Basil Companion Plants
Basil thrives when paired with the right plants, creating a garden that is both productive and harmonious.
Combining this versatile herb with compatible companions can boost its growth, protect it from pests, and contribute to a healthier garden ecosystem.
Published: January 23, 2025.
Why Companion Planting Benefits Basil Growth
Companion planting enhances the growth and health of basil while improving the surrounding garden ecosystem.
Growing basil near compatible plants can increase its yield, protect it from pests, and even enhance its flavor. Certain plants release chemicals or fragrances that repel insects and other pests harmful to basil, while others attract beneficial pollinators. This natural synergy reduces the need for chemical pesticides and creates a healthier garden environment.
Companion planting can also improve soil quality and nutrient availability. Some plants add nutrients to the soil or help retain moisture, creating optimal growing conditions for basil.
Additionally, proper companion plants can act as natural shade providers, protecting basil from harsh sunlight during peak summer heat. Combining basil with the right companions leads to a vibrant and productive garden.
Top Companion Plants for Basil: A Garden Boost
Several plants thrive when grown near basil, providing mutual benefits that result in healthier and more productive crops.
Tomatoes are among the best companions for basil. Basil’s strong scent repels pests such as aphids and whiteflies, which commonly attack tomato plants.
In return, tomato plants offer shade that helps basil thrive in hot weather. The combination also enhances the flavor of both crops, making them a popular pairing in both the garden and the kitchen.
Peppers benefit similarly from being planted near basil. The herb’s natural pest-repelling properties protect peppers from insects like thrips and spider mites. Basil also helps improve the growing conditions for peppers, leading to stronger plants and better yields.
Marigolds make excellent companions for basil due to their ability to deter nematodes and other soil-borne pests. The bright flowers attract pollinators, which benefit the entire garden. Other flowers like calendula also pair well with basil, adding beauty and functionality to the planting arrangement.
Carrots thrive near basil, as the herb’s scent confuses pests that target carrot tops. Beans and asparagus also complement basil by improving soil nitrogen levels and deterring common garden pests.
Choosing these companion plants creates a balanced, pest-resistant environment that supports robust basil growth and a thriving garden.
Herbs That Pair Well With Basil in the Garden
Certain herbs grow exceptionally well alongside basil, creating a harmonious garden environment.
Parsley is an excellent companion, as it thrives in similar conditions of full sun and moist, well-draining soil. Parsley’s low-growing nature does not compete with basil for sunlight, and its presence can attract beneficial insects like hoverflies that help keep pests in check.
Chives are another great partner for basil. Their strong aroma repels aphids and other insects that might target basil leaves. Chives also attract pollinators with their delicate purple flowers, benefiting the entire garden ecosystem. The compact growth of chives makes them ideal for planting near basil in small spaces or container gardens.
Oregano complements basil both in the garden and in culinary uses. It shares basil’s preference for sunny locations and well-draining soil. Oregano’s dense growth can serve as a ground cover, helping retain soil moisture while also deterring pests like spider mites and aphids. When planted together, these herbs create a productive and visually appealing herb garden, offering fresh flavors for a variety of dishes.
Flowers That Protect and Enhance Basil Plants
Planting flowers alongside basil provides pest protection and adds visual interest to the garden.
Marigolds are among the best flowers to grow near basil. Their vibrant blooms repel nematodes and aphids, while their scent confuses pests, reducing the risk of infestations. Marigolds also attract pollinators, which benefit nearby plants and improve overall garden health.
Calendula, often referred to as pot marigold, pairs well with basil for similar reasons. Its bright yellow and orange flowers deter pests like whiteflies and beetles. Calendula also produces a sticky resin that traps harmful insects, protecting basil and surrounding plants from damage.
Other beneficial flowers include nasturtiums, which serve as trap crops, luring aphids and other pests away from basil. Their edible flowers and leaves are a bonus for culinary use.
Zinnias add bold colors to the garden while attracting bees and butterflies, ensuring pollination for other plants.
Combining these flowers with basil not only improves pest resistance but also creates a thriving, beautiful garden that supports biodiversity.
Vegetables That Flourish When Grown With Basil
Basil is a beneficial companion for several vegetables, enhancing their growth and protecting them from common pests.
Carrots are an excellent example. Basil’s strong scent confuses carrot flies, reducing the risk of infestation. In turn, carrots grow well without competing with basil for resources, making them a harmonious pairing in the garden.
Asparagus thrives near basil, benefiting from its pest-repelling properties. Basil helps deter aphids and spider mites, which often target asparagus plants. The taller asparagus plants provide partial shade to basil during the hottest parts of the day, creating a mutually beneficial relationship.
Beans are another ideal companion for basil. As legumes, beans improve soil nitrogen levels, enriching the growing environment for basil and nearby plants. Basil, in return, keeps pests like bean beetles at bay, protecting the bean plants from damage. This combination creates a productive, pest-resistant garden setup.
Planting these vegetables alongside basil enhances garden health, improves soil quality, and reduces the need for chemical pest control, fostering a more sustainable growing environment.
Plants to Avoid Growing Near Basil
While basil pairs well with many plants, certain species should be avoided due to incompatible growing requirements or negative interactions.
Sage is one such plant. Sage prefers drier, less fertile soil, which contrasts with basil’s need for consistently moist and nutrient-rich conditions. Planting them together can result in poor growth for both.
Cucumbers are another plant to avoid growing near basil. Basil’s strong aroma, while beneficial for deterring pests, can impact cucumber plants by attracting pests like cucumber beetles. Additionally, cucumbers and basil have differing water requirements, with cucumbers needing a higher level of soil moisture, which may lead to overwatering issues for basil.
Fennel is also incompatible with basil, as it releases chemicals into the soil that can inhibit the growth of nearby plants, including basil. Keeping these plants separate ensures both can thrive without interference.
Choosing compatible neighbors for basil and avoiding these plants helps maintain a balanced, healthy garden that supports optimal growth for all.
Companion Planting Strategies for Small Spaces
Companion planting in small spaces, such as containers, raised beds, or compact garden plots, maximizes growth and efficiency. Container gardening is ideal for combining basil with compatible plants like parsley, chives, or small tomato varieties.
Use a wide, shallow container to provide enough space for the roots of all plants while ensuring proper drainage. Position taller plants like tomatoes in the center or back of the container, with basil and smaller herbs around the edges to optimize sunlight exposure.
Raised beds are another excellent option for companion planting. Grouping basil with vegetables like carrots and beans takes advantage of the limited space by layering growth levels. Basil can occupy the perimeter, while root crops and legumes grow below and alongside, creating a multi-functional planting area. This setup minimizes competition for sunlight and nutrients while promoting pest control.
For small garden plots, intersperse basil among vegetables and flowers that benefit from its pest-repellent properties. Avoid overcrowding, and use vertical supports for climbing plants to free up ground space. Careful spacing ensures adequate airflow, reducing the risk of fungal diseases and allowing all plants to thrive in close quarters.
Using Basil as a Pest-Repellent Companion
Basil’s natural aroma and chemical compounds make it a valuable pest-repellent companion in the garden. The strong scent helps deter aphids, mosquitoes, and whiteflies, making basil an effective partner for crops that are prone to these pests. Placing basil near tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants not only protects these plants but also enhances the garden’s overall health.
Basil is especially effective in repelling flies and mosquitoes, making it a popular choice near patios or outdoor dining areas. When planted alongside vegetables like carrots and asparagus, basil can prevent infestations from carrot flies and spider mites. Its ability to confuse and repel pests reduces the need for chemical pesticides, promoting a more natural and sustainable garden.
To maximize its pest-repellent properties, plant basil in small clusters near crops that benefit the most from its presence. Regularly pinching back basil leaves keeps the plant healthy and aromatic, ensuring continued pest protection throughout the growing season. This dual-purpose approach provides both functional pest control and a flavorful addition to meals.
Pairing Basil With Perennials and Ornamentals
Integrating basil into ornamental gardens with shrubs and perennial flowers adds both aesthetic and functional value. The vibrant green of basil plants contrasts beautifully with colorful blooms like roses, zinnias, and geraniums, creating a visually appealing garden design. Basil's pest-repelling properties also benefit these ornamental flowers, protecting them from common pests like aphids and spider mites.
Lavender and thyme, popular perennials, pair well with basil, as they share similar sunlight requirements and contribute to a fragrant, multi-textured garden. Shrubs like hydrangeas or boxwoods can serve as a backdrop, while basil fills in gaps with its lush foliage. For best results, plant basil at the front of borders or garden beds, where its compact growth can complement the taller perennials without competing for sunlight.
Basil’s ability to thrive alongside ornamentals creates a harmonious garden environment, blending utility and beauty. Regular pruning ensures the herb remains healthy and maintains its shape, contributing to a polished, cohesive appearance in the garden.
Creating a Balanced Ecosystem With Basil Companions
Companion planting with basil fosters a balanced, sustainable garden ecosystem by promoting biodiversity and natural pest control. Basil’s aromatic leaves deter pests such as aphids, mosquitoes, and whiteflies, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. When paired with companion plants like tomatoes, marigolds, and beans, basil contributes to a self-sustaining environment where plants support each other’s growth and health.
Introducing pollinator-friendly flowers, such as calendula or zinnias, alongside basil encourages the presence of beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. These pollinators enhance the productivity of fruits and vegetables, creating a thriving garden. Additionally, legumes like beans enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen, improving conditions for basil and other plants.
Maintaining diversity in the garden with basil companions also helps prevent monoculture issues, such as increased susceptibility to pests or diseases. Strategically planting basil near vegetables, herbs, and flowers builds resilience within the garden, ensuring healthier plants and more abundant harvests while supporting local wildlife and pollinators.