Most gardeners are familiar with companion planting in the vegetable garden, finding combinations of compatible plants that grow well in pairs or as a group, such as the famous three sisters combo of squash, corn, and beans. There is also a science to companion planting in the herb garden, and many herbs are great complements to plants in your veggie garden as well.
The strong fragrances herbs are known for come along with lots of gardening benefits, from driving away pests that destroy your crops to enticing beneficial insects that feed on garden misfits. Some herbs can enhance the flavor of neighboring plants or increase the essential oil content of other herb specimens planted nearby.
Today we’re going to talk about herbs that can be planted together. This is especially great for those who don’t have a lot of space!
HERBS THAT CAN BE PLANTED TOGETHER
MEDITERRANEAN HERBS:
The rule of thumb is this: plants that like the same environment will go well together! Take for example the following Mediterranean herbs that can be planted together: these herbs like warm, sunny locations!
SAGE
Although tolerant to shady environments, sage becomes most flavoursome when exposed to lots of sunlight. Sage likes sandy soil and is tolerant to dry conditions. As a result it should not be planted with herbs which prefer rich, fertile soil.
THYME
An easy to grow and less demanding herb, it adapts to all types of soils and is highly resistant to drought. You only need to provide it the sun. After four or five years this low growing plant loses some of its perfume and you may need to replace the old plants.
ROSEMARY
Use it fresh or dried, rosemary is a boon to have in a kitchen garden. Growing rosemary from seeds is slightly difficult as it takes time, quicker way is to buy a potted rosemary plant and multiply it from cuttings.
MARJORAM
Marjoram requires little care and is one of the best plants for beginner gardeners. Water it once a week, but if you do forget, it’s perfectly okay since marjoram is drought-tolerant.
OREGANO
This pungent herb is most favorite of many. It is known for centuries throughout the Mediterranean and West Asia, where it grows freely. Growing oregano is not difficult, grow it from seeds, cuttings or buy a few potted plants for your garden in the spring. To ensure the quality, remove 3-4 years old plant and grow new ones.
LAVENDER
You can grow lavender in a variety of climates. Suitable for cool temperate or Mediterranean climates you can also grow this most beautiful herb in subtropical regions. If you want to multiply it, do it by cuttings of 10 cm. in size in summer.
OTHER HERBS THAT CAN BE PLANTED TOGETHER:
TARRAGON
Prune your tarragon plants regularly to prevent flowering and keep the height to about 2 feet. Mulch around your plant, especially if you live in a colder climate, to protect the roots during winter.
For healthy tarragon plants, divide them every 3-4 years in the spring or fall. New plants can be grown from stem cuttings or root cuttings.
CILANTRO
Place your potted cilantro in a pot where it will receive plenty of morning sunlight. Cilantro does not like sunlight all day long, so make sure the afternoon light is not as strong. Keep the soil moist but do not overwater as the roots will then start to rot.
BASIL
Basil must be planted in full sun (6 hours minimum) in a well-drained and moist soil. Pick leaves to encourage the growth and when the plant is young pick the tips for thick bushier shape.
PARSLEY
Parsley is a biennial herbaceous plant, although it can also be grown as an annual. It is propagated from seeds easily, place it in a sunny or shady it doesn’t mind, parsley is not picky about soil type too. However, choose soil that is not too compact. It is one of the most easy to grow herbs for containers.
