Catnip might be a favorite for your feline friends, but it’s not always the best neighbor for other plants. I noticed some of my garden favorites started looking sad whenever catnip was nearby, and that got me curious.
These 10 plants just don’t get along well with catnip’s strong personality, but luckily, there are plenty of better matches that thrive alongside it. Knowing which ones to keep apart can make your garden healthier and happier.
If you love growing catnip, this guide will help you avoid some tricky plant drama.
1. Basil
The aromatic oils from catnip can actually alter the distinctive flavor profile of basil. Many gardeners notice their basil becomes less potent when planted too close to this feline favorite.
Basil’s shallow root system also competes poorly against catnip’s aggressive growth. The mint family relative tends to overshadow and outcompete basil for nutrients, water, and sunlight, leaving you with smaller harvests and less flavorful leaves.
2. Cilantro
Delicate cilantro simply can’t compete with catnip’s vigorous growth patterns. The aggressive mint family member often overwhelms cilantro’s more refined root system, leading to stunted growth.
The strong minty compounds released by catnip can also affect cilantro’s distinctive flavor. Many gardeners report their cilantro develops an off-taste when grown nearby. Since both herbs prefer similar conditions, they’re constantly battling for the same resources.
3. Sage
Despite being a hardy herb itself, sage struggles when catnip moves into the neighborhood. The chemical compounds released by catnip roots can inhibit sage’s growth and reduce essential oil production in its leaves.
Mediterranean sage prefers drier conditions while catnip enjoys more moisture. This fundamental difference creates a watering conflict that stresses sage plants. Their competing root systems also battle for the same soil space, leaving sage at a disadvantage.
4. Carrots
Root vegetables like carrots need loose, unobstructed soil to develop properly. Catnip’s invasive root system creates a tangled underground network that physically blocks carrot development, resulting in stunted, misshapen roots.
The aromatic compounds catnip releases into the soil can also affect carrot flavor. Gardeners often find their carrots take on a slightly bitter taste when grown near catnip. Additionally, catnip’s height can shade these sun-loving vegetables, reducing their growth potential.
5. Strawberries
Sweet strawberries and aggressive catnip make poor garden companions. Catnip’s spreading habit quickly invades strawberry patches, competing for nutrients and making berry harvesting difficult.
The chemical compounds in catnip can alter soil composition in ways that reduce strawberry yield and sweetness. Strawberry plants also prefer more acidic soil than catnip, creating a pH conflict. The cats attracted to your catnip may inadvertently damage delicate strawberry plants while frolicking.
6. Tomatoes
Tomato plants develop stress symptoms when catnip grows nearby. Their fruit production often decreases as they compete with catnip’s aggressive root system for water and nutrients in the soil.
The aromatic oils from catnip can actually repel beneficial pollinators that tomatoes need for proper fruit set. Tomatoes also prefer slightly acidic soil, while catnip tends to neutralize soil pH over time. This fundamental soil chemistry mismatch creates long-term growing challenges.
7. Peppers
Heat-loving pepper plants show noticeable stress when planted near catnip. Their growth becomes stunted and fruit production decreases as catnip’s aggressive roots compete for the same resources.
Peppers and catnip have conflicting water needs, with peppers preferring consistent moisture and catnip tolerating drier conditions. The essential oils released by catnip can also deter the beneficial insects that peppers rely on for pollination. These factors combine to create a poor growing environment.
8. Beans
Bean plants, despite their nitrogen-fixing abilities, struggle when catnip is nearby. The aggressive mint family member often overshadows beans, reducing their sunlight exposure and limiting pod development.
The aromatic compounds in catnip can interfere with the beneficial bacteria beans need to fix nitrogen in their root nodules. Beans also attract specific pollinators that may avoid areas with strong-scented catnip. This combination of factors results in lower yields and less vigorous plants.
9. Cucumbers
Sprawling cucumber vines require ample space and nutrients that catnip often monopolizes. The strong mint scent of catnip can also repel the bees and other pollinators that cucumbers depend on for fruit development.
Cucumbers prefer more consistent moisture than catnip, creating a watering conflict. The chemical compounds released by catnip roots can inhibit cucumber germination and early growth. Many gardeners notice fewer and smaller cucumbers when these plants share garden space.
10. Lettuce
Delicate lettuce simply can’t compete with catnip’s aggressive growth habits. The shallow-rooted leafy greens quickly become stressed when forced to share soil resources with this mint family member.
Lettuce grows best in cooler weather, while catnip thrives in summer heat, creating a seasonal mismatch. The allelopathic compounds released by catnip can inhibit lettuce seed germination and slow growth. Lettuce also tends to become more bitter when grown in proximity to strong aromatic herbs like catnip.
11. Lavender
Mediterranean lavender creates a beautiful garden harmony with catnip’s silvery foliage and purple blooms. Both plants prefer similar well-drained soil conditions and tolerate drought once established, making watering schedules compatible.
Their complementary heights create visual interest without competition for light. Lavender’s strong scent actually helps mask catnip’s aroma from cats when you’d prefer less feline visitors. Both plants also attract beneficial pollinators, creating a buzzing, wildlife-friendly garden corner.
12. Marigolds
Bright, cheerful marigolds make excellent catnip companions with pest-repelling properties that benefit both plants. Their shallow root systems don’t compete with catnip’s deeper roots, allowing peaceful coexistence in the same bed.
Marigolds naturally deter many garden pests while catnip repels aphids and certain beetles. Together, they create a natural pest management system. The vibrant orange and yellow marigold blooms also create stunning visual contrast against catnip’s purple flowers, adding garden interest.
13. Roses
Classic roses benefit tremendously from catnip’s aphid-repelling properties. The mint family member naturally deters these common rose pests without harming the roses themselves, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
The contrasting growth habits create a visually pleasing garden vignette – roses reaching upward while catnip creates a lovely middle layer. Catnip’s purple blooms also complement virtually any rose color. Both plants enjoy similar sunlight requirements, making them compatible garden neighbors.
14. Sunflowers
Towering sunflowers create the perfect backdrop for mid-height catnip plants. Their deep taproots access water and nutrients from different soil layers than catnip’s fibrous roots, eliminating resource competition.
Sunflowers naturally attract beneficial insects that help pollinate catnip. The height difference ensures both plants receive adequate sunlight without shading each other. This pairing also creates a pollinator paradise, with bees buzzing between the giant yellow blooms and catnip’s small purple flowers.
15. Zinnias
Colorful zinnias create a pollinator paradise when planted alongside catnip. These easy-growing flowers attract butterflies and beneficial insects that also help pollinate nearby catnip, increasing bloom production for both plants.
Their complementary heights work beautifully in garden design – zinnias providing mid-level color while catnip creates a lower layer. Both plants are relatively drought-tolerant once established, making them low-maintenance companions. The vibrant zinnia colors also create stunning contrast against catnip’s silvery foliage.
16. Thyme
Low-growing thyme creates a beautiful ground cover beneath taller catnip plants. Both Mediterranean herbs prefer similar well-drained soil conditions and moderate watering, making them compatible garden companions.
Their different growth habits ensure they aren’t competing for the same garden space. Thyme’s spreading nature helps suppress weeds around catnip’s base. Both herbs also contain strong aromatic oils that help deter certain garden pests, creating a naturally protected garden corner.
17. Nasturtiums
Cascading nasturtiums create a beautiful companion for upright catnip plants. Their trailing growth habit complements catnip’s more vertical structure, creating visual interest without competition for space.
Nasturtiums act as a sacrificial plant, attracting aphids away from catnip and other valuable garden plants. Both plants attract beneficial insects while deterring problematic pests. The bright orange and yellow nasturtium blooms also create a stunning color contrast with catnip’s purple flowers.
18. Alliums
Ornamental alliums create striking vertical elements alongside mid-height catnip. Their globe-shaped purple blooms complement catnip’s smaller purple flowers, creating a cohesive color scheme with varied textures.
Alliums naturally repel many garden pests with their sulfur compounds, while catnip deters others – creating a comprehensive pest management system. Their different root structures access nutrients from different soil layers, preventing competition. Both plants also attract beneficial pollinators, enhancing the overall garden ecosystem.
19. Cosmos
Airy cosmos flowers create a dreamy backdrop for catnip’s more structured growth. Their delicate foliage and dancing blooms contrast beautifully with catnip’s denser habit, creating visual interest throughout the growing season.
Both plants attract beneficial insects while requiring minimal care once established. Cosmos’ height ensures catnip receives adequate sunlight without competition. Their complementary bloom times extend the garden’s flowering season, providing long-lasting color and pollinator support.
20. Echinacea
Native echinacea (coneflower) creates a pollinator haven when paired with catnip. Both plants attract beneficial insects while requiring similar growing conditions – full sun and well-drained soil.
Their complementary bloom times ensure continuous garden interest, with echinacea taking center stage as catnip flowers begin to fade. The purple and pink tones of echinacea blooms harmonize beautifully with catnip’s lavender flowers. Both plants also possess medicinal properties, making this pairing both beautiful and functional.