What to Plant with Basil in a Pot

If you love cooking with fresh herbs, growing them in a pot is a great way to have a convenient and constantly available supply of flavorful greens. Basil, in particular, is a great herb that is easy to grow in pots. But what should you plant along with your basil to make the most of your space and create a beautiful pot garden?

Companion Plants for Basil

Basil is one of the herbs that can benefit from companion planting. Choosing the right plants to grow around your basil can help to improve its growth, flavor, and overall health.

Some of the best companions for basil include:

Tomatoes

Peppers

Garlic

Oregano

Parsley

Thyme

These plants help to deter pests that can damage basil and also improve soil health.

Tomatoes

Growing tomatoes along with basil is a great combination. Not only do they taste great together, but tomatoes help to repel pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms, which can be a problem for basil. Additionally, basil provides natural shade for the soil around the tomato plant, helping to retain moisture and keep the roots cool.

Peppers

Peppers are another plant that can benefit from growing alongside basil. They are both sun-loving plants that prefer warm temperatures and well-draining soil. Peppers help to repel pests such as the Colorado potato beetle, which can be a problem for basil.

Garlic

Garlic is not only a tasty herb but it can also help to protect your basil from pests. Garlic repels aphids and other insects that can cause damage to your basil. Planting garlic near your basil can help to keep these pests away and create a healthier growing environment.

Oregano

Oregano is another herb that is perfect for growing with basil. The two herbs complement each other in flavor, and oregano can help to protect the basil against pests such as spider mites and whiteflies. Oregano is also known to improve soil quality, which can help your basil to grow healthier and stronger.

Parsley

Parsley is another great companion plant for basil. Growing them together can help to repel pests, particularly carrot flies, which can be a problem for parsley. Parsley can also help to improve soil quality and provide a natural source of nitrogen for the basil.

Thyme

Thyme is a great herb to plant alongside basil. Thyme can help to repel pests such as cabbage worms, which can be damaging to basil. The two herbs also complement each other well in cooking, making it a great combination for your culinary needs.

Conclusion

Growing basil in a pot is a great way to have fresh herbs at your fingertips. By choosing the right companion plants to grow alongside your basil, you can create a thriving pot garden with improved flavor, greater beauty, and fewer pests. Try combining basil with tomatoes, peppers, garlic, oregano, parsley, or thyme to make the most of your pot garden and enjoy all the benefits of fresh herbs.