Are you planting basil this season? If so, you’ll want to learn about the best basil companion plants to supercharge your garden! Believe it or not, pairing basil with the right companions can dramatically improve its flavor, boost growth, and even keep pests away—no chemicals needed.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a total beginner, knowing which plants love growing next to basil can make all the difference. Let’s dig in!

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🌿 What Are Companion Plants?

Companion planting is the practice of growing certain plants together that benefit each other. Some combinations enhance flavor, others offer pest protection, and a few improve nutrient uptake from the soil.

When it comes to basil, this fragrant herb isn’t just a kitchen favorite—it’s a garden MVP. See our favorite basil types here!

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🌟 Why Use Basil Companion Plants?

Basil companion plants help basil thrive—and basil returns the favor! Some reasons to use companion planting with basil include:

• Pest control (basil repels aphids, mosquitoes, and whiteflies)

• Enhanced flavor in herbs and vegetables

• Increased pollination by attracting bees and beneficial insects

• Improved soil health

Ready to build a smarter garden? Here are the top plants to grow with basil.

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🥇 13 Best Basil Companion Plants (With Benefits!)

1. Tomatoes

This combo is a classic for a reason. Basil and tomatoes not only taste amazing together on your plate—they help each other in the garden too!

• Basil repels tomato hornworms and whiteflies

• Tomatoes provide shade that protects basil from scorching sun

• Some say basil even enhances tomato flavor

2. Peppers (Hot and Sweet)

Peppers and basil are a spicy match made in heaven.

• Basil keeps aphids and spider mites away from pepper plants

• Both enjoy warm climates and similar watering needs

• They look beautiful growing side-by-side

3. Oregano

Basil and oregano are Mediterranean cousins that support each other.

• Oregano attracts beneficial insects

• Both herbs can deter common pests when planted together

• Great for making fresh Italian herb blends!

4. Marigolds

Marigolds are more than just pretty flowers.

• Deter nematodes and aphids

• Add a pop of color to your herb garden

• Create a natural pest-repelling barrier around basil

5. Chives

This onion-family herb teams up well with basil.

• Helps deter aphids and beetles

• Can help basil resist downy mildew

• Great for edging garden beds

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🧅 More Great Basil Companions

Here are even more herbs and veggies that work wonders near basil:

6. Parsley – Likes the same growing conditions; both herbs thrive together.

7. Lettuce – Basil offers shade, which helps lettuce avoid bolting in heat.

8. Cilantro – Similar watering needs, plus cilantro may help keep pests at bay.

9. Borage – Attracts pollinators and deters tomato hornworms.

10. Beets – No direct benefit, but they don’t compete for space and make good neighbors.

11. Carrots – Basil repels carrot flies.

12. Asparagus – The two don’t interact much, but they don’t compete either.

13. Petunias – Trap pests and protect your basil naturally.

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🚫 Plants to Avoid Growing Near Basil

While there are many great basil companion plants, some are bad neighbors. Avoid planting basil near these:

• Cucumbers – Basil can stunt their growth.

• Sage – Competes too much for nutrients and water.

• Rue – Known to negatively affect basil.

• Thyme – Prefers dry soil, while basil likes it moist.

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🌱 Tips for Companion Planting with Basil

To get the most out of your basil and its companions, follow these tips:

✔️ Choose Healthy Plants

Only plant healthy seedlings together. One sick plant can spoil the bunch!

✔️ Give Basil Room to Breathe

Don’t crowd it. Basil needs good air circulation to avoid mildew.

✔️ Harvest Frequently

This encourages bushier growth and prevents flowering, which can change the flavor.

✔️ Rotate Annually

Avoid planting basil and its companions in the same spot year after year. Rotation keeps pests and soil diseases at bay.

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🧪 Fun Fact: Basil Changes the Flavor of Some Plants

Some gardeners swear that basil improves the flavor of nearby tomatoes and peppers. While science is still catching up, anecdotal evidence says basil makes everything taste better!

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📸 Garden Layout Idea: Basil and Friends

Here’s a simple raised bed layout that features basil in the center with tomatoes, peppers, and marigolds around it. You can rotate in lettuce and carrots for variety. Check out this simple raised garden bed here!

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🧺 What to Do With All That Basil?

With all these great basil companion plants, you’re going to have a bounty of basil! Try these:

• Homemade pesto

• Fresh caprese salad

• Basil-infused oil

• Freeze it in olive oil for later

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🌼 Final Thoughts: Build a Garden That Works Together

Planting basil isn’t just about having fresh herbs for pasta night. With the right companions, your garden becomes healthier, more productive, and even more beautiful.

So next time you’re out in the garden, think beyond just planting — think pairing. The right basil companion plants can turn a humble herb garden into a thriving, living ecosystem.

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🔁 Share Your Companion Planting Wins!

Got a basil pairing that worked wonders for you? Share it in the comments or tag us on social media. Happy planting! 🌿