10 Best Herbs to Plant with Veggies

Welcome to Fire Appliance's guide on the 10 best herbs to plant alongside your vegetables for enhanced growth, flavor, and overall plant health. Companion planting herbs with veggies is a well-known technique that promotes symbiotic relationships between plants, leading to various benefits such as improved pest control, increased pollination, and enhanced soil fertility. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top 10 herbs that can be grown alongside your vegetable garden, and provide you with detailed insights on how to maximize their benefits.

1. Basil

Basil is not only a versatile culinary herb but also an excellent companion for your vegetable plants. Its aromatic leaves repel insects like mosquitoes, aphids, and flies, while attracting bees and other beneficial pollinators to your garden. Plant basil next to tomatoes, peppers, or cucumbers to enhance their growth and flavor.

2. Chives

Chives are a popular herb known for their delicate onion-like flavor. Besides adding a delicious touch to your dishes, planting chives near carrots, tomatoes, and broccoli helps deter pests such as carrot flies and aphids. Additionally, chives' purple pom-pom flowers attract bees and butterflies.

3. Dill

Dill is not only a tasty herb but also a great companion for your veggie garden. Its feathery foliage attracts beneficial insects, such as hoverflies and ladybugs, which prey on destructive pests like aphids and caterpillars. Plant dill near cabbage, cucumbers, and lettuce for increased protection against pests.

4. Mint

Mint is known for its refreshing aroma and vigorous growth. While it can be invasive if not controlled, planting mint strategically can provide numerous benefits. Mint repels ants, flies, and mosquitoes, making it ideal to plant near Brassicas like cabbage and broccoli. However, it's best to grow mint in containers to prevent its invasive nature from taking over your garden.

5. Parsley

Parsley is not only a popular culinary herb but also an excellent companion for your vegetable plants. Its strong scent repels carrot flies, as well as attracting beneficial hoverflies and parasitic wasps. Plant parsley near carrots, tomatoes, and asparagus for improved pest control and overall plant health.

6. Rosemary

Rosemary is a fragrant herb with needle-like leaves that can provide numerous benefits when planted near your vegetable garden. It repels pests like cabbage moths and bean beetles, making it an ideal companion for Brassicas and legumes. Additionally, rosemary's attractive flowers attract bees and other pollinators.

7. Sage

Sage is an aromatic herb with strong flavors that pairs well with many vegetable dishes. Its distinctive scent wards off pests like cabbage moths, carrot flies, and slugs. Plant sage near cabbage, carrots, and tomatoes for added pest control and flavor enhancement.

8. Thyme

Thyme is a versatile herb that not only adds delightful flavors to your cooking but also offers benefits to your vegetable plants. Its aromatic foliage repels pests like cabbage worms, aphids, and slugs. Plant thyme near cabbage, tomatoes, and eggplants to deter these destructive insects and enhance the overall health of your garden.

9. Oregano

Oregano is a highly fragrant herb that can provide various benefits when planted next to your veggies. Its strong scent deters pests like aphids, cabbage moths, and spider mites. Plant oregano near tomatoes, peppers, and broccoli to naturally repel these unwanted insects.

10. Marigold

While marigold is technically a flower, its presence in a vegetable garden can offer valuable benefits. Marigolds repel pests like nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies, making them an excellent companion for many vegetables. Interplant marigolds between your veggies or create borders around your garden to deter harmful insects and attract beneficial ones.

By incorporating these ten herbs into your vegetable garden, you can create a harmonious environment that not only promotes healthy plant growth but also improves flavor and reduces the need for chemical pest controls. Experiment with different combinations and see what works best for your specific vegetables. Happy gardening!