Basil Companion Plants To Grow In Your Garden
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Basil is a popular annual herb that can liven up your meal with its invigorating taste and warm spice scent. Ready to harvest starting just a month after sowing, you will want to give your basil plants the care they deserve if you want to maximize your yields. Basil can easily become the target of pests when stressed, so it is important to provide rich soil, adequate water, and full sun. Beyond these conditions, you can provide an extra measure of protection by giving your plants a companion or two. Companion planting is the practice of pairing plants together in your garden where one provides proximal benefit to the other. Here are some of the best companion plants for basil that you can plant in your garden for a delicious and successful harvest.
Tomato
Talk about a classic pairing! Anyone who loves Italian cuisine knows that there's nothing better than juicy tomatoes and aromatic basil in pasta, on pizza or on hot sandwiches. Basil and tomatoes require similar conditions to thrive so they naturally get along well together in the garden. It is said that basil improves the taste of tomatoes grown nearby. Certainly, the strong aroma of basil can help to confuse pests looking for a meal. Basil can help to deter the tomato hornworm.
Asparagus
Basil can repel the asparagus beetle, while the asparagus can provide some shelter from strong winds. Make sure to plant the basil on the south or west side of your asparagus so that the basil receives adequate sun exposure.
Marigold
Marigolds are said to work against pests in a number of ways. First, their herbal scent acts as a deterrent to which some pests find intolerable. Second, their roots suppress root knot and lesion nematodes. Finally, marigold attracts ladybugs and parasitic wasps, which will promptly rid your garden of the aphids and other pests that threaten basil.
Radish, Turnip, Rutabaga
Because basil's aromatic fragrance overpowers other scents nearby, it can be used to mask the scent of the greens that grow atop root vegetables. Flea beetles especially love to attack the greens, chewing hundreds of holes until the leaves look like lace. The aroma of basil nearby will confuse these pests.
Carrots
Carrots are particularly susceptible to the carrot fly. However, basil's strong scent repels these and other pests from munching on carrots before they've been harvested.
Parsley, Dill, Cilantro
Parsley, Dill and Cilantro require similar sun and water conditions, and, like other herbs, they work to enhance each other's flavor. Additionally, letting these umbelliferous herbs go to flower will attract pollinators and beneficial insects such as hoverflies to your garden. The more habitat you provide, the longer such helpers will hang out in your garden, lending their services in return for your kindness.
Garlic, Onion, Chives
Garlic, Onion, Leeks, and Chives are all part of the Allium family. Alliums are known for their pungent order and potent flavor. Alliums can deter some of basil's bigger enemies, like squirrels and rabbits, and the two enhance each other's flavor.
Nasturtium
Nasturtium will keep away the aphids that can wreak havoc on your basil plants. Plus, they're an edible flower that adds a peppery kick and some vibrant color to your dish. Additionally, nasturtiums can act as a trap crop for flea beetles, keeping them preoccupied and away from your leafy vegetables.
Lettuce
Aphids love lettuce for the succulent nature of its leaves. Hoverflies and parasitic wasps enjoy both aphids and the sweet taste of basil flower nectar. That means planting basil near lettuce will bring in the insects that control aphids and keep your lettuce safe and sound.
Potatoes
Basil can help ward off potato beetles which can deteriorate the health of the leaves and stunt tuber formation. It is thought that Basil strengthens the root structure of potato, lending to the plant greater resiliency.
Conclusion
In conclusion, incorporating the right companion plants for your basil not only enhances the health and yield of your basil plants but also enriches your garden's overall biodiversity. From marigolds that repel pests to tomatoes that mutually benefit from basil's proximity, each companion plant offers a unique advantage. By following these companion planting tips, you ensure a thriving, aromatic basil harvest that is perfect for enlivening your culinary creations. Remember, gardening is not just about the end product; it's about the journey. Nurturing your basil alongside its companions offers an opportunity to engage more deeply with nature, understand the symbiotic relationships in your garden, and enjoy the rewards of a well-tended and harmonious garden space. So, plant wisely, nurture diligently, and enjoy the bounty of flavors your garden brings to your table!
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The WORM FARM PORTLAND TEAM
**Resources: https://www.thespruce.com/basil-companion-plants-8546753