Herbs are such versatile plants – you can use them for cooking, medicinal purposes, or simply to make your home smell nice. However, not all herbs play well together. To create a healthy crop, it’s essential to know which herbs should not be planted together.
If you’re unsure which herbs to plant together, you are lucky. Below we share great information about what herbs do not grow well together and what herbs do well together.
Which herbs do not go together?
Some herbs, like vegetables and other herbs, can damage their neighbors’ growth and vigors. Here are some combinations you shouldn’t plant together.
Chamomile
Planting chamomile with mint or other herbs that have a light aroma is not recommended, as chamomile has a detrimental effect on the smells of these plants. Chamomile will also crowd out mint and other mild plants.
However, if you plant chamomile with parsley or cilantro, you can keep track of their varied maintenance requirements. Just be sure not to plant chamomile with mint, as this will result in the loss of the chamomile’s delicate aroma.
Thyme
Planting thyme with parsley or cilantro is not recommended, but it will work in a pinch if you keep track of their varied maintenance requirements. Planting thyme with other herbs can be tricky, as each herb has different watering and sunlight needs.
Thyme, for instance, prefers well-drained soil and full sun, while parsley thrives in moist soil and partial shade. If you are not careful, one plant will take up all the resources, and the other plants will not be able to survive. This will make your garden look unhealthy and unappetizing.
However, if you take the time to research the care requirements of each plant, you can successfully grow a diverse range of herbs in your garden. Just don’t forget to give them a little extra attention to ensure they all stay healthy and happy.
Spearmint
Herbs are a great way to add flavor and fragrance to your cooking and landscaping. However, not all herbs play well together. Specifically, you should not plant spearmint near other mints, chamomile, rosemary, or parsley. The scents of these herbs are incompatible, and mint plants will become more vigorous if planted nearby.
If you’re looking to add mint to your garden, spearmint is a great option. It’s a hardy plant that doesn’t require much maintenance, and it has a refreshing, spearminty fragrance that can add a touch of flavor to any dish. Unfortunately, spearmint is best grown on its own, as it can quickly take over other plants if given a chance.
So if you’re planning on adding spearmint to your garden, be sure to give it some space from other herbs. With some planning, you can create a beautiful and fragrant garden that everyone can enjoy.
Peppermint
The peppermint plant is a versatile and popular herb with many uses, from flavorings and teas to aromatherapy and insect repellents. However, peppermint should not be grown alongside other mints, parsley, or chamomile.
This is because the peppermint plant can be very invasive, quickly spreading through underground runners and crowding out other plants. In addition, the peppermint plant emits a strong fragrance that can overwhelm other herbs, making it challenging to taste or smell them.
As a result, it is best to grow peppermint by itself in a pot or in a bed that is well isolated from other plants. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the many benefits of peppermint without harming other plants.
Dill
Dill is a popular herb that is often used in pickling, as well as in soups and salads. The dill plant is easy to grow and doesn’t take up much space in the garden. However, it would help if you did not plant dill with sage or lavender.
Dill and sage share the same root system, so they compete for nutrients. In addition, the dill plant can stunt the growth of lavender. So if you’re looking to add dill to your garden, make sure to plant it in a different bed from your sage and lavender.
Basil
Basil is a delicious and versatile herb that can be used in various dishes, from pesto to Caprese salad. However, basil is a notoriously finicky plant, and it can be challenging to get it to thrive. One of the keys to success is choosing the proper companions for your Basil plants.
While you can plant basil alongside other herbs, sage is basil’s sole “poor” dry-climate companion. This is because basil needs high levels of moisture to survive, and sage is a drought-tolerant plant that will compete with basil for water.
As a result, planting basil and sage together will likely lead to disappointing results. If you’re looking to add basil to your herb garden, it’s best to choose companions with similar watering needs.
Sage
Sage is a beautiful herb that has many culinary and medicinal uses. However, sage is a dry-climate plant that does not tolerate dampness well. For this reason, it is essential to plant sage separately from other herbs such as basil and dill. Sage prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil.
If the soil is too moist, the sage will develop root rot and other problems. When planting sage, give it plenty of room to spread. Sage can grow quite large, so it is important to provide it with enough space to reach its full potential. Sage can be an excellent addition to any herb garden with a bit of care.
Parsley
Parsley is a popular herb that is often used to add flavor to food. However, it would be best if you did not plant parsley near thyme, oregano, or lemon herbs. Lemon herb odors will affect parsley’s softer scents, as thyme and oregano are dry-climate plants.
Parsley will do best if planted in an area with moderate humidity and plenty of sunlight. It is best to plant parsley indoors if you live in a dry climate. However, with proper care, parsley can thrive in almost any environment.
Lavender
Lavender and dill are two popular herbs that are often used in cooking. While they have different flavors, they can complement each other quite well. However, it is best to plant these herbs apart when it comes to growing them.
Dill repels pests for lavender, which some gardeners prefer, but this advantage is lost because the herbs don’t grow well together.
In addition, lavender and cilantro compete for the same nutrients, so separating them is an excellent way to ensure that both plants get the resources they need to thrive.
By planting lavender and dill in separate areas of the garden, you can help ensure that both herbs reach their full potential.
Cilantro
Cilantro is a popular herb often used in Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. However, cilantro does not grow well in dryer climates and should not be planted with other herbs that thrive in these conditions, such as rosemary and thyme. Cilantro requires high humidity and moist soil to flourish, and it will quickly wilt in hot, dry weather.
Additionally, cilantro has a strong aroma that can overpower the delicate flavors of other herbs. For these reasons, it is best to plant cilantro in its own garden bed or pots so that it can be adequately cared for. By doing so, you can enjoy fresh cilantro without harming the other plants in your garden.
What herbs don’t grow well together in the same container?
As any seasoned gardener knows, not all plants play well together. In fact, some herbs can actually be damaging to other plants if they are grown in the same container. Below are some samples:
Mint and parsley
Mint and parsley are two of the most popular herbs, but they don’t always play well together. Parsley prefers full or partial sun and moist soil, while mint prefers partial light and should only be irrigated when the soil has completely dried. As a result, they can often compete for resources, leading to decreased growth for both herbs.
Additionally, mint is a very aggressive plant that can quickly crowd out other herbs in a container garden. For these reasons, growing mint and parsley in separate containers are best. Doing so will ensure that both herbs have the space and resources they need to thrive.
Dill and pepper
Dill and pepper are two herbs that don’t grow well together. This is because dill draws spider mites that feast on peppers and lavender, which can injure them.
So if you’re growing dill and pepper in the same container, keep an eye out for spider mites and take steps to control them if necessary. Otherwise, you’ll likely end up with a disappointing harvest.
Chives with marjoram, oregano, sage, rosemary, and thyme
Chives are a versatile and tasty herb that can be used in various dishes. However, if you’re growing chives in a container, there are certain herbs that you should avoid planting in the same pot. Chives prefer moist soil, so they don’t do well with drought-tolerant herbs like marjoram, oregano, sage, rosemary, and thyme.
These herbs prefer drier, sandier soils, so they will compete with the chives for moisture. In addition, the chives will also shade out the smaller herbs, preventing them from getting the sunlight they need to grow. For best results, plant chives in a pot by themselves or with other moisture-loving herbs like parsley or mint.
Cilantro and fennel
Cilantro and fennel are one of the many herbs that don’t grow well together in the same container. When cilantro and fennel are planted together, they are highly competitive, resulting in poor performance, drying out, or death of either herb.
As a general rule, it’s best to avoid planting herbs with similar growth habits together in the same container. Instead, choose complementary plants that will support each other’s growth. By considering each individual plant’s needs, you can create a healthy and thriving herb garden that provides you with an abundance of fresh herbs all season long.
Can I plant multiple herbs together?
You may plant herbs together as long as they have similar needs, so if you have basil, parsley, and lemon balm seeds sitting around your house, don’t hesitate to combine them in one container, provided they’re adequately spaced.
What are the things to consider when selecting herbs to plant together in the same container?
As any gardener knows, herbs are a versatile and valuable addition to any landscape. Not only do they add flavor and depth to dishes, but you can also use them for medicinal purposes. While many assume that herbs must be grown in separate containers, this is not always the case.
You can plant multiple herbs together if they have similar needs. This can save space and money, making it an excellent option for those with limited resources. However, when choosing which herbs to plant together, it is essential to consider their individual needs.
For example, some herbs require more sunlight than others. Others may need more or less water. By considering these factors, you can create a harmonious planting that will thrive for years to come.
Conditions of the soil and water
Because some herbs prefer dry soil and others prefer moist soil, group herbs with comparable water and soil requirements together so they can thrive together. Lavender and rosemary, for example, grow well together because they prefer a sandier, drier soil.
Height
Combine tall and trailing herbs in a way that they cascade over the container’s edges. This keeps the fennel tops from overflowing the container.
Requirements for Water and Sun
Plant herbs that require a lot of sun and water, such as cilantro, basil, and tarragon. In the same container, do not mix these herbs with ones that require less water and more shade.
What herbs can be planted near each other?
When you’re planting a garden, it’s important to think about what herbs can be planted near each other. Some herbs need lots of sun and some herbs need partial shade. Some herbs like mints spread aggressively and can take over your garden if you’re not careful.
Other herbs, like lavender, are very low-maintenance and don’t require much care at all. So, when planning your herb garden, be sure to consider the needs of each herb. Below is a list of some common herbs and their ideal growing conditions.
Basil
It is a versatile and tasty herb that goes well with parsley, cilantro, and tarragon.
Cilantro
Also known as coriander in some parts of the world, it goes well with parsley, basil, and tarragon.
Lavender
It’s a must-have in your herb garden as a fresh herb and much better dried. Grow rosemary, oregano, sage, thyme, and marjoram with it.
Lemon thyme
Unlike its cousin thyme, lemon thyme has a vibrant, citrus flavor. Other lemony herbs, such as lemon verbena and lemon balm, go well.
Oregano
A traditional Italian dish. This herb pairs well with rosemary, marjoram, sage, lavender, and thyme.
Parsley
Your typical herb. Combine it with basil, cilantro, and tarragon in a single pot.
Rosemary
It can be challenging with some herbs, but marjoram, oregano, sage, lavender, and thyme are all good partners.
Want to start a balcony herb garden? We have tips for that!
