What not to plant with basil to grow and gets along well with a variety of herbs, vegetables, and flowers. But, there are a few plants that don’t make good companions for basil. Cucumbers, for example, don’t get along with basil because they compete for the same soil nutrients. Additionally, they are moisture hogs, which can interfere with basil’s watering needs and lead to wilting or stunted growth. If you do plant cucumbers alongside basil, be sure to space them at least two rows apart. Likewise, avoid planting basil near sage and rosemary because they have different soil nutrient requirements. Fennel doesn’t grow well with basil either, as it tends to rob the herb of its flavor.
Companion Planting: What Not to Plant with Basil for a Happy Herb Garden
Likewise, cabbage and other cole crops like broccoli aren’t ideal companions for basil. These brassicas can be prone to diseases that can negatively impact basil. These include fusarium wilt, which results in wilting and discolored leaves, and cercospora leaf spot, which causes circular dark spots with light centers on basil leaves. If you do plant cole crops with basil, interplanting them with a trap crop of carrots, radishes, parsnip greens, or beets can help keep the pests at bay.
Another common pest of basil is flea beetles, which can cause wilting or even death of the herb. Luckily, basil plants have natural repellent properties and can be protected by row covers or by adding eggshells or diatomaceous earth to the soil around the plant. Another good companion for basil is oregano, which not only repels basil pests but attracts beneficial insects that also help protect other herbs and veggies in the garden. Marjoram also works well with basil because it and basil have similar light, heat, and soil nutrient requirements.
