‘Companion Planting’ Is the Greenest Way to Make Your Herb Garden Thrive

If you haven't heard the term "companion planting" before, Mary Smith, professional gardener and owner of Mary's Heirloom Seeds, sums it up perfectly: "There are a lot of different herbs you can use to benefit other crops in your garden. And that's where companion planting comes in," she says. "Companion planting is simply planting companions of varieties that grow well together and that might benefit the other crop."

Some companion plants repels pests. Others help to boost the flavor profile of its nearby friend. All in all, whether you're planting herbs with other herbs, or herbs with certain veggies, you're able to get so much out of your garden. Extra bonus: It also saves you space by allowing you to plant different varieties in the same container.

'Companion planting' with the best herbs to plant together

When planting herbs together, there are a couple prime factors that play into how good of companions they'll be: the amount of water they need and the amount of space they need. You don't want one plant to hog all the nutrients from the soil. Also, plants that have strong scents or tastes can change a neighboring plants' flavor and scent—something you want to avoid.

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While some herbs don't grow well at all together and require an area all to themselves (like mint!), these plants do better when paired with a friend. And if you have a veggie garden you want to add some herbs to, take a peek at the varieties that thrive when they have a companion.

1. Basil

Herbs you can pair it with: oregano, cilantro, parsley, tarragon, chives

Veggies that pair well with basil: asparagus, tomatoes, broccoli

2. Sage

Herbs you can pair it with: rosemary

Veggies that pair well with sage: cabbage, carrots, beans, strawberries, peas

3. Cilantro

Herbs you can pair it with: caraway, anise

Veggies that pair well with cilantro: beans, celery, cabbage, lettuce, peas, spinach

4. Parsley

Herbs you can pair it with: chives, rosemary, basil

Veggies that pair well with parsley: asparagus, corn, tomatoes, radish

5. Oregano

Herbs you can pair it with: basil, thyme, sage

Veggies that pair well with oregano: cauliflower, cabbage

6. Thyme

Herbs you can pair it with: oregano

Veggies that pair well with thyme: cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli

7. Rosemary

Herbs you can pair it with: sage, parsley

Veggies that pair well with rosemary: cabbage, beans, carrots