What Not to Plant with Basil

Basil is a popular herb with a bright, fresh flavor that enhances dishes in the kitchen. However, when it comes to growing basil in your garden, not all plants make good companions. Certain plants can stunt basil's growth or attract pests that can harm the plants. In this article, we'll explore what not to plant with basil to ensure a thriving herb garden.

Plants That Stunt Basil's Growth

Basil is a delicate herb that requires specific growing conditions to thrive. Certain plants can compete with it for nutrients and water or release compounds that stunt its growth. Here are a few plants that you should avoid planting with basil:

1. Tomatoes: While basil and tomatoes are a classic pairing in Italian cuisine, they don't make good garden companions. Tomatoes are heavy feeders that deplete the soil of nutrients that basil requires to grow healthy and flavorful. Additionally, some tomato varieties release allelopathic chemicals that inhibit basil's growth.

2. Cucumbers: Another plant that's not compatible with basil is cucumbers. Cucumbers have a sprawling growth habit that can overshadow basil plants and stunt their growth. Additionally, cucumbers attract pests such as spider mites and aphids that can spread to basil and cause damage.

3. Other herbs: Although it may seem counterintuitive, not all herbs get along in the garden. Some herbs, such as mint and oregano, release allelopathic compounds that can inhibit basil's growth. Additionally, herbs that prefer drier soil conditions, such as rosemary, can compete with basil for water and stunt its growth.

Plants That Attract Pests

One of the most significant challenges of growing basil is dealing with pest attacks. Certain plants can attract pests that can harm basil plants or spread diseases that can kill them. Here are a few plants you should avoid planting with basil:

1. Brassicas: Plants in the brassica family, such as broccoli, cabbage, and kale, can attract pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and cabbage worms that can harm basil plants. Additionally, brassicas release allelopathic compounds that can stunt basil's growth.

2. Dill: Although dill is a popular herb in its right, it can attract pests such as spider mites and aphids that can spread to basil and cause harm. Additionally, dill has a sprawling growth habit that can overshadow basil plants and compete with them for nutrients and water.

3. Fennel: Like dill, fennel is an attractive plant for beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, but it can also attract pests that can harm basil plants. Additionally, fennel has a deep taproot that can compete with basil for nutrients and water.

Conclusion

In conclusion, knowing what not to plant with basil is key to a successful herb garden. Avoid planting basil with heavy feeders such as tomatoes, sprawling plants such as cucumbers, and herbs that release allelopathic compounds. Additionally, be wary of growing brassicas, dill, and fennel near basil plants as they can attract pests that can harm them. By being mindful of basil's growing requirements and planting companions, you can enjoy a healthy garden full of flavorful herbs.