors.

Regular harvesting of the leaves will encourage more branching and leaf growth. Six weeks into development, pinch off the center stalk to prevent early flowering. Unless, of course, you want seeds for next year’s planting.

Harvest in the early morning.

Takeaway

Basil is a fantastic edible herb and so much more! It thrives near other plants, especially vegetables.

The herb and some of its companions create layers of beauty in your landscaping. Beauty also comes from the bees and butterflies they attract.

Besides, with the help of some of its companions, basil keeps away thrips, flies, tomato hornworms, mosquitoes, and more.

Image via Flickr