What Herbs Can be Planted Together in a Pot

Creating your own herb garden can be a great way to enjoy fresh and flavorful herbs, spices, and flowers right from your own home. One of the most popular methods of starting an herb garden is pot planting. When planting herbs in a pot, one important thing to consider is which herbs can grow well together and which should be planted separately. In this article, we will explore the best herbs to plant together in a pot for a thriving herb garden.

Complementary Herbs

Some herbs can grow well together as long as they complement each other, for example:

Chives and parsley are often planted together as they have complementary flavor profiles.

Basil and marigold are good companions, as marigold can help to deter pests that can harm the basil plant.

Lavender, rosemary, and sage are known to grow well together as they have similar watering and sunlight requirements. In addition, the fragrant leaves of these plants can be used together to add flavor to meals or to make aromatic sachets.

Taller and Shorter Herbs

When planting herbs in a pot, it is essential to consider the height of the herbs to make sure that they will not compete for light and space.

Thyme grows well when planted alongside taller herbs like rosemary, as these taller herbs can provide shade for the thyme plant.

Lemon balm and chamomile can be planted together, as chamomile is a taller herb that can provide some shade for the lemon balm plant.

The trailing stems of creeping herbs like thyme and mint can be planted with taller herbs like bay, which can help support the trailing stems.

Herbs That Should be Planted Separately

While some herbs can grow well together, there are others that should be planted separately as they may compete for nutrients, water, and sunlight or may be affected by the other herb’s scent. Some examples are:

Basil does not grow well with rosemary, sage, or rue as these herbs can inhibit its growth.

Mint should be planted separately as it can quickly take over a pot and choke out other herbs.

Dill and fennel both produce strong scents that can affect the growth of other herbs, so they should be planted separately.

Tips for Planting Herbs in a Pot

Before planting your herbs in a pot, consider the following tips:

Make sure that your chosen pot has adequate drainage to prevent your herbs from drowning.

Use a quality potting soil mix that has a good balance of soil, perlite, and peat moss.

Choose herbs that have similar sunlight and watering needs to make it easier to care for them.

Regularly check and adjust the soil’s moisture levels to avoid overwatering your herbs.

Trim your herbs regularly to encourage new growth and avoid overcrowding.

By considering the suggestions in this article, you can create a thriving and beautiful herb garden that produces fresh and flavorful herbs and spices right from the comfort of your own home. Remember to have fun and experiment with different herb pairings to find the perfect combination for your unique needs!