I’ve always loved growing basil in my garden, but learning which plants to avoid pairing with it has been a journey.
You’ll be surprised by some of the companions that just don’t get along with this aromatic herb!
1. Sage
There’s something about certain plant combinations that just don’t work. Sage, with its robust aroma and flavor, doesn’t play well with basil. Their growth cycles and soil nutrient needs clash, leading to poor results for both plants.
If you want your basil to thrive, keep it away from sage. The competition between their roots for nutrients and water can stunt their growth, leaving you with less than stellar herbs. This rivalry in the garden is one best avoided by giving sage its own space.
Consider planting sage in a separate container to keep both herbs at their best.
2. Fennel
Some plant pairings seem destined for conflict. Fennel is one of those plants that can bring trouble to a basil patch. It releases substances into the soil that can inhibit the growth of neighboring plants, including basil.
The allelopathic properties of fennel create an unfriendly environment for basil, leading to stunted growth or even failure to thrive. For a flourishing herb garden, it’s wise to separate these two entirely.
Place fennel at a distance from basil to prevent any negative interactions and ensure both grow healthily.
3. Rue
Not all herbs make good neighbors. Rue is known for its aromatic foliage and medicinal properties, but it’s not a friend to basil. The chemicals in rue can interfere with the growth of basil, resulting in weaker plants.
This incompatibility is due to the aromatic compounds released by rue, which can affect basil’s vitality. For a healthy herb garden, consider planting rue and basil separately.
Keeping them apart ensures that both herbs can flourish without hindrance, maximizing your garden’s potential.
4. Thyme
In the world of herbs, some simply don’t see eye to eye. Thyme, with its woody stems and robust nature, doesn’t complement basil well. Their differing needs for soil moisture and sunlight can lead to one thriving at the expense of the other.
If you love both herbs, it’s best to give them separate spaces. Basil prefers more moisture, while thyme thrives in drier conditions. This fundamental difference can lead to frustration if they’re grown side by side.
Consider separate containers or garden plots to keep both plants happy.
5. Chamomile
Some might think that two aromatic plants would be a good match, but that’s not always the case. Chamomile, despite its calming properties, doesn’t pair well with basil. Their differing light and water requirements can create challenges.
Basil enjoys more moisture and sunlight, whereas chamomile can adapt to less. This disparity means they compete rather than complement each other. For a thriving herb garden, keep these two apart.
By planting them separately, you ensure that both can grow under ideal conditions, leading to a more successful gardening experience.
6. Cilantro
Pairing certain herbs can be a recipe for disaster. Cilantro, with its unique flavor and growth habits, doesn’t fit well with basil. Their contrasting environmental needs can lead to compromise, rather than collaboration.
Basil prefers a warmer, more humid climate, while cilantro thrives in cooler, damp conditions. This mismatch in preferences means that one or both may struggle if grown together.
For the best results, consider planting cilantro and basil in separate locations to give each the environment it needs to flourish.
7. Dill
Incompatible plant pairings abound, and dill is another herb to keep away from basil. Dill’s growth pattern and nutrient needs can overshadow basil, leaving it undernourished and weak.
The towering nature of dill can block sunlight from reaching basil, hindering its growth. Additionally, dill’s pungent oil can impact basil negatively if planted too close.
To avoid these issues, give dill its own space, allowing basil to bask in the sunlight and nutrients it needs to thrive. This separation ensures a vibrant herb garden.
8. Rosemary
Herb gardening requires thoughtful planning, as not all plants make good neighbors. Rosemary, with its woody stems and preference for drier conditions, doesn’t align well with basil’s needs.
Basil requires more moisture and different soil conditions, making it difficult for both to thrive if planted together. Their conflicting requirements can lead to one or both plants suffering.
For optimal growth, consider planting rosemary and basil in separate areas, allowing each to benefit from the specific care they need.
9. Oregano
When it comes to herbs, not all pairings are harmonious. Oregano, with its robust nature and love for dry soil, doesn’t match basil’s preferences. Their differing water and light needs can lead to conflict.
Basil needs more moisture and sunlight to flourish, whereas oregano does well in drier, sunnier spots. Placing them together can stunt growth and diminish harvests.
For a healthy, thriving garden, choose separate locations for basil and oregano, allowing each to enjoy optimal growing conditions.
10. Lavender
In gardening, some matches are just not made to last. Lavender, with its preference for dry, sunny conditions, doesn’t complement basil well. Basil’s love for moisture and richer soil contrasts sharply with lavender’s needs.
Planted together, one is likely to suffer, impacting your garden’s overall success. Lavender’s hardiness in dry conditions makes it tough for basil to compete for resources.
To avoid these challenges, plant lavender and basil in separate areas, ensuring both can thrive under their preferred conditions.
11. Parsley
Not all herbs can share the same space successfully. Parsley, with its lush green leaves, doesn’t coexist well with basil. Their root systems compete for nutrients, leading to less vigorous growth for both.
Basil’s need for plenty of sunlight and moisture can be compromised by parsley’s presence, making it harder for either to flourish. This competition can lead to disappointment for gardeners.
To ensure both herbs grow successfully, plant them in separate areas, allowing each to receive the nutrients and conditions they need.
12. Mint
Some herbs are notorious for their invasive nature, and mint is one of them. This trait makes it a poor companion for basil, which prefers a more balanced environment.
Mint’s aggressive growth can overshadow basil, stealing nutrients and sunlight. This competition can stunt basil’s growth and reduce its vitality. For a harmonious garden, it’s best to keep these two apart.
Plant mint in a contained space to prevent it from taking over, ensuring basil gets a fair chance to thrive.
13. Caraway
Caraway is another plant that doesn’t play well with basil. Its root system and nutrient demands can conflict with those of basil, leading to reduced growth for both plants.
The competition for resources can hinder basil’s development, making it less robust and flavorful. This clash in requirements can lead to frustration for gardeners seeking a bountiful harvest.
By planting caraway in a separate location, you allow basil the space and nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy, enhancing your garden’s productivity.
14. Garlic
Garlic is a staple in many gardens, but it doesn’t make the best neighbor for basil. The strong sulfur compounds in garlic can interfere with basil’s growth, leading to weaker plants.
This chemical interference can prevent basil from reaching its full potential, compromising the quality and quantity of your harvest. To protect your basil plants, keep them away from garlic.
Consider planting garlic in a separate bed or container to allow both plants to flourish without hindrance, maximizing their potential in the garden.
15. Onion
Like garlic, onion also poses challenges as a companion plant for basil. Its strong aroma and nutrient demands can overshadow basil, reducing its growth and vitality.
The competition for space and resources can leave basil struggling to compete, impacting its development. This rivalry can lead to lackluster harvests if not managed well.
To ensure both plants thrive, consider planting onion and basil separately, allowing each to receive the nutrients and space they require to grow optimally.
16. Broccoli
Some plant pairings can lead to unproductive gardens. Broccoli, with its large leaves and nutrient demands, doesn’t make a good companion for basil. Their differing needs can lead to competition rather than cooperation.
Basil requires more sunlight and water, while broccoli can overshadow basil, limiting its access to these essentials. This can result in reduced growth and vigor.
Separate planting ensures that both basil and broccoli can receive the optimal conditions they need to thrive, leading to a more successful and bountiful garden.
17. Cauliflower
Cauliflower, while a delicious vegetable, doesn’t complement basil in the garden. Their nutrient and space requirements can clash, leading to reduced growth for both plants.
Basil’s needs for sunlight and moisture can be compromised by cauliflower’s presence, diminishing the quality of both crops. This competition can lead to disappointing results.
To maximize both plants’ potential, consider planting them in separate areas where they can each receive the conditions they need to flourish.
18. Cabbage
In the quest for a thriving garden, some combinations just don’t work. Cabbage, with its expansive leaves and nutrient demands, doesn’t pair well with basil. Their needs for sunlight and space can lead to competition.
Basil may struggle to receive adequate light and nutrients if overshadowed by cabbage, affecting its growth. For successful gardening, give each plant the space it needs.
By planting cabbage separately, you allow basil to thrive under its preferred conditions, enhancing your garden’s productivity.
19. Kale
Though both are beloved in the kitchen, kale and basil don’t make great garden companions. Kale’s large leaves can overshadow basil, blocking essential sunlight and nutrients.
This lack of resources can stunt basil’s growth, leading to less robust plants. To ensure both herbs succeed, it’s best to plant them separately.
Giving each the space they need allows for optimal growth, ensuring a bountiful harvest of both kale and basil.
20. Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts, with their dense foliage, can create challenges for basil in the garden. Their size and nutrient needs can overwhelm basil, limiting its growth potential.
The competition for sunlight and water can leave basil struggling, resulting in less vigorous plants. To ensure both thrive, consider separate planting areas.
This approach allows each plant to receive the resources they need, maximizing the productivity and health of your garden.
21. Asparagus
As with many plants, asparagus and basil don’t make ideal neighbors. Asparagus’s deep roots and nutrient requirements can compete with basil, impacting its growth adversely.
This competition can lead to stunted basil plants, compromising the quality and flavor. To avoid these issues, plant asparagus and basil in different areas.
By giving each plant the space and nutrients they need, you ensure a successful and thriving garden environment.
22. Corn
Corn’s towering stalks can create a challenging environment for basil. The shade and competition for nutrients can inhibit basil’s growth, leading to less vibrant plants.
This mismatch in needs can result in a compromised harvest if not addressed. For best results, consider planting corn and basil separately.
This separation ensures that basil receives the light and resources it needs to thrive, producing a healthy and flavorful crop.
23. Pumpkin
Pumpkin’s sprawling vines and nutrient demands can overshadow basil, creating a competitive environment that hinders growth. This battle for resources can lead to lackluster basil plants.
For a thriving garden, it’s important to give pumpkin and basil their own space. By doing so, you allow both plants to access the conditions they need.
This strategy ensures a bountiful harvest of both basil and pumpkin, maximizing your garden’s potential.
24. Squash
Squash, with its extensive leaves and nutrient needs, doesn’t pair well with basil. The competition for space, sunlight, and nutrients can leave basil underdeveloped.
This overshadowing can lead to less robust plants, impacting the quality of your basil harvest. To avoid these issues, consider planting squash separately from basil.
By granting each plant its own space, you ensure thriving growth and a successful garden season for both.
25. Zucchini
Zucchini’s fast-growing nature and nutrient demands make it a challenging companion for basil. Their competition for space and resources can stunt basil’s growth, leaving it less vibrant.
This rivalry can lead to disappointment if not managed properly. To maximize your garden’s potential, plant zucchini and basil in separate areas.
This separation allows each to thrive under their preferred conditions, producing a more bountiful and successful harvest.
26. Tomato
While often seen in recipes together, basil and tomatoes don’t always make the best garden companions. Their differing nutrient needs can lead to competition, affecting growth.
Basil requires more moisture and specific soil conditions that tomatoes may not provide. This mismatch can result in less robust plants if planted together.
For healthier basil and tomatoes, consider planting them in separate sections of the garden, allowing each to thrive under optimal conditions.
27. Peppers
Like tomatoes, peppers can be a tricky match for basil in the garden. Their nutrient and light needs can conflict, leading to competition and reduced growth for both.
Basil may struggle to compete with peppers for resources, impacting its vitality and yield. For the best results, plant peppers and basil separately.
This approach allows each to access the conditions they need to grow strong and healthy, ensuring a successful and productive garden.
28. Eggplant
Eggplant’s robust nature and nutrient demands can overshadow basil, creating a challenging environment in the garden. This competition for resources can leave basil underdeveloped.
Without adequate space and nutrients, basil’s growth can be stunted, impacting the quality of your harvest. To avoid these issues, plant eggplant and basil separately.
By ensuring each plant has its own area, you enhance the overall health and productivity of your garden.
29. Strawberry
Though strawberries are a delightful addition to any garden, they don’t pair well with basil. Their sprawling nature and nutrient needs can compete with basil, impacting its growth.
This competition can leave basil struggling to access the resources it needs to thrive. For a successful garden, consider planting strawberries and basil separately.
This separation ensures both plants receive optimal conditions, leading to a bountiful and healthy harvest.
30. Melon
Melon’s sprawling vines and nutrient demands can overshadow basil, making it a challenging companion in the garden. This competition for resources can lead to less robust basil plants.
To ensure both plants flourish, it’s best to plant them in separate areas. By doing so, you allow each plant to thrive under its preferred conditions.
This strategy ensures a successful harvest of both basil and melon, enhancing the productivity of your garden.
31. Cucumber
Cucumber’s climbing nature and extensive nutrient needs make it a poor companion for basil. The competition for resources can leave basil struggling to thrive, reducing its vitality.
This mismatch can result in less productive plants if not addressed. For the best results, plant cucumber and basil separately.
This approach provides each plant with the space and conditions they need, ensuring a more successful and bountiful garden.
32. Peas
Peas, with their climbing habits and nutrient demands, can pose challenges when planted with basil. Their need for space and resources can overshadow basil, impacting its growth.
This competition can lead to less vigorous basil plants, reducing your harvest. For a thriving garden, consider planting peas and basil in separate locations.
By giving each plant its own space, you ensure they both receive the optimal conditions they need to flourish.
33. Beans
Beans, like peas, can create competition for nutrients and sunlight when grown with basil. Their climbing nature can overshadow basil, stunting its growth.
This competition can result in less productive plants, affecting your overall garden yield. For the best results, plant beans and basil separately.
This separation ensures both plants have access to the resources they need, leading to a more successful and bountiful harvest.