What to Grow with Basil
Basil is a relatively low-maintenance herb and doesn’t require many companion plants to thrive. However, if you’re looking to maximize your garden’s potential, pairing basil with certain herbs, vegetables, and flowers can offer a range of benefits—from pest control to improved growth and flavor. Basil flourishes when paired with specific companion plants, which not only enhance its growth but also improve its flavor and overall health.
Vegetables
Tomatoes
A classic garden pairing. Basil not only enhances the flavor of tomatoes but also helps repel pests and attract pollinators, promoting better fruit production.
Peppers
Basil deters common pepper pests such as aphids and spider mites.
Carrots
Basil can help keep carrot flies at bay.
Lettuce
Grows well alongside basil, which helps deter aphids and other pests.
Beets
Benefit from basil’s pest-repelling properties.
Asparagus
Basil attracts ladybugs, which feed on aphids, aiding asparagus health.
Herb
Oregano
Thrives in similar conditions; may complement basil’s flavor profile.
Parsley
Attracts beneficial insects that help with natural pest control.
Chamomile
Known to support basil’s overall health and growth.
Chives
Help repel aphids and other garden pests.
Cilantro
Shares similar sunlight and watering needs, making them great neighbors.
Flowers
Marigolds
Their strong scent repels aphids and nematodes, offering both protection and aesthetic value to your garden.
Nasturtiums
Serve as “trap crops,” attracting aphids away from basil.
Planting basil with strong-scented flowers like marigolds can also deter larger pests such as deer and other herbivores.
What Not to Grow Near Basil
Cucumbers
Compete with basil for water and nutrients; basil may also affect their delicate flavor.
Rue and Sage
These herbs have different growing requirements and may inhibit basil’s growth due to potential allelopathic effects.
Fennel
Highly allelopathic—releases chemicals that can stunt or even kill nearby plants, including basil.
Rosemary (when grown in-ground)
Prefers drier soil conditions, which makes it a poor match for basil unless grown separately in containers.
