Companion planting can benefit your garden in so many ways, from reducing pests to attracting pollinators and improving soil fertility. You can pair many plants together, but what about basil?
I learned from my mistakes a few years ago when I experimented with pairing some veggies with basil, which didn’t go well. My basil started getting weaker and I almost lost this amazing herb!
Luckily, I was able to fix things quickly, and after that I stopped planting basil near the plants that almost cost me the tastiest aromatic leaves. Of course, I needed to do some research immediately, and guess what? I found out some shocking information!
There are actually many herbs and vegetables that are a big no-no for planting near basil. Since fall is the ideal season for sowing basil seeds, I wanted to show you which plants to avoid growing next to your basil.
Don’t start planting your basil until you go through each of these veggies and spices!
Planting Basil Near Rue Can Transform Sweet Yumminess Into A Bitter Taste
Rue is an evergreen herb that has a bitter flavor. I remember the first time I tried its leaves when I was a kid, my tongue was numb for hours! I know that this might shock you but this herb can actually pass on its bitter taste to your basil if you plant it nearby!
Another reason why you shouldn’t grow this herb near basil is that rue attracts all kinds of pests. But, there are a few plants that make perfect companions for rue! You can pair rue with roses, figs, or raspberries.
Fennel Won’t Be A Friendly Neighbor To Your Basil
Fennel is an herb that isn’t a smart choice to plant near many plants, including tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, and basil! But why is this herb so dangerous?
Well, fennel actually produces a chemical that spreads through the soil and can weaken basil’s growth! Basil won’t be able to show its amazing leaves, and what else is to blame but fennel’s toxicity?
There are only a few plants you can plant next to fennel: lettuce, peas, and sage!
Growing Melons Next To Basil Will Leave You Without Aromatic Leaves To Harvest
Growing melons can be fun, but it’s not a good idea to plant your basil near them! These crops can easily overpower your basil because they need lots of space in your garden.
They also take all the nutrients from the soil and there won’t be anything left for your herb to boost its growth! But melons can enjoy the company of other plants, such as bush beans, collard greens, marigolds, and bee balm.
Cucumbers Tend To Steal All The Water From Your Basil
Cucumbers are 96% water, which means they require a lot of watering to thrive. So if you grow basil near these veggies, it won’t get any water because they will take it all for themselves!
They will take all the water from your basil if it’s planted near them. Besides watering problems, basil can also affect the cucumber’s flavor. So, it’s best not to plant these two together! But here is some good news! They grow well when near corn, beans, sunflowers, and garlic!
Now your basil will thrive incredibly and won’t be overshadowed by these herbs and veggies! Knowing which plants you shouldn’t grow near your basil can help it grow healthily and without any complications.