Basil is one of the most beloved herbs in home gardens. Its aromatic leaves enhance everything from fresh salads to pasta sauces, and it’s a staple in cuisines around the world. But did you know that basil’s growth, flavor, and health can be dramatically improved by planting it alongside certain companion herbs?
Companion planting is the practice of growing plants near each other to promote growth, repel pests, and enhance flavors. When done thoughtfully, it transforms your garden into a thriving ecosystem where herbs support each other naturally.
In this guide, we’ll explore five herbs you should always plant with basil, explaining how they boost flavor, control pests, and create healthier, more productive plants.
Why Companion Planting Works for Basil
Basil thrives when it’s surrounded by compatible plants for several reasons:
- Pest Management – Certain herbs naturally repel aphids, mosquitoes, and other pests that target basil.
- Enhanced Flavor – Companion herbs can influence the chemical compounds in basil, resulting in richer, more aromatic leaves.
- Improved Growth – Some herbs attract beneficial insects, improve soil quality, or provide partial shade, all of which support basil’s development.
- Efficient Use of Space – Planting herbs together maximizes garden space while creating a natural mini-ecosystem.
By carefully choosing basil’s neighbors, gardeners can enjoy healthier plants and stronger harvests without relying heavily on chemical pesticides.
1. Oregano: A Natural Pest Shield
Oregano is more than a flavorful pizza topping—it’s a powerful basil companion.
- Repels Pests – The strong aroma of oregano deters aphids, thrips, and spider mites, all common pests for basil.
- Enhances Flavor – The presence of oregano can subtly influence basil’s essential oils, intensifying its fragrance.
- Attracts Beneficial Insects – Oregano flowers draw pollinators and predatory insects like ladybugs, which help keep harmful pests in check.
Planting Tips:
- Grow oregano around the perimeter of basil beds to act as a natural barrier.
- Choose compact varieties to avoid shading basil excessively.
- Allow some oregano to flower to attract beneficial insects.
2. Thyme: Enhances Aroma and Health
Thyme is a low-growing herb with a woody stem and strong scent that complements basil in the garden.
- Repels Harmful Insects – Aphids, whiteflies, and cabbage worms dislike thyme’s aroma.
- Promotes Basil Growth – Thyme’s shallow roots won’t compete heavily for nutrients, allowing basil to flourish.
- Improves Soil Microbes – Thyme encourages beneficial fungi in the soil, enhancing nutrient uptake for neighboring plants.
Planting Tips:
- Interplant thyme between basil plants for maximum pest deterrence.
- Choose trailing or compact thyme varieties to avoid shading basil leaves.
- Harvest thyme regularly to stimulate new growth and maintain aroma.
3. Parsley: Attracts Beneficial Predators
Parsley is a versatile herb that works wonders when planted near basil.
- Draws Predatory Insects – Ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps are attracted to parsley, helping control aphids and other pests on basil.
- Enhances Soil Health – Its root system aerates the soil, improving water and nutrient flow to basil roots.
- Supports Pollination – Parsley flowers provide nectar for pollinators, indirectly supporting basil flowering and seed production.
Planting Tips:
- Plant parsley at the base of basil to avoid overcrowding.
- Use flat-leaf or curly varieties based on your space and harvesting preferences.
- Keep soil consistently moist for parsley and basil alike.
4. Chives: A Flavor Booster and Insect Repellent
Chives are excellent companions for basil, offering both culinary and garden benefits.
- Repels Aphids and Japanese Beetles – Chives’ sulfur compounds deter many common basil pests.
- Enhances Basil Flavor – Basil growing near chives often develops a more complex, slightly sharper aroma.
- Attracts Pollinators – Chive flowers draw bees, supporting healthy basil flowering.
Planting Tips:
- Plant chives in clusters around basil beds.
- Cut chive flowers before they set seed to prolong foliage production.
- Avoid planting too densely to maintain airflow and prevent mildew.
5. Cilantro: Improves Growth and Protects Roots
Cilantro, with its feathery leaves and refreshing aroma, is an ideal basil companion.
- Deters Pests – Cilantro’s strong scent discourages aphids, spider mites, and leaf miners.
- Boosts Basil Growth – Cilantro releases compounds into the soil that may stimulate basil root development.
- Attracts Beneficial Predators – Parasitic wasps and hoverflies are drawn to cilantro flowers, controlling pest populations naturally.
Planting Tips:
- Sow cilantro near basil but give each plant enough space to avoid leaf overlap.
- Cilantro grows quickly—harvest leaves regularly to prevent bolting.
- Consider succession planting to ensure continuous pest control and growth benefits.
Companion Planting Benefits Beyond Pest Control
Planting herbs together offers additional advantages for your garden ecosystem:
- Microclimate Support – Taller herbs can provide shade for basil in hot climates, reducing leaf scorch.
- Soil Moisture Retention – Low-growing herbs like thyme and oregano act as living mulch, retaining soil moisture.
- Biodiversity Boost – Diverse herb combinations attract a variety of insects, ensuring a balanced ecosystem.
- Space Efficiency – Vertical and horizontal growth patterns complement each other, maximizing harvests per square foot.
Tips for Maximizing Basil Flavor and Health
- Plant in well-draining soil – Basil thrives in rich, loamy soil with good drainage.
- Provide adequate sunlight – At least 6–8 hours of sunlight per day ensures strong growth.
- Water consistently – Keep soil moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot.
- Prune regularly – Removing flowers and harvesting leaves encourages fuller, bushier growth.
- Rotate herbs annually – Prevents soil-borne diseases and nutrient depletion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with companion herbs, gardeners sometimes make errors:
- Overcrowding plants – Herbs need space to breathe; crowded beds increase fungal risk.
- Planting incompatible species – Avoid placing basil near plants with heavy nutrient demands or tall plants that shade it completely.
- Ignoring soil pH and fertility – Basil prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil; companion herbs with different preferences may compete if soil isn’t balanced.
- Neglecting pest monitoring – Companion planting helps, but regular inspection is still essential.
Conclusion
Basil is a versatile, flavorful herb that benefits tremendously from carefully chosen companions. Oregano, thyme, parsley, chives, and cilantro not only enhance basil’s flavor but also protect it from pests and improve overall plant health.
By using companion planting strategies, gardeners can create a thriving herb garden that minimizes chemical inputs, maximizes yields, and produces aromatic, flavorful leaves. The key is balance: spacing, sunlight, watering, and timely harvesting all contribute to success.
When you plant basil with these five herbs, you’re not just growing individual plants—you’re cultivating a mini-ecosystem where each herb supports the others. The result is stronger, more flavorful basil and a garden that thrives naturally, season after season.