Herb gardening done right rewards both your kitchen and your outdoor space. It can even reward your wallet! If you grow the herbs you use the most, you’ll save a ton of money at the grocery store.
But while planting a couple of herbs in a bed might seem simple, thoughtful planning based on which herb plants actually grow well together can make your garden healthier, more productive, and easier to maintain.
That’s where companion planting comes in, and it’s especially useful for herbs, whether you’re planting in the ground, raised beds, or containers.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through which herbs pair well, why those pairings work, common pitfalls to avoid, and tips to make your herb garden thrive.
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WHY COMPANION PLANTING HERBS MATTERS
Companion planting isn’t just about squeezing as many plants as possible into a space (though I do love to make use of every plantable square inch!). It’s about creating mutually beneficial relationships between your herbs. Done right, companion planting with herbs can:
- Boost growth by matching water/light/soil needs
- Reduce pests with naturally repellent herbs
- Attract beneficial insects and pollinators
- Enhance the flavor of some herbs
In short, getting the right herb combos can mean the difference between a stressed herb garden that’s difficult to maintain and a productive little spot where you can snip all your favorite herbs for your kitchen every week.
GROUP HERBS BY THEIR PREFERRED GROWING CONDITIONS
A simple rule of thumb for growing an herb garden is to match plants by growing preferences, especially their sunlight and watering needs. To keep things simple, most of the herbs you might want to grow can be slotted into just two categories.
Mediterranean Herbs (Sun and Dry Soil Lovers)
These herbs thrive in full sun, warmth, and well-drained soil:
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Sage
- Marjoram
- Tarragon
- Lavender
This batch of herbs is a bit hardier than the annual vegetables you might be growing. You can grow them in containers that get full sun and even in a rock garden. The key to keeping them happy is to let the soil dry out a bit between waterings.
While rosemary and lavender are particularly susceptible to being overwatered, you’ll want to make sure water has a way of draining from the bottom if you plan to grow any of these Mediterranean herbs in a container.
Moisture-Loving Herbs
These herbs prefer consistent soil moisture:
- Basil
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Chives
- Dill
Basil and chives can handle some neglect once they’re established, but you’ll get the best flavor if you prevent the soil from drying out between waterings. Parsley, cilantro, and dill prefer a very consistent water routine.
With the exception of basil, these herbs prefer cooler weather. As the days grow longer and warmer, they benefit from some shade. Pairing them together can give you a lush, flavorful bed of herbs, perfect for a porch or patio.
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CLASSIC HERB COMBINATIONS THAT WORK
Here are some tried-and-true pairings you can plant together in raised beds, in-ground gardens, or containers.
Basil & Parsley
Why: Similar moisture needs and sun requirements. If you live somewhere without frost, you can enjoy these herbs in your garden for several seasons.
Garden perks: Basil’s strong scent helps deter pests, and parsley attracts tons of beneficial insects.
Kitchen bonus: This flavor duo shines in Italian and Mediterranean dishes.
Dill & Cilantro
Why: Both herbs are cousins to carrots and prefer cooler temps with plenty of moisture.
Garden perks: When the weather warms up, leave dill and cilantro in your garden. They’ll grow taller and then produce dainty little flowers that attract tons of beneficial insects.
Kitchen bonus: Dill and cilantro freeze well in water or oil for later use. Plus, if you let these herbs flower, you’ll have dill seeds and coriander (cilantro seeds) to add to your spice cabinet.
Rosemary & Thyme
Why: Both love dry, well-drained soil.
Garden perks: This combo is great for Mediterranean gardens or sunny pots—and also for gardeners who forget to water regularly! Rosemary can grow prostrate or trailing and thyme is a low spreader perfect for filling in empty spots in the garden.
Kitchen bonus: A must-have combo for roasted veggies and hearty meats.
Sage & Oregano
Why: Both prefer full sun and drier soil.
Garden perks: This beautiful duo makes wise use of space. Sage grows up and fans out, while oregano spreads low to the ground.
Kitchen bonus: Both of these herbs are wonderful for making comforting hot dishes like soups and stews even tastier.
Chives, Dill, & Parsley
Why: Enjoy consistent moisture and thrive in cooler temps.
Garden perks: Chives help deter pests. Dill adds height, while parsley and chives fill in below. A container filled with this trio would be rich in flavor and texture.
Kitchen bonus: You may not always use these herbs together, but you’ll certainly use each to elevate salads, soups, and dips.
Marjoram & Thyme
Why: This combo soaks up sun and prefers soil on the dry side. Marjoram and thyme are closely related but have distinct aromas. (Make sure to label them when you’re planting so you don’t forget which is which.)
Garden perks: These low-growing herbs make wonderful plants for borders. Try planting them around the edges of containers that have too much soil exposed.
Kitchen bonus: These two are often paired for their complementary flavors in Mediterranean cuisine. Thyme is a bit earthier with a slight citrusy twist, while marjoram is more floral. Together, they’re great for poultry, roasted meats, vegetables, soups, and stews.
HERB PAIRINGS TO AVOID
Just like your favorite on-again-off-again celebrity couple, some herbs simply don’t belong together.
Mint & Other Herbs
Mint spreads aggressively via underground runners. That means it can quickly dominate a raised bed no matter how often you harvest its leaves. That being said, mint is a wonderful aromatic herb to have nearby other plants. Its fragrance deters many garden pests naturally.
The best way to enjoy mint’s organic pest control ability (and great flavor in teas, drinks, and desserts) is by growing mint in its own container placed near vulnerable plants.
PRO TIP: While some herbs enhance the flavor of other plants, mint varieties do the opposite. Spearmint and peppermint, for example, blend flavors if they’re growing too close together. To keep their essential oils sharp, set their pots at least 3 feet apart.
Fennel & Other Herbs
Fennel can release chemicals that inhibit the growth of neighbors like basil, so give it its own space.
Herbs with Mismatched Watering Needs
Avoid planting herbs with different watering requirements side by side. Take basil and rosemary, for example. These two have very different soil moisture needs and don’t pair well in close quarters. That doesn’t mean you can’t still grow them in the same large container or raised bed. (I’ll tell you the trick in a bit!)
DESIGNING YOUR HERB GARDEN LAYOUT
Here are a few guiding principles to help your herb garden look beautiful and stay productive:
Consider Plant Heights
Taller herbs like dill or fennel can shade out smaller ones if placed incorrectly. Plant taller herbs to the north or center of a bed so they won’t shade sun-loving neighbors.
Shorter herbs like trailing rosemary, oregano, and thyme can be planted right up on the edge of a raised bed or container so their growth can be trained over the side. For in-ground gardens, use them as border plants.
Match Sun Requirements
Mediterranean herbs prefer at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight. Cilantro and dill benefit from shade in warmer weather. Group herbs with similar sun needs together for ideal growth.
That being said, any of these herbs will continue to grow—just a little slower—with as little as 4 hours of sun a day. That’s one reason herb containers are perfect for patios, balconies, and even sunny windowsills.
Consider Pot Size
The number and type of herbs you can grow in your herb garden will depend on the size of your container. Mediterranean herbs like thyme can grow in pots that are just 6 inches deep, though I recommend going with 12 inches. Moisture-loving herbs like parsley and cilantro have longer roots that prefer a 12-inch-deep container.
PRO TIP: Always use a pot with good drainage.
The larger your container, the more herbs you can plant inside. If you have a 12-inch pot, you can grow 3 to 5 moisture-loving herbs. In that same space, I’d stick with 1 to 3 Mediterranean herbs. If you have an 18-inch pot, you could plant a mix of moisture-loving herbs and Mediterranean herbs.
PLANTING ARRANGEMENT TO GROW HERBS WITH DIFFERENT PREFERENCES TOGETHER
I love to use stainless steel and galvanized steel containers (think beverage tubs or utility tubs) for growing herbs. Just drill some holes in the bottom, and then you have a nice, wide planting area that allows you to grow both Mediterranean herbs and moisture-loving herbs together.
Just plant herbs that like their soil to stay on the dryer side around the edge of the tub, where the soil dries out first. Keep the center for moisture-loving herbs. Give each Mediterranean herb about 9 square inches of space; you can pack the other herbs in the middle with about 4 square inches each.
This is tight spacing, but growing herbs in containers is different from planting them in the ground. Overall, herbs will stay small in tight quarters, and you can keep their growth in check with frequent harvests.
PRO TIP: Use this herb garden layout to grow basil and oregano together. Oregano boosts the essential oil content in basil. You’ll be ready for Italian night, and your leaves will be even tastier.
PRACTICAL TIPS TO GROW HERBS TOGETHER
Once you’ve got your herb garden set up, keep these tips in mind to maintain a healthy, productive garden.
Harvest Regularly
The closer you’ve planted your herbs, the more often you’ll need to prune and harvest to prevent crowding and encourage airflow, which helps avoid disease.
Pro Tip: Harvest herbs in the morning, when their essential oils (and fragrance) are at their peak.
Water
Match watering to your herbs’ needs. If you’ve planted your herb garden with Mediterranean herbs around the outer edge, then you shouldn’t have to worry about drowning them to keep basil happy. Just focus your watering around the roots of the moisture-loving herbs.
Avoid Overfertilizing
If you’ve planted your herbs in decent soil, you shouldn’t need to apply additional fertilizer. Over-fertilizing can actually diminish an herb’s essential oils and, thus, its flavor.
Monitor
Keep an eye on your herb garden and how your plants are interacting with one another. If you need to remove a plant to prevent overcrowding or aggressive spreading, cut the plant at its base instead of pulling up the roots to avoid disturbing its neighbors.
HARVESTING & COOKING WITH YOUR HERB GARDEN
One of the best perks of herb gardening is the flavor (and nutrition!) boost they bring to your meals. Here are some of my favorite herb pairings for the kitchen and how I use them:
- Basil & Parsley: fresh pesto, salads, sauces
- Thyme & Rosemary: roasted veggies, stews, meats
- Chives & Dill: eggs, potatoes, creamy dressings
Knowing which category of herbs you’re growing can also help inform you about the best way to preserve your herbs for future use. Mediterranean herbs are easy to dry and store in jars. These herbs typically become more potent dried vs fresh. Check out How to Dry Herbs from the Garden to learn more and find my top tips for enjoying dried herbs.
Moisture-loving herbs like chives, basil, and parsley tend to lose flavor when they’re dried. The best way to preserve these herbs is by freezing them. I recommend chopping up your leaves and freezing them in some olive oil.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON GROWING AN HERB GARDEN
Growing herbs together means you can fit all your favorite culinary or medicinal herbs in one small space. You’ll be able to tend your plants and harvest different sprigs for dinner all in one spot. Plus, herbs are typically happier when growing next to companions.
