Bee balm is a fantastic addition to any garden, known for its vibrant blooms and ability to attract pollinators. However, not all plants make good neighbors for this bright beauty.
Here are 35 plants you should consider keeping at a distance from your bee balm to ensure a thriving garden.
1. Fennel
When gazing across a sunlit garden, one plant stands tall with feathery grace. That’s fennel, a formidable foe when grown near bee balm. Its aggressive root system can overtake the surrounding soil, stealing nutrients from its neighbor.
Moreover, fennel can produce chemicals that inhibit the growth of nearby plants, making it a challenging companion for many. If you’re aiming for a harmonious garden, consider planting fennel far from your bee balm. This setup will ensure both plants can flourish independently without the worry of competition.
2. Garlic
In the quiet corners of vegetable gardens, one plant makes its pungent presence known. Yes, it’s garlic, renowned for its ability to ward off pests. However, its strong chemical compounds can interfere with bee balm’s growth.
Planting garlic too close to bee balm might result in stunted growth for both. To maximize their benefits, consider spacing them well apart. This separation allows each plant to thrive in its own space, providing pest control while preserving the vibrant blooms of your bee balm.
3. Cabbage
Among the rows of leafy greens, a vegetable sits plump and sprawling. Cabbage, with its dense foliage, can overshadow the delicate bee balm.
The broad leaves of cabbage often monopolize sunlight, leaving little for neighboring plants. Their water demands can also be substantial, requiring careful irrigation management. By distancing cabbage from bee balm, you ensure that both receive adequate sunlight and water, leading to a healthier garden overall.
4. Asparagus
In spring, tender shoots peek through the soil, promising a delicious harvest. Asparagus, however, isn’t the best companion for bee balm.
This perennial can dominate root space, making it difficult for bee balm to establish itself. Moreover, the distinct growing seasons of asparagus and bee balm can lead to nutrient competition. By planting these two apart, you grant them both room to grow and flourish without stepping on each other’s roots.
5. Carrots
In the tapestry of a vegetable patch, slender roots dive deep into the soil. Carrots, with their feathery tops, might seem harmless, but they can compete with bee balm for nutrients.
Their underground growth can limit root space, affecting the health of nearby plants. When considering companion planting, keeping carrots away from bee balm can prevent such issues. This strategy allows both the bee balm and carrots to thrive without vying for the same resources.
6. Tomatoes
Beneath the summer sun, vines stretch out bearing juicy red fruit. Tomatoes, while delicious, are not ideal neighbors for bee balm.
Their sprawling nature can overshadow the colorful blooms, while both plants vie for nutrients. Additionally, tomatoes are heavy feeders, demanding rich soil that might leave bee balm wanting. By giving these two plants separate spaces, you ensure they both have the opportunity to bloom and produce to their fullest potential.
7. Corn
In fields that touch the sky, rows of green wave gently in the breeze. Corn, though majestic, casts large shadows that can hinder the growth of sun-loving plants like bee balm.
The height and density of corn stalks can block sunlight, crucial for bee balm’s vibrant blooms. Moreover, corn’s nutritional demands may outcompete neighboring plants. By planting corn at a distance, you allow both it and the bee balm to grow abundantly, basking in their preferred conditions.
8. Onions
Nestled in beds with their tops poking through the soil, onions quietly grow. Yet, their presence can affect sensitive neighbors like bee balm.
Onions release chemicals that can impede the growth of some plants. This interaction can stunt the vibrant blooms of bee balm, leading to a less colorful display. Keeping onions separate from bee balm ensures that both plants can thrive without adverse interactions.
9. Beans
As vines twist and climb, a garden favorite emerges with promise. Beans, particularly certain varieties, may not be the best match near bee balm.
Their climbing habit can overshadow smaller plants, depriving them of much-needed sunlight. Additionally, beans can fix nitrogen in the soil, altering the nutrient balance for neighboring plants. By separating beans and bee balm, you provide both the opportunity to flourish without competing for essential resources.
10. Potatoes
Beneath the earth’s surface, tubers expand and store energy. Potatoes, though valuable, can compete aggressively with bee balm for space.
Their extensive root systems can monopolize nutrients and water, affecting the growth of nearby plants. By planting potatoes away from bee balm, you ensure that both plants access the nutrients and space they need to thrive healthily.
11. Sunflowers
Towering above the garden, brilliant blooms track the sun’s path. Sunflowers, with their commanding presence, can overshadow shorter plants like bee balm.
Their tall stature can block crucial sunlight, hindering the growth of sun-loving plants. Additionally, sunflowers can secrete substances that inhibit the growth of surrounding plants. By keeping sunflowers at a distance, you allow bee balm to bask in the sunlight it needs to thrive.
12. Horseradish
In garden corners, a bold and spicy root thrives. Horseradish, although beneficial against pests, doesn’t mingle well with bee balm.
Its rapid growth and large leaves can crowd out smaller plants, while its root system competes for nutrients. To prevent competition, keep horseradish and bee balm well apart. This arrangement allows both plants to grow robustly in their respective zones.
13. Cucumbers
Trailing across trellises, a refreshing green vegetable thrives. Cucumbers, with their sprawling nature, can overtake garden space allocated for bee balm.
The vines can create shade, limiting bee balm’s access to sunlight. Additionally, cucumbers have high water needs that can stress neighboring plants. Separating these two ensures that cucumbers can climb freely while bee balm enjoys the sun and nutrients it needs.
14. Pumpkins
In sprawling patches, vibrant orange orbs rest on the soil. Pumpkins, while eye-catching, can dominate space and resources if planted near bee balm.
The extensive vines and leaves can overshadow smaller plants, limiting their growth. Additionally, pumpkins’ nutrient demands can starve nearby plants. By planting pumpkins away from bee balm, both can thrive in their preferred environments, free from competition.
15. Zucchini
Amidst the garden’s greens, a fast-growing vegetable spreads its leaves wide. Zucchini, with its vigorous growth, can overshadow the delicate bee balm.
The broad leaves can shade out smaller plants, while both zucchini and bee balm compete for sunlight and nutrients. To ensure both plants prosper, consider planting them in separate areas of your garden.
16. Rhubarb
Amidst the garden’s bounty, a tart perennial stands with bold foliage. Rhubarb, though delicious, can crowd out more delicate neighbors like bee balm.
Its large leaves can create shade, impacting the growth of nearby sun-loving plants. Furthermore, rhubarb’s extensive root system can monopolize nutrients. By distancing rhubarb from bee balm, you give both plants the space needed to thrive separately.
17. Broccoli
In the midst of lush greens, a nutritious vegetable commands attention. Broccoli, with its dense foliage, can overshadow smaller garden plants such as bee balm.
The extensive leaf coverage might limit sunlight exposure, crucial for bee balm’s vibrant blooms. Additionally, broccoli’s water and nutrient needs can be substantial. To maintain a healthy garden, consider planting broccoli away from bee balm, allowing each to thrive individually.
18. Cauliflower
In a sea of green, a creamy-white vegetable stands out. Cauliflower, while nutritious, can be a challenging neighbor for bee balm.
Its large leaves may overshadow sun-loving plants, reducing their growth potential. Additionally, cauliflower’s nutrient demands can compete with those of nearby plants. By giving cauliflower and bee balm separate spaces, you ensure both plants can flourish without hindrance.
19. Brussels Sprouts
Standing tall in the garden, a unique vegetable grows with tiny cabbages on a stalk. Brussels sprouts, with their extensive leaf coverage, can overshadow shorter plants like bee balm.
Their growth habit can block sunlight, essential for the vibrant blooms of bee balm. Additionally, Brussels sprouts have significant nutrient requirements. By planting them separately, both plants can access the resources they need to grow robustly.
20. Squash
Trailing along garden beds, a delightful vegetable unfurls its large leaves. Squash, though varied and nutritious, can compete heavily with bee balm for space.
Its extensive growth can shade nearby plants, impacting their development. Additionally, squash’s nutrient needs may limit the availability for surrounding plants. By planting squash away from bee balm, you allow both to thrive unhindered in their respective domains.
21. Leeks
Among the garden’s offerings, a savory vegetable stands with poise. Leeks, while flavorful, can be demanding companions for bee balm.
Their growth can overshadow nearby plants, limiting sun exposure crucial for blooming. Additionally, leeks may compete for nutrients, affecting the vitality of neighboring plants. By giving leeks and bee balm their own space, you ensure a bountiful garden where both can thrive.
22. Radishes
Hidden beneath the soil, a quick-growing root vegetable matures rapidly. Radishes, with their swift growth cycle, can disrupt nearby plants like bee balm.
Their rapid maturation can compete for nutrients, affecting slower-growing plants. Furthermore, their dense planting might crowd bee balm. By planting radishes separately, both plants can enjoy optimal growth conditions without competition.
23. Peas
Climbing upwards with delicate tendrils, a sweet vegetable takes form. Peas, despite their appeal, can overshadow more delicate plants such as bee balm.
Their climbing habit can block sunlight, crucial for bee balm’s development. Additionally, peas may alter the soil’s nutrient balance, affecting nearby plants. By planting peas and bee balm apart, you ensure both plants grow healthily without interference.
24. Parsley
Among herbs, a fresh green plant adds life to the garden. Parsley, although aromatic, can be a challenging neighbor for bee balm.
Its dense foliage can shade smaller plants, limiting their growth. Additionally, parsley may compete for soil nutrients. By planting these two separately, you allow both to flourish without competing for essential resources.
25. Mint
In the herb garden, a fragrant plant spreads aggressively. Mint, beloved for its aroma, can quickly overtake space allocated for bee balm.
Its rapid spread can crowd out other plants, making it a dominant force in the garden. By keeping mint contained and away from bee balm, you ensure each can thrive without competition for resources.
26. Thyme
Nestled among stones, a hardy herb provides a fragrant touch. Thyme, though delightful, can be competitive in a garden setting with bee balm.
Its ground-covering habit can limit growth for neighboring plants. Additionally, thyme’s preference for dry soil contrasts with bee balm’s needs. By planting them separately, you ensure both plants enjoy optimal conditions.
27. Basil
In the summer sun, a fragrant herb graces the garden. Basil, while flavorful, can be a demanding neighbor for bee balm.
Its broad leaves can overshadow nearby plants, while both compete for sunlight and nutrients. By giving basil and bee balm their own space, you ensure they both thrive beautifully.
28. Oregano
In the herb garden, a zesty plant spreads its leafy branches. Oregano, while a culinary favorite, can overshadow its neighbors like bee balm.
Its creeping growth habit might limit space and nutrients for surrounding plants. By planting oregano apart from bee balm, you allow both to flourish, each enjoying its own space.
29. Rosemary
In dry, sunlit corners, an aromatic shrub stands resilient. Rosemary, though robust, can be a challenging neighbor for bee balm.
Its preference for arid conditions contrasts with the needs of bee balm. Additionally, rosemary’s growth habit can limit space for other plants. By planting these two apart, you ensure both thrive in their preferred environments.
30. Sage
In the midst of herbs, a soft-leaved plant offers wisdom. Sage, with its dense growth, can overshadow more delicate plants like bee balm.
Its foliage may limit sunlight and nutrients for neighboring plants. By giving sage and bee balm separate spaces, you ensure both have the room to grow robustly.
31. Chives
In a garden bed, slender stalks rise to greet the sun. Chives, albeit useful, can be demanding companions for bee balm.
Their growth can overshadow smaller plants, limiting vital sunlight. Additionally, chives’ nutrient needs might affect neighboring plants. By planting chives and bee balm separately, you ensure a flourishing garden with no competition.
32. Lavender
In a sunny patch, fragrant spikes sway with grace. Lavender, with its calming aroma, can overwhelm more delicate plants like bee balm.
Its preference for well-drained soil and dry conditions contrasts with bee balm’s needs. Additionally, lavender’s growth can limit space for nearby plants. By planting these two apart, you ensure both enjoy their ideal conditions.
33. Dill
In the summer garden, a feathery plant reaches skyward. Dill, though aromatic, can overshadow shorter plants such as bee balm.
Its tall growth and dense foliage can limit sunlight, crucial for vibrant blooms. Additionally, dill’s nutrient needs may compete with those of neighboring plants. By planting dill away from bee balm, you allow both to thrive in their respective spaces.