🌿 9 Scientifically Backed Companion Plants to Grow with Basil
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is more than just a tasty herb—it’s a powerful companion plant. Its strong aroma can help repel pests, attract beneficial insects, and even improve the growth and flavor of nearby plants. Let’s explore 9 plants that grow well with basil, along with simple growing tips.
🍅 1. Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)
Why they work together: Basil repels tomato pests like hornworms and whiteflies. Its flowers also attract pollinators, which help tomatoes set more fruit.
- Sunlight: Full sun (6–8 hrs/day)
- Soil: Loamy, well-drained
- Spacing: 18–24 inches
- Water: 1–1.5 inches per week
🥕 2. Carrots (Daucus carota)
Why they work together: Basil confuses carrot pests with its scent. Carrots help improve soil structure.
- Sunlight: Full to partial sun
- Soil: Loose, sandy loam
- Spacing: Basil 8–12 inches from carrots
- Water: Keep soil moist
🌿 3. Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Why they work together: Both herbs enjoy dry, sunny conditions. Oregano acts as a groundcover, conserving moisture.
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, slightly alkaline
- Spacing: 12–18 inches
- Water: Moderate
🥒 4. Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo)
Why they work together: Basil helps protect zucchini from disease and attracts pollinators like bees and lacewings.
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Loamy, nutrient-rich
- Spacing: 2–3 feet
- Water: Deep watering weekly
🌱 5. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Why they work together: Both repel pests and attract beneficial insects. They also don’t compete for space.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained
- Spacing: 6–8 inches
- Water: Regular watering
🌶 6. Bell Peppers (Capsicum annuum)
Why they work together: Basil keeps away pests like spider mites and aphids. Both plants like similar growing conditions.
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Fertile, well-drained
- Spacing: 18–24 inches
- Water: 1–1.5 inches per week
🌼 7. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
Why they work together: Marigolds repel pests like nematodes and enhance basil’s natural pest resistance.
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, evenly moist
- Spacing: 6–12 inches
- Water: Regular watering
🥬 8. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
Why they work together: Basil offers shade to lettuce, helping it stay cool and preventing it from turning bitter.
- Sunlight: Full to partial sun
- Soil: Rich, loamy soil
- Spacing: 6–12 inches
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist
🍆 9. Eggplant (Solanum melongena)
Why they work together: Basil helps repel pests that attack eggplant, and eggplant provides helpful shade for basil.
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Warm, loamy, well-drained
- Spacing: 18–24 inches
- Water: Deep, consistent watering
✅ Final Tips for Growing Basil with Companions:
- Pinch off basil flowers early to promote more leaf growth (unless you're attracting pollinators).
- Water at the base of plants to prevent fungal diseases.
- Use mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
- Avoid planting basil next to cucumbers—they may compete for nutrients.
By pairing basil with the right plants, you’ll have a garden that’s not only beautiful and productive—but also more resilient to pests and disease. 🌱
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