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You can grow a surprising number of plants with basil, from delicious vegetables to fragrant herbs that thrive alongside it.
Basil isn’t just a solo star in your garden; it’s a fantastic companion that can help you grow with basil a whole host of other crops.
If you’ve been wondering what you can grow with basil, you’ll be thrilled to know that this aromatic herb is a gardener’s best friend.
In this post, we’ll explore the best companion plants for basil, what you can grow with basil in the same bed, and which plants should stay far away.
Let’s dig in and discover how to make your garden flourish when you grow with basil.
Why You Should Grow With Basil
Growing with basil is one of the smartest moves you can make in your vegetable garden, and here’s why.
1. Natural Pest Deterrent
When you grow with basil, you’re signing up for a natural pest control system that works around the clock.
Basil’s strong, aromatic oils repel common garden pests like mosquitoes, flies, and tomato hornworms.
This means the plants you grow with basil get a protective shield without any chemical sprays.
Gardeners love how basil keeps aphids and spider mites away from their prized vegetables.
2. Improved Flavor of Neighboring Crops
Many gardeners swear that certain plants grow with basil taste better when planted nearby.
Tomatoes, in particular, are said to develop a sweeter, more robust flavor when they grow with basil.
The same goes for peppers and lettuce, which seem to benefit from basil’s presence.
It’s not just folklore; the essential oils from basil can subtly influence the soil and air around them.
3. Efficient Use of Garden Space
Growing with basil lets you maximize every inch of your garden bed.
Basil has a compact, upright growth habit that doesn’t crowd out sprawling plants like squash or tomatoes.
You can tuck basil between taller crops or along the edges of beds, and you’ll grow with basil in a way that uses space wisely.
This also means fewer weeds, since basil’s dense foliage shades the soil and blocks unwanted growth.
Best Vegetables to Grow With Basil
Let’s get into the specifics of what you can grow with basil, starting with the vegetables that absolutely love this herb.
1. Tomatoes: The Classic Pairing
You simply cannot talk about what you can grow with basil without mentioning tomatoes.
Tomatoes and basil are a match made in heaven, both in the garden and in the kitchen.
When you grow with basil and tomatoes together, the basil repels hornworms that love to munch on tomato leaves.
Plus, the two plants have similar water and sunlight needs, making them easy to care for side by side.
2. Peppers for a Spicy Boost
Peppers are another excellent choice when you decide to grow with basil.
Both bell peppers and hot peppers thrive in warm, sunny conditions, just like basil.
Growing with basil helps peppers by attracting beneficial pollinators like bees to your garden.
The basil’s strong scent also confuses pests that might otherwise target your pepper plants.
3. Leafy Greens Like Lettuce and Spinach
If you want to grow with basil in cooler spots, leafy greens are a wonderful option.
Lettuce, spinach, and arugula appreciate the dappled shade that basil provides during hot afternoons.
When you grow with basil, the herb’s low-growing leaves help retain soil moisture that greens crave.
This pairing also means you can harvest fresh salads with basil for months on end.
4. Root Vegetables Like Beets and Carrots
You can absolutely grow with basil when it comes to root vegetables.
Beets and carrots grow underground, so they don’t compete with basil for above-ground space.
Growing with basil helps loosen the soil around these roots, allowing them to develop more easily.
The basil also attracts beneficial insects that prey on carrot flies and other root pests.
Fruits and Herbs You Can Grow With Basil
Beyond vegetables, you’ll be amazed at the fruits and herbs you can grow with basil in the same garden.
1. Strawberries for Sweet Companionship
Strawberries grow with basil beautifully, and there are several reasons for this pairing.
Basil’s scent masks the sweet aroma of ripening strawberries, which can confuse birds and insects.
When you grow with basil and strawberries, you also get a beautiful, low-maintenance ground cover.
The two plants have similar watering needs, so you won’t have to fuss with different schedules.
2. Oregano and Rosemary for a Herb Haven
You can grow with basil other herbs that share its love for sunny, well-drained spots.
Oregano and rosemary are Mediterranean herbs that thrive alongside basil.
When you grow with basil and these herbs, you create a fragrant, pest-resistant corner of your garden.
Plus, you’ll have all the fresh herbs you need for Italian cooking in one handy spot.
3. Asparagus for a Perennial Partnership
Asparagus is a perennial that you can grow with basil as a perennial companion.
Once asparagus is established, basil can fill in the spaces between the fern-like fronds.
Growing with basil helps attract ladybugs, which feed on aphids that might attack asparagus.
This partnership means your asparagus bed will be healthier and more productive year after year.
What Not to Grow With Basil
While there are many things you can grow with basil, a few plants simply don’t get along with it.
1. Keep Rue Away from Basil
Rue is a herb that actually inhibits basil’s growth, so you should not grow with basil anywhere near it.
This plant releases chemicals into the soil that stunt basil and cause its leaves to yellow.
If you want your basil to thrive, keep rue in a completely separate part of the garden.
2. Avoid Cucumbers and Sage
Cucumbers are a tricky one because they need lots of water, while basil prefers drier soil.
When you try to grow with basil and cucumbers together, one of them will usually suffer.
Sage is another herb that competes aggressively with basil for nutrients and space.
So, while you can grow with basil many plants, these two are best left alone.
3. Fennel Is a Bad Companion
Fennel has a reputation for being allelopathic, which means it secretes substances that kill nearby plants.
You definitely cannot grow with basil when fennel is occupying the same bed.
This is one pairing that will leave you with wilted, unhealthy basil every single time.
Instead, plant fennel far away from your herb and vegetable garden altogether.
So, What Can You Grow With Basil?
You can grow with basil a wonderful variety of plants, including tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens, root vegetables, strawberries, and other herbs.
Growing with basil is not only possible, but it’s also highly beneficial for your entire garden’s health.
Basil’s pest-repelling properties, flavor-enhancing effects, and space-saving nature make it an invaluable companion.
Just remember to avoid planting rue, cucumbers, sage, and fennel near your basil.
By choosing the right neighbors, you can grow with basil and enjoy a lush, bountiful garden all season long.
So get out there, plant some basil, and watch your whole garden thrive when you grow with basil.