The 20 Best Basil Companion Plants

Planning your summer garden is an exciting time. First, you get to sort through all your seeds. And then comes the time to decide where to put things. Many gardeners like to plant their crops strategically, with space and care needs at the top of their minds. However, there is another approach – companion planting. Today, we’re looking at companion planting with basil, a popular summer herb. If you’re interested in trying this planting technique, read on to discover the top 20 companion plants for basil.

What Is Companion Planting?

There is an art (and science) behind companion planting. However, in a nutshell, companion planting is the practice of pairing two or more plants near each other. There are multiple thought processes behind the practice. When done right, companion planting can bring in beneficial insects and pollinators, repel or trap harmful pests, improve the flavor of nearby plants, or boost soil fertility.

Not all plants have equal ability to do all these jobs. So, finding the right combination is important. But don’t stress. Much of companion planting comes down to trial and error. You can start with the scientific research that has been done on some pairings or rely on wisdom handed down over the years. Then, it comes down to experimenting in your own garden to see what works for you.

What Are Good Companion Plants for Basil?

Thankfully, basil gets along with many plants. So the options are nearly endless. But there are some plants that this flavorful herb gets along better with. Without further adieu, here are some of the top companion plants for basil.

1. Asparagus

Basil and asparagus make fantastic companion plants. So, if you haven’t dedicated a corner of your garden to this perennial favorite, now’s the time! The combination of the two plants helps to attract beneficial insects and pollinators. Plus, adding the herb near your asparagus crop will help deter asparagus beetles.

2. Beets

One of the problems with planting root crops is that pests absolutely love the tasty greens, and can do some serious damage. Planting basil nearby helps to hide the scent of your beet greens, keeping pesky critters and harmful insects at bay.

3. Bell Peppers

We’ve listed bell peppers here, but the combo can really work for any pepper plant. When your basil goes to flower, it attracts pollinators that help improve your pepper plant production. Basil acts as a ground cover to prevent moisture loss. Basil also repels spider mites and unwanted flies.

4. Borage

Borage is one of the best possible plants to include near your basil. This stunning and delicate blue flower attracts pollinators and beneficial predatory insects. The latter will help hunt down pests that want to eat the basil before you do. This flower also reportedly improves basil flavor. So why not try the combo out and see if that is true?

5. Carrots

With basil planted nearby, carrot flies and unwanted garden intruders can’t easily smell your carrot crop. That will help protect the plants while they develop. 

6. Chamomile

This tiny, delicate flower is a beacon for pollinators. And the best part is that it will also help improve your basil plant’s flavor, making the harvest even better! Additionally, chamomile is a fantastic herbal tea, so you can enjoy it for more than just looks.

7. Chives

Many people love planting chives in their gardens, which is understandable. This herb packs a powerful punch and dehydrates very well. But what you may not know is that planting chives and basil together will help improve the latter’s flavor. Chives also attract pollinators when they flower.

8. Cilantro

Not everyone likes cilantro. You pretty much either love it or hate it. However, no matter which camp you fall into, planting cilantro near your basil is worth considering. Cilantro will improve basil’s flavor, help attract much-needed, pollinators, and its oils may repel pests.

9. Dill

One of the quintessential summer herbs can do much more than make a mean pickle! Planting dill nearby will enhance the flavor profile of your basil leaves. And, on top of that, bees and other pollinators absolutely love visiting dill’s tiny flowers. 

10. Garlic

Anyone who works with or eats garlic knows that it has a potent smell. But guess what…you’re not the only one who notices. The pungent garlic aroma works to repel whiteflies, aphids, and spider mites in the garden. So consider planting some near your basil to protect it from unwanted pests.

11. Marigolds

When you research companion planting, you will likely see marigolds mentioned everywhere. And there is a good reason that happens. This lovely flower is a best friend to countless garden vegetable plants. Its blooms attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps. Inviting those into your garden will keep unwanted pests at bay. They also attract pollinators, which are important for countless vegetables. But, more specifically, marigolds deter nematodes that like to feed on basil roots. There’s no downside to adding them to your garden.

12. Marjoram

While marjoram isn’t as common as other herbs, it packs a powerful punch. This flavorful plant repels pests and attracts beneficial insects. Additionally, marjoram likes the same growing environment as basil. So you can plant them side by side without worry.

13. Nasturtium

Nasturtiums are the perfect trap crop for any garden. Aphids and other pests get attracted to the plant and will leave your beautiful basil alone. 

14. Oregano

Not all herbs work well when they get planted next to basil. Thankfully, oregano does! Plant some near your basil plants for improved flavor to both herbs. Additionally, when oregano blooms, it helps attract necessary pollinators.

15. Parsley

This slow-growing herb is a fantastic friend of basil. When planted near each other, both will end up with more flavorful leaves. Parsley will also bring in pollinators when it blooms. But, if you want to do this pairing, give your parsley a slight headstart. 

16. Parsnips

Keep carrot flies, critters, and other harmful pests away when you plant basil near your parsnips. Since this root crop takes such a long time to develop, it is critical to protect it as much as possible.

17. Potatoes

Plant some basil near your potato plants for a surprising partnership. It likes the moist environment your potato plants need. And the herb helps to repel pests that like to plague growing potato plants.

18. Radishes

Basil hides the scent of your radish greens and will help keep pests away. Plus, they work well when interplanted together. Since radish greens grow lower to the ground, they won’t shade out your basil plants.

19. Tomatoes

What says summer more than the combination of tomatoes and basil? But they don’t just make the ideal culinary pairing. The two are phenomenal garden companions as well. Basil works to repel tomato hornworms and thrips. Plus, the herb can help boost tomato yield.

20. Turnips

Plant basil near your turnips to mask the scent that would otherwise attract harmful insects or small animals. 

What to Avoid Planting Near Basil

Since basil gets along so well with so many plants, it may be tempting to assume that you can plant anything near them. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Some vegetables and herbs do not get along with basil at all. Here are a few to avoid. 

Cucumbers

It may come as some surprise that basil and cucumbers don’t get along. However, if you plant them near each other, you risk negatively impacting the flavor on both sides. And cucumbers are moisture-hogs, leaving little available water for your basil plants.

Fennel

Fennel is a perennial vegetable that doesn’t get along with anything. That doesn’t mean you can’t plant it. It just likes its own space. Fennel is allelopathic and can damage or kill other nearby plants, including basil.

Sage

It’s not that sage and basil don’t get along per se. However, the two herbs like drastically different growing conditions. If you plant sage near your basil, one of the plants won’t thrive.

Rosemary

Like sage, rosemary likes markedly different growing conditions than basil. Keep the two apart for the best results.

Summary

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Nadya So/Shutterstock.com

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