Complete Gardening
Basil is a beloved herb in many gardens, known for its aromatic leaves and culinary versatility. However, not all plants make good neighbors for basil.
Some plants can stunt its growth, compete for nutrients, or even attract pests. In this blog post, we’ll explore 12 plants that you should avoid planting near your basil.
By understanding these incompatible pairings, you can ensure a thriving garden and a bountiful basil harvest.
1. Rue
Rue is not the best companion for basil. Its strong, aromatic scent and bitter taste can interfere with the growth of basil plants.
Rue’s allelopathic properties can inhibit the germination and development of nearby plants.
Moreover, rue can be quite aggressive in the garden, overshadowing smaller, more delicate plants like basil. To keep your basil thriving, it’s best to plant rue in a separate section of your garden.
This ensures that both plants have enough space and resources to flourish without negatively impacting each other.
2. Sage
Sage and basil are not compatible neighbors. Sage’s woody stem and robust growth can overshadow basil, blocking sunlight and stunting its growth.
Basil prefers a more humid environment, while sage thrives in dry conditions, creating an incompatible microclimate.
Additionally, sage can compete for nutrients, depriving basil of essential resources. For a harmonious garden, consider planting sage and basil in separate areas, allowing each herb to grow under ideal conditions without competition.
3. Fennel
Fennel is a poor companion for basil due to its allelopathic properties. It releases certain chemicals that can inhibit the growth of other plants, including basil.
This can lead to stunted growth and reduced yields for your basil crop. Fennel is also quite tall, potentially shading basil and depriving it of sunlight.
To ensure a healthy basil patch, it’s wise to keep fennel at a distance. This separation allows both plants to thrive without hindrance, enjoying their distinct growing conditions.
4. Thyme
Thyme and basil don’t make the best garden companions. Thyme’s low-growing, sprawling nature can crowd out basil, competing for space and nutrients.
While thyme prefers drier conditions, basil thrives in consistent moisture, leading to conflicting watering needs.
This difference can stress both plants if grown together. For optimal growth, consider planting thyme and basil in separate garden beds, catering to their unique preferences and ensuring each herb gets the attention it needs.
5. Cilantro
Basil and cilantro have contrasting growth habits that make them unsuitable neighbors. Cilantro’s rapid growth can overshadow basil, competing for light and space.
Additionally, cilantro prefers cooler temperatures, while basil thrives in warmth, creating a microclimate clash.
For best results, plant basil and cilantro in separate areas, allowing each herb to flourish under its preferred conditions. This approach supports healthier plants and more bountiful harvests.
6. Lavender
Lavender and basil have different environmental needs, making them incompatible companions. Lavender prefers well-drained, dry soil, while basil thrives in moist conditions.
This difference can create tension in shared spaces, leading to suboptimal growth.
Additionally, lavender’s robust, woody stems can overshadow basil, blocking sunlight and air circulation. To ensure both plants thrive, consider planting them in separate garden areas, catering to their distinct needs and promoting healthier growth.
7. Rosemary
Rosemary and basil have contrasting growth requirements, making them poor garden companions. Rosemary prefers drier, well-drained soil, while basil needs consistent moisture.
These differing needs can lead to one plant thriving while the other struggles.
Also, rosemary’s bushy growth can overshadow basil, blocking sunlight and air movement. For optimal results, plant rosemary and basil in separate garden sections, allowing each to grow in its ideal environment. This separation ensures both herbs reach their full potential.
8. Oregano
Oregano and basil have clashing growth needs, making them unsuitable companions. Oregano’s vigorous growth can overtake basil, competing for light and nutrients.
While oregano enjoys dry conditions, basil requires consistent moisture, leading to watering conflicts.
To promote healthy growth, plant oregano and basil in separate areas, allowing each herb to thrive in its preferred environment. This approach supports better yields and healthier plants.
9. Cabbage
Cabbage and basil are not ideal companions due to their size disparity. Cabbage’s large leaves can overshadow basil, reducing light and air circulation.
This shading can stunt basil growth and diminish its yield.
Additionally, cabbage requires more nutrients, potentially depriving basil of essential resources. To ensure both plants flourish, consider separate planting areas, allowing each to access the light and nutrients it needs for optimal growth.
10. Marigolds
Marigolds and basil have contrasting growth habits that make them incompatible neighbors. Marigolds can spread aggressively, overshadowing basil and competing for nutrients.
Their strong scent may also interfere with basil’s aromatic profile, impacting its culinary use.
For a harmonious garden, consider planting marigolds and basil in separate areas, ensuring each plant has the space and resources it needs to thrive.
11. Chamomile
Chamomile and basil have different growth habits, making them unsuitable neighbors. Chamomile’s sprawling nature can compete with basil for space and light.
This competition can lead to reduced basil growth and yield. Additionally, chamomile prefers cooler, less humid conditions than basil, creating a microclimate clash.
For best results, plant chamomile and basil in separate areas, allowing each herb to grow in its ideal conditions and ensuring healthier plants.
12. Parsley
Parsley and basil have different growth requirements, making them incompatible companions. Parsley’s dense growth can overshadow basil, competing for light and space.
While parsley enjoys partial shade, basil thrives in full sun, creating a lighting conflict.
To promote optimal growth, plant parsley and basil in separate garden sections. This separation allows both herbs to flourish in their preferred environments, supporting healthier plants and better yields.