Best Companion Plants For Basil

Title: The Best Companion Plants for Basil

Introduction:

Basil is a delicious and versatile herb that can be used in a wide variety of dishes. It is also a relatively easy plant to grow, and it can be companion planted with a variety of other herbs and vegetables.

Companion planting is a gardening technique that involves planting different types of plants together to benefit each other. Some plants can help to attract beneficial insects, deter pests, or improve the flavor of other plants.

In this blog post, we will discuss the best companion plants for basil. We will also provide some tips on how to companion plant basil effectively.

Main Content:

Here are some of the best companion plants for basil:

• Asparagus: Asparagus attracts ladybugs, which help to control aphids and other pests.
• Borage: Borage produces nectar that attracts bees and other pollinators. It also helps to repel pests such as tomato hornworms.
• Chamomile: Chamomile increases the essential oil content of basil, which makes it more flavorful and pest-repellent.
• Chives: Chives help to repel pests such as aphids and mosquitoes. They also improve the flavor of basil.
• Marigolds: Marigolds are known for their insect-repelling properties. They can help to keep pests away from basil and other plants in the garden.
• Peppers: Basil and peppers are both members of the mint family, and they benefit from being planted together. Peppers help to deter pests such as aphids and whiteflies, and basil helps to improve the flavor of peppers.
• Potatoes: Basil helps to repel potato beetles, and potatoes help to improve the flavor of basil.
• Tomatoes: Basil and tomatoes are a classic combination, and they benefit from being planted together. Basil helps to repel tomato hornworms, and tomatoes help to improve the flavor of basil.

Tips for Companion Planting Basil:

• When companion planting basil, it is important to consider the size and growth habits of the plants. For example, basil should not be planted next to large, aggressive plants that will shade it out.
• It is also important to consider the sunlight and water requirements of the plants. Basil needs full sun and regular watering, so it should be planted with other plants that have similar needs.
• When planting basil, it is a good idea to space the plants about 12 inches apart. This will give them enough room to grow and thrive.

Conclusion:

Basil is a versatile and delicious herb that can be companion planted with a variety of other herbs and vegetables. By companion planting basil, you can help to improve the flavor of your basil, deter pests, and attract beneficial insects.

There are many different companion plants that can benefit basil plants. Some of the best include marigolds, potatoes, cilantro, root vegetables, borage, oregano, and parsley. These plants all have different benefits that can help your basil plants to thrive.

For example, marigolds help to repel pests, potatoes help to improve the flavor of basil, and cilantro helps to deter whiteflies.

If you are interested in learning more about companion plants to basil, I recommend visiting Home Gardening. This website has a comprehensive list of companion plants for basil, as well as information on how to plant and care for these plants.

FAQ of companion plants to basil

• What are some good companion plants for basil?

Some of the best companion plants for basil include:

* Asparagus: Asparagus attracts ladybugs, which help to control aphids and other pests that can harm basil.
* Borage: Borage helps to repel pests such as aphids, beetles, and nematodes.
* Chamomile, oregano, and chives: These herbs all have strong scents that can help to deter pests.
* Marigolds: Marigolds attract pollinators, which help to pollinate basil flowers and improve the flavor of the leaves.
* Peppers: Basil and peppers are both members of the mint family, so they benefit from being planted together.
* Root vegetables: Basil can help to repel pests that can damage root vegetables.
* Tomatoes: Basil and tomatoes are a classic combination, and they actually help to improve each other's flavor.

• What plants should I avoid planting near basil?

Some plants that you should avoid planting near basil include:

* Cucumbers: Cucumbers and basil compete for the same resources, so planting them together can stunt their growth.
* Fennel: Fennel has a strong scent that can suppress the growth of basil.
* Thyme: Thyme can also suppress the growth of basil.
* Common rue: Common rue is toxic to basil.
* Sage: Sage can also suppress the growth of basil.

• What is the best time to plant basil?

The best time to plant basil is in the spring, after the last frost. Basil is a warm-season herb, so it will not do well in cold weather.

• How far apart should I plant basil plants?

Basil plants should be planted about 12 inches apart. This will give them enough space to grow and spread.

• How much water does basil need?

Basil needs about 1 inch of water per week. However, it is important to water basil deeply, so that the water reaches the roots.

• What is the best fertilizer for basil?

A balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer, is a good choice for basil. You can also use a fertilizer specifically formulated for herbs.

• How do I prevent pests from harming my basil plants?

There are a few things you can do to prevent pests from harming your basil plants:

* Plant basil with companion plants that repel pests.
* Water your basil plants regularly.
* Mulch around your basil plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
* Inspect your basil plants regularly for signs of pests.
* If you do see pests, you can remove them by hand or use an insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Image of companion plants to basil

• Tomatoes: Tomatoes and basil are a classic companion plant combination. They both love full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Tomatoes help to deter pests from basil, and basil helps to improve the flavor of tomatoes.
• Peppers: Peppers are another great companion plant for basil. They have similar growing requirements, and they help to repel pests from each other.
• Lettuce: Lettuce is a leafy green that can be grown alongside basil. They both benefit from cool, moist soil, and they help to shade the roots of basil from the hot sun.
• Carrots: Carrots are a root vegetable that can be grown alongside basil. They both have deep roots, so they don't compete for water and nutrients. Carrots also help to attract beneficial insects to the garden, which can help to protect basil from pests.
• Asparagus: Asparagus is a perennial plant that can be grown alongside basil. It helps to deter pests from basil, and it also provides shade for the roots of basil in the summer.
• Borage: Borage is a flowering plant that can be grown alongside basil. It attracts beneficial insects to the garden, which can help to protect basil from pests. Borage also has nectar-rich flowers that attract bees, which can help to pollinate basil plants.
• Chamomile: Chamomile is a flowering herb that can be grown alongside basil. It helps to repel pests from basil, and it also has medicinal properties. Chamomile tea can be made from the flowers of chamomile, and it can be used to treat a variety of ailments.
• Oregano: Oregano is a Mediterranean herb that can be grown alongside basil. It has a strong flavor that can help to enhance the flavor of basil. Oregano also helps to repel pests from basil.
• Chives: Chives are a member of the onion family that can be grown alongside basil. They have a mild flavor that can help to enhance the flavor of basil. Chives also help to repel pests from basil.