Mint is one of those herbs that everyone loves to grow, but let’s be honest—it doesn’t always play nice with others. It’s the garden overachiever, spreading wherever it pleases if you don’t keep it in check.
The good news is, when paired with the right plants, mint can become the perfect garden buddy. Some plants can actually benefit from mint’s natural pest-repelling powers, while others simply make a great visual or culinary match.
Here are 20 amazing companion plants that can thrive alongside mint and keep your garden both beautiful and balanced!
1. Basil
In the world of herbs, aroma is everything. Basil, with its sweet, peppery fragrance, complements mint perfectly. The two plants, when grown together, create a symphony of scents that can deter pests from invading your garden.
Basil’s tendency to repel aphids and other common insects makes it a protective neighbor. Additionally, the companionship leads to healthier and more flavorful leaves for both herbs, making your culinary adventures even more exciting.
2. Oregano
Herbs like to mingle in the garden, and oregano fits right in with mint. With its robust flavor and hardy nature, oregano serves as a fantastic ground cover that suppresses weeds. This partnership not only keeps unwanted plants at bay but also enhances soil moisture retention.
Oregano’s natural oils can also repel pests, offering additional protection. The result is a harmonious herb bed that’s both productive and visually appealing.
3. Rosemary
Aromatic gardens benefit greatly from diversity, and rosemary adds a woody, pine-like fragrance to mint’s freshness. When these two robust plants grow nearby, they create an inviting environment that pollinators love.
Rosemary’s drought-tolerant nature also means it doesn’t compete with mint for moisture, making them ideal partners. Together, they form a resilient duo that thrives with minimal fuss, perfect for a low-maintenance garden.
4. Cilantro
Gardeners often celebrate when herbs work together harmoniously. Cilantro brings its unique citrusy flavor to the mix, pairing beautifully with mint. When grown alongside each other, they can deter harmful insects, creating a pest-free oasis.
Cilantro’s rapid growth can also provide shade for mint, helping to retain soil moisture. This dynamic duo ensures a thriving herb garden full of zest and life.
5. Parsley
In a garden where herbs abound, parsley stands as a supportive friend to mint. With its crisp, clean flavor, parsley doesn’t overshadow mint but rather enhances the overall herbaceous aroma. The two work together to create a deterrent for beetles and other pesky intruders.
Additionally, parsley’s compact growth provides natural mulching, contributing to healthier soil. This friendship leads to a flourishing herb patch that delights the senses.
6. Chives
Garden harmony is achieved with companions like chives. These slender, onion-flavored greens share space with mint, offering more than just flavor. Chives’ strong aroma can ward off aphids and other pests that might trouble mint.
Their tall, slender stalks add vertical interest, making the garden visually engaging. Together, they create a balanced and vibrant herb corner that attracts beneficial insects.
7. Thyme
In the sunlit garden corners, thyme finds a cozy spot with mint. This woody herb, with its earthy aroma, acts as a natural pest repellent. Thyme’s low-growing nature helps cover the ground, reducing weeds and conserving moisture.
This companionship promotes healthier growth for mint, ensuring lush leaves. Together, thyme and mint create a fragrant and effective herb garden duo.
8. Lemon Balm
Herbal gardens rejoice with the addition of lemon balm alongside mint. Its lemony scent is not only refreshing but also acts as a natural insect repellent. When grown together, these aromatic herbs can enhance each other’s growth and deter pests.
Lemon balm’s ability to attract beneficial insects makes it a valuable companion. This partnership results in a vibrant and aromatic garden space.
9. Sage
Among the textured leaves of the herb garden, sage finds kinship with mint. The earthy, slightly peppery aroma of sage complements mint’s cool freshness. Together, they can deter cabbage moths and carrot flies, keeping your garden safe.
Sage’s robust nature also offers shade, helping mint retain moisture. The result is a resilient herb garden that thrives in harmony.
10. Tarragon
Tarragon brings a hint of anise to the garden, creating a delightful pairing with mint. These two herbs, when grown together, can enhance each other’s flavors and growth. Tarragon’s ability to repel harmful insects makes it a protective companion.
The combination helps maintain a healthy garden environment. This partnership offers a unique blend of scents and flavors that enrich your culinary experiences.
11. Lavender
In a serene garden setting, lavender’s calming presence is enhanced by mint. The floral notes of lavender blend beautifully with mint’s freshness, creating a soothing atmosphere. This combination is known to repel pests like mosquitoes and flies.
Lavender’s drought resistance complements mint’s moisture-loving nature, allowing them to coexist peacefully. Together, they form a fragrant and pleasing garden alliance.
12. Marigold
Color and scent collide when marigolds join mint in the garden. The bright, cheerful blooms of marigolds not only add visual appeal but also repel nematodes and other pests. This vibrant partnership ensures a healthier growing environment for mint.
Marigolds’ ability to attract beneficial insects further enhances garden biodiversity. Together, they create a lively and pest-resistant garden display.
13. Bee Balm
Pollinator’s paradise is achieved with bee balm near mint. The vibrant flowers of bee balm attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making your garden buzz with life. This partnership enhances pollination while mint’s aroma deters unwanted pests.
Bee balm’s tall stature also provides a natural windbreak for mint. Together, they create a thriving and wildlife-friendly garden space.
14. Catnip
In the playful corners of the garden, catnip finds a spirited partner in mint. Known for attracting felines, catnip’s presence adds a whimsical touch to the garden. Together, they can ward off pests like flea beetles and squash bugs.
Catnip’s soothing properties complement mint’s invigorating fragrance, creating a balanced herb bed. This charming duo ensures a garden full of fun and function.
15. Borage
Garden vibrancy is achieved with borage alongside mint. The star-shaped blue flowers of borage attract pollinators, enhancing the garden’s biodiversity. This partnership not only boosts mint’s growth but also repels pests like tomato hornworms.
Borage’s ability to enrich the soil with trace minerals benefits mint’s health. Together, they create a dynamic and thriving garden ecosystem.
16. Chamomile
Tranquility meets freshness when chamomile pairs with mint. The gentle, apple-like scent of chamomile complements mint’s cool aroma, creating a calming herb bed.
Chamomile’s natural properties can enhance mint’s growth and flavor. This partnership also attracts beneficial insects, promoting garden health. Together, they create a serene and productive herbal garden.
17. Fennel
In the tall and lush garden spaces, fennel adds its unique charm to mint. The aromatic seeds of fennel can enhance mint’s flavor while repelling pests like slugs. This partnership creates a balanced herb garden, offering both height and ground cover.
Fennel’s deep roots help aerate the soil, benefiting mint’s health. Together, they form a harmonious and functional herbal alliance.
18. Dill
In sunlit patches, dill brings its feathery elegance to mint’s company. Known for its fresh, slightly tangy flavor, dill complements mint’s coolness. This combination can deter pests like aphids and spider mites, creating a protective barrier.
Dill’s tall growth provides natural shade, conserving soil moisture for mint. Together, they create a vibrant and well-balanced herb garden.
19. Yarrow
Garden wildness is embraced with yarrow alongside mint. The clusters of tiny flowers yarrow produces attract beneficial insects, enhancing pollination. This partnership can improve mint’s health by reducing pest presence.
Yarrow’s ability to improve soil quality benefits mint’s growth and vitality. Together, they create a diverse and thriving garden habitat.
20. Calendula
Cheerful and vibrant, calendula finds a bright companion in mint. The orange and yellow blooms of calendula attract beneficial insects and repel pests like aphids.
This partnership ensures a healthier environment for mint, enhancing its growth. Calendula’s petals can also enrich the soil with nutrients. Together, they create a lively and colorful garden that delights the senses.