9 Plants You Should Always Grow Next to Basil for a Lush, Flavorful Harvest

Tomatoes

Basil and tomatoes share a mutually beneficial relationship. Tomatoes can help improve basil’s growth and enhance its flavor. In turn, basil can repel tomato pests, like hornworms.

But that’s not all. “When basil is in bloom, it attracts beneficial insects to pollinate tomatoes,” says Anna Hackman, farmer and owner of The Naked Botanical.

• Zones: 3-11
• Mature Size: 3-5 ft. tall, 2-4 ft. spread
• Care Requirements: Full sun; loamy, well-drained soil

Carrots

This vegetable will do well next to basil. “Basil is aromatic, so it helps to repel armyworms, mites, and weevils, which harm your carrots," says Hackman.

“Additionally, carrots can help loosen the soil structure,” says Luke Hammond, director of brand advancement for Seedtime. However, avoid planting them too close to the basil, and ensure 8 to 12 inches of spacing around the basil plants. “That way, when you go to harvest the carrots, you don’t damage the root structure of the basil," he adds.

• Zones: 3-10
• Mature Size: 6 to 12 inch root, 1 foot foliage height; 9 inch spread
• Care Requirements: Full sun to part shade; loose, well-drained soil

Oregano

Oregano and basil thrive in a similar environment, so they grow well together. Plus, according to Hammond, both provide a good ground cover to help retain moisture in the soil.

“However, take care—oregano is in the mint family and, depending on the variety, is prone to spread rapidly," he says. Another benefit to growing these herbs as companion plants is that basil and oregano are used together in many recipes.

• Zones: 4-10
• Mature Size: 1–2 ft. tall, 1.5 ft. wide
• Care Requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil

Zucchini

Basil benefits zucchini. “It prevents fungus from spreading on the [zucchini] leaves," says Nicole Johnsey Burke, gardener and founder of Gardenary, Inc. This is especially important for zucchini, which is prone to powdery mildew.

Some gardeners swear that growing basil near zucchini enhances both the growth and flavor of the fruits, thanks to certain chemicals that basil releases into the soil.

"Either way, when basil produces its pretty little flower spikes, it attracts tons of beneficial insects, including bees, butterflies, and lacewings," she adds.

• Zones: 3-11
• Mature Size: 1-3 ft. tall, 2-6 ft. wide
• Care Requirements: Full sun; loamy, well-drained soil

Parsley

Parsley is a good companion plant for basil because it won't compete for space. “And like basil, it will draw in beneficial insects and pollinators to the garden,” says Hammond. Hackman agrees, adding they will also help each other’s taste. “Plus, the two create a lethal combination of aroma, which deters pests.”

• Zones: 3-9
• Mature Size: 12 to 24 inches tall and wide
• Care Requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil

Bell Peppers

Basil can help peppers thrive. The two plants have similar heat, sun, and water needs, so they're easy to grow next to each other—plus, basil can help repel unwanted pests like aphids, flies, and spider mites.

• Zones: 9-11
• Mature Size: 18 in. to 3 feet tall
• Care Requirements: Full sun; fertile loam soil

Marigolds

Marigolds are a great companion plant for basil. “Marigolds help basil in its organic pest control efforts, and also bring beauty to the garden," says Burke. For this reason, she loves to interplant basil, low-growing marigolds, zinnias, and trailing nasturtium around the edge of a raised bed.

• Zones: 2-11
• Mature Size: 4–48 in. tall, 6–24 in. wide
• Care Requirements: Full sun; evenly moist, well-drained soil

Lettuce

Basil and lettuce work well together, especially when the basil gets larger. "This provides shade to help lettuces thrive in the heat, and stretch lettuce harvests into summer,” says Hammond. Plus, basil's aromatic qualities can improve the flavor of lettuce.

• Zones: 2a-11b
• Mature Size: 6–12 in. tall and wide
• Care Requirements: Full to partial sun; loamy, rich, well-drained soil

Eggplant

Basil and eggplant help each other. “Tall fruiting plants like eggplant can cast some shade on basil to keep it from flowering in the warmer months,” says Burke. In return, the strong scent of basil helps control pests, such as whiteflies and thrips. It can also repel aphids and spider mites.

• Zones: 5 to 12
• Mature Size: 2–4 ft. tall, 1–3 ft. wide
• Care Requirements: Full sun; loamy, well-drained soil