Good and Bad Mint Companion Plants

Beyond its culinary and medicinal uses, mint also plays a crucial role as a companion plant in the garden.

Companion planting is a traditional gardening practice. It is where plants work together for mutual benefit.

In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the realm of mint companion plants, exploring both good and bad pairings.

Good Companion Plants for Mint

Mint can influence the growth and well-being of neighboring plants in various ways.

Dill

This feathery herb draws in beneficial insects. Ladybugs and parasitic wasps feed on common pests like aphids and caterpillars.

When planted near mint, dill provides natural pest control while adding visual interest to the garden landscape.

Tomatoes

Mint needs protection from whiteflies, and tomatoes provide it.

Zucchini, Squash, and Pumpkin

These crops need pollinators to help them thrive. That’s where mint makes an excellent companion, as it invites these useful insects into your garden.

Nasturtium

Nasturtiums serve as sacrificial plants, attracting pests away from mint and other valuable crops.

Their peppery leaves and flowers act as natural repellents for aphids, whiteflies, and cucumber beetles. This helps safeguard nearby plants.

Eggplant

Planted alongside mint, eggplant helps deter pests such as flea beetles. At the same time, eggplant also benefits from being next to mint, as mint helps keep aphids away.

Brassicas

These vegetables benefit from mint, which helps keep cabbage moths and flea beetles away from their garden beds.

Other good companions include marigolds, roses, celery, onions, beans, carrots, and peas.

What Not to Plant with Mint

Below are some of the worst companions for mint:

Chamomile

Chamomile needs all the nutrients it can get from the soil, but mint will pull them all away.

Mint also needs lots of water, but established chamomile plants are fairly drought-tolerant.

Other Mints

Mint grows well on its own, but mixing varieties can lead to strong competition for water, nutrients, and space.

To avoid overcrowding and keep plants healthy, space out different mint species. You can also plant them in separate containers.

Parsley

Parsley and mint also don’t grow well together. They need different nutrients and have unique growth habits. Mint can also overshadow parsley.

Oregano

Oregano, like mint, belongs to the family Lamiaceae and shares similar growth characteristics. So, they may fight for resources.

Planting oregano near mint can cause overcrowding. This reduces airflow and increases the risk of fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and botrytis.

Rosemary

While rosemary and mint both possess aromatic foliage and culinary uses, they are not ideal companions in the garden.

Rosemary prefers well-drained soil and grows best in dry conditions. Mint, on the other hand, prefers moist, fertile soil. Planting rosemary near mint may also lead to water competition, hindering mint’s growth and vigor.

Other bad companions include sage, strawberries, basil, thyme, and lavender.

How to Grow Mint

Before you start planting, it’s essential to choose the right mint variety for your garden.

There are several types of mint available. This includes spearmint, peppermint, chocolate mint, and apple mint [1]. Each variety possesses its own unique flavor and aroma, so select the one that you like.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Mint thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers partial to full sunlight. When selecting a location for your mint, ensure it receives at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily.

Mint is also known for its vigorous growth. Therefore, it is advisable to plant it in containers or confined spaces. This will prevent it from spreading uncontrollably and overtaking your garden.

Planting Mint

You can plant mint seeds directly in the ground or use cuttings or seedlings instead.

Before planting mint, prepare the soil. Mix in organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. This will enhance the soil’s texture and fertility. You can also grow mint in containers with potting mix enriched with organic matter.

Plant mint seedlings or cuttings in the soil or a container, spacing them 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for adequate growth.

Watering and Maintenance

Water your mint plants whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, especially during hot, dry weather.

However, do not use overhead watering. It can make the leaves too wet. Too much moisture can lead to fungal diseases.

Fertilization

Mint is a relatively low-maintenance herb and does not require heavy fertilization.

However, you can use a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season. This helps provide essential nutrients and supports healthy growth.

Also, be cautious not to over-fertilize, as excessive nutrients can lead to rust and diminished oil production [2].

Controlling Mint’s Growth

To prevent the mint from spreading uncontrollably, consider planting it in containers. You can also use barriers, such as plastic edging buried around the planting area, to contain its roots.

Alternatively, harvest and use (or give away) excess mint to prevent it from spreading too aggressively.

Harvesting

Mint is one of those herbs that you can harvest all year round. However, the best time to harvest the leaves is in the morning when the essential oils are most concentrated.

Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to snip off the tops of the stems just above a set of leaves. Regular harvesting helps mint grow bushier. It also lets you enjoy fresh leaves for cooking.

Culinary and Medicinal Uses

Mint is prized for its culinary versatility and is commonly used to flavor beverages, salads, desserts, and savory dishes.

Add fresh mint leaves to lemonades, iced teas, cocktails, fruit salads, and yogurt for a burst of flavor and aroma.

Additionally, mint has medicinal properties. It can help ease digestive discomfort and soothe headaches [3].

Takeaway

Choosing the right companion plants can greatly enhance garden productivity and support ecosystem health.

When choosing companion plants for mint, think about their growth habits, nutrient needs, and how they interact with each other. By choosing beneficial companions and avoiding bad pairings, gardeners can foster thriving gardens.