10 Best Herb Combinations to Plant in Your Garden

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Gardening is one of the most fulfilling hobbies that a person can engage in. Not only does it allow you to be in touch with nature, but also provides you with a source of fresh produce and herbs that you can use to whip up delicious meals. One way to get the most out of your herb garden is by planting herbs together that complement each other in taste and benefits.

Benefits of Growing Herbs Together

Companion planting, as it is called, refers to the practice of planting different plants next to each other to enhance growth and repel pests. When it comes to growing herbs, companion planting has several benefits:

• It helps to attract beneficial insects that control pests and diseases.
• Certain herb combinations work well together and can enhance each other's flavor and aroma.
• It reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, making it an eco-friendly option.
• Companion planting can improve soil quality and retain moisture, leading to healthier plants.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Herb Combinations

Before diving into our list of the best herb combinations, it's essential to consider some factors when choosing herbs to plant together:

• The best combinations are those that have similar water and sun requirements.
• Ensure that tall herbs don't shade the shorter ones.
• Some herbs do not grow well with others, such as mint and parsley are known to inhibit tomato growth.

1. Basil, Oregano and Thyme

Basil, oregano, and thyme are commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine and work well together in many recipes. These herbs enjoy hot, sunny spots and prefer dry soil.

Why They Work Well Together?

These herbs have similar water and sun requirements, making them an ideal trio to plant together. Basil is known for its mellow, sweet flavor, oregano is slightly bitter, while thyme has a lemony taste, giving the combination depth and balance.

How to Grow Them?

Basil, oregano, and thyme should be planted in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. They require full sun and should be watered only when the soil feels dry to the touch. These herbs thrive in warm weather and grow quickly, so regular pruning helps to stimulate growth and boost flavor.

2. Cilantro, Chives and Dill

Cilantro, chives, and dill are commonly used in dishes such as guacamole, soups, and salads, and are easy to grow from seeds. These herbs grow best in partial shade and well-draining soil.

Why They Work Well Together?

Cilantro's pungent, citrusy flavor complements chives' mild onion-like taste, while dill adds a fresh, tangy element to the mix. All three herbs repel aphids and attract ladybugs and lacewings—natural predators that control pests.

How to Grow Them?

Cilantro, chives, and dill require well-draining soil and partial shade, making them perfect for planting in a vegetable garden with other plants that require full sun. These herbs prefer cool weather and should be seeded in spring or fall to avoid bolting. Regular pruning helps to prolong the harvest and improve flavor.

3. Sage, Rosemary and Lavender

This trio is as beautiful to look at as it is delicious. Sage, rosemary, and lavender are hardy herbs that thrive in hot, dry climates and need infrequent watering.

Why They Work Well Together?

These herbs have woody stems, silver-gray foliage, and highly aromatic leaves that release fragrant oils when crushed or rubbed. Sage has an earthy, slightly bitter taste, while rosemary's taste is reminiscent of pine needles. Lavender adds a sweet floral flavor, making it an ideal companion for meats and sweet treats alike.

How to Grow Them?

Sage, rosemary, and lavender prefer warm, sunny locations and tolerate dry soil. They can survive cold and snowy winters if they have good drainage. Once established, these herbs require little maintenance, and regular pruning will help to bush out the plant and reduce woody growth.

4. Mint and Lemon Verbena

Mint and lemon verbena are excellent herbs for teas, cocktails, and desserts, and grow well in partial shade or sunny spots.

Why They Work Well Together?

This combination gives a refreshing minty flavor with a hint of lemon. Mint has a cooling and soothing effect on the stomach, while lemon verbena's antioxidant properties and uplifting aroma aid digestion.

How to Grow Them?

Mint and lemon verbena prefer moist soil conditions and can be grown in pots or in the ground. In hot weather, these herbs may bolt quickly, so pruning the stems frequently encourages leaf growth and prolongs the harvest.

5. Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme

This combination of herbs is famously known as "Scarborough Fair" and has been immortalized in song lyrics due to its delicious taste and medicinal properties. All four herbs are not only flavorful but packed with health benefits.

Why They Work Well Together?

Parsley is rich in vitamin C and K and adds a fresh, bright flavor to the mix. Sage is high in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, while rosemary improves concentration and memory. Thyme has antimicrobial properties and boosts the immune system.

Combined, all four herbs create an herbal symphony that is both nutritious and tasty.

How to Grow Them?

Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme require well-draining soil and full sun. Parsley should be sown from seed, while sage, rosemary, and thyme can be propagated from cuttings. Once established, these herbs are relatively low-maintenance and thrive in mild to hot climates.

6. Chervil, Tarragon, and Chives

This trio of herbs is perfect for adding a delicious aniseed flavor to fish or chicken dishes. These herbs require moist soil and partial shade.

Why They Work Well Together?

Chervil's delicate, fragile leaves have a mild licorice-like taste. Tarragon has a distinctive anise flavor and enhances chicken, fish, and egg dishes' taste. Chives add a subtle oniony flavor that complements the other two herbs well.

How to Grow Them?

Chervil, tarragon, and chives require evenly moist soil and partial shade. These herbs thrive in cooler temperatures and can grow up to 18 inches tall. Regular pruning keeps the plants healthy and promotes new growth.

Growing herb combinations in your garden brings joy and flavors to your kitchen. Combining herbs that are compatible not only provides you with a fantastic smelling and beautiful herb garden but it also provides ecological benefits by improving soil health and reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

FAQ

What Are the Benefits of Companion Planting Herbs?

Companion planting herbs have several benefits, including repelling pests naturally, attracting beneficial insects, enhancing the flavor of each plant, improving soil quality, and reducing the need for fertilizers and pesticides.

Can All Herbs Be Planted Together?

Not all herbs can be planted together as some herbs compete for the same nutrients, while others may affect their neighbors' growth adversely. It's essential to research which herbs can be planted with which.

How Do I Know Which Herbs to Plant Together?

It's crucial to consider factors like growing conditions such as water and sun requirements and height, soil pH levels, and growth rate to determine which herbs can be planted together.

Do Companion Planted Herbs Require Different Soil Nutrients?

No, most herbs require similar nutrients. Still, some may prefer slightly acidic soils and others more alkaline soil. It's essential to evaluate each herb's unique needs to ensure it grows optimally.

Are There Any Herbs That Should Not Be Planted Together?

Yes, some herbs do not grow well with others, such as mint and parsley, which inhibit tomato plant growth. It's important to research the preferences and characteristics of each plant to ensure they are compatible.

What Is the Best Time to Plant Herb Combinations in the Garden?

The best time to plant herb combinations is during early spring when the weather begins to warm up or in early fall, when the temperatures are cooler, but the soil is still warm enough for seeds to germinate.

How Much Space Do I Need to Plant Multiple Herbs Together?

The amount of space required depends on the herbs you want to plant, their growth rates, and their height. Generally, herbs require about six inches to one foot of spacing between them, but it's essential to research specific spacing requirements for each herb.

Can Herbs Be Grown Indoors in a Small Space?

Yes, many herbs can be grown indoors in a small space, such as on a windowsill or balcony. Proper lighting, adequate watering, and drainage are critical factors when growing herbs indoors.

Do I Need to Prune Companion Planted Herbs Differently?

Pruning requirements vary among herbs, but in general, pruning is essential for promoting new growth, reducing woody growth, and preventing the plant from becoming leggy. Always research the specific pruning needs of each herb before pruning.