Which Herbs Grow Best Together? A Guide to Companion Planting Herbs
One of the most common questions new gardeners ask is, which herbs grow best together? The good news is that many herbs thrive when planted alongside others with similar growing needs. Choosing the right combinations not only makes caring for your herb garden easier but can also improve plant health, maximise space, and create an attractive display.
Whether you're planting in a garden bed, raised planter, or patio pots, understanding herb companion planting will help your herbs flourish.
Why Plant Herbs Together?
Grouping herbs with similar requirements means they all receive the right amount of sunlight, water, and care. It also makes harvesting more convenient, as you'll have complementary herbs growing close together for cooking.
Many herbs also produce flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, helping to support a healthy and productive garden.
Mediterranean Herbs Grow Well Together
Mediterranean herbs naturally enjoy hot, sunny conditions and well-drained soil. These herbs prefer slightly drier conditions, making them perfect planting partners.
A great combination includes:
These herbs thrive in full sun and don't like their roots sitting in wet soil. They're ideal for borders, rockeries, gravel gardens, or large containers where drainage is excellent.
Moisture-Loving Herbs
Some herbs appreciate richer soil and slightly more moisture than their Mediterranean cousins. Planting these together makes watering much easier.
Excellent companions include:
These herbs enjoy regular watering and produce plenty of fresh leaves throughout the growing season.
Mint Needs Its Own Space
Although mint is incredibly easy to grow, it's also one of the most vigorous herbs in the garden. Left unchecked, it can spread rapidly through underground runners and take over nearby plants.
For this reason, it's best to grow:
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Apple Mint
in individual pots or containers. This keeps each variety healthy while preventing unwanted spreading.
Herbs That Attract Pollinators Together
If you want to create a wildlife-friendly herb garden, try planting herbs known for their beautiful flowers.
Some excellent choices include:
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Lavender
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Oregano
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Hyssop
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Chives
Their colourful blooms provide valuable nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects throughout the summer.
Herbs That Pair Well in the Kitchen
Another fun way to plan your herb garden is by grouping herbs you regularly cook with together.
For Mediterranean dishes:
For roast dinners:
For refreshing drinks:
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Lemon Balm
Having these herbs growing close together makes harvesting quick and convenient when preparing meals.
Tips for Growing Herbs Together
To give your herbs the best chance of success:
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Plant herbs with similar watering needs.
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Choose a sunny location with at least six hours of sunlight each day.
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Ensure containers have good drainage.
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Harvest regularly to encourage fresh growth.
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Give larger herbs like rosemary and sage enough room to mature.
Matching plants with similar growing conditions is far more important than simply filling every available space.
Create a Thriving Herb Garden
Knowing which herbs grow best together makes caring for your garden much simpler. By grouping herbs according to their growing requirements, you'll spend less time worrying about watering and maintenance while enjoying healthier plants and bigger harvests.
Whether you're growing herbs for cooking, attracting pollinators, or simply adding fragrance to your garden, thoughtful companion planting can make all the difference. Start with a few well-matched varieties, and you'll soon have a beautiful, productive herb garden that provides fresh herbs throughout the growing season.
