10 Herbs You Should Always Plant Together for Fewer Pests and Higher Yields

Mint and Lemon Balm

Both of these herbs are part of the mint family and can be considered invasive, with the potential for their roots to spread and take over a garden. Therefore, Luay Ghafari, creator and recipe developer at Urban Farm and Kitchen, recommends planting both in separate pots—or even in the same one, if it's large enough. 

“Keeping them in pots allows you to move them into a shaded area, especially during a heat wave,” he says. “They both tend to wilt in the hot sun, so keep them well watered.”

Rosemary and Lavender

Rosemary and lavender make for excellent companion herbs because they have the same growing preferences. Both do well in full sun and require infrequent watering, says Jen McDonald, co-founder of Garden Girls, a service that helps people design beautiful garden spaces. 

“Another benefit to growing these herbs together is that they work well in raised garden beds, or when incorporated in landscaping,” she says. “They're versatile, hardy, and drought tolerant.”

Basil and Oregano

Basil will be one of the taller herbs in your garden, while oregano likes to bush and spread out, so their shapes nicely balance each other.

“Both will continuously sprout fresh leaves for harvest throughout the season,” says Anna Ohler, owner of Bright Lane Gardens, a boutique plant nursery. “They have similar growing requirements—full sun and well-draining soil—so they'll be happy in most central areas.” 

Once you’ve harvested for the season, Ohler suggests letting both plants bolt. “Enjoy some pretty, dainty blooms to finish out your gardening season,” she adds.

Thyme and Sage

Thyme and sage both prefer dry growing conditions and well-draining soil. “They are very drought tolerant,” says Ghafari. “They're perennial in most zones, so plant them somewhere permanent and they will come back more vigorously year after year.”

Dill and Cilantro

Dill and cilantro make for an excellent herb pairing, as both grow tall and attract pollinators.

“Dill is the yin to cilantro’s yang in that they can protect each other from predatory insects,” says McDonald. “Both thrive in cooler weather and need full-draining soil and regular watering. Dill is the host plant for the swallowtail butterfly, making it a very special herb to keep long after it goes to flower.”

Rosemary and Thyme

Both rosemary and thyme enjoy well-drained (or even dry) soil and full sun, so it's safe to plant them on the outskirts of your garden. They both grow in lower, dense, shrub-like shapes that look good together. 

“These are strongly-scented herbs that can do a great job of deterring critters like rabbits and deer from some of your prized vegetable plants, so they're a great option to use as a protection border,” says Ohler. “Rosemary and thyme also pair well in the kitchen, so it's a win-win.”

Basil and Parsley

Basil and parsley have similar growing needs, as they both must be watered regularly, and both thrive in partial to full sun.

“They are both grown as annuals, so they can be planted anywhere—even in containers,” says Ghafari. “Enjoy them for one season and replant the following year.”

Thyme and Oregano

These woody herbs are surprisingly hardy and adapt to weather extremes. “Because both like to sprawl and trail, thyme and oregano make for lovely companions when planted in the corners of raised garden beds,” says McDonald. “A bonus for chefs? When planted side by side, they're easy to snip for quick harvests.”

Basil and Chives

Chives are part of the onion family and can have a very strong, oniony scent, which helps deter aphids—a common pest that targets basil.

“Chives are perennial, so bear in mind that they will come back year after year,” says Ghafari. “Make sure to plant them in a permanent spot in your garden.”

Chives and Parsley

Chives and parsley are the opposite of rosemary and thyme—they prefer moist soil and can tolerate partial shade. Pair them together in one of the shadier parts of your garden and they'll perform well.

“Chives will be your earliest arrival to the herb garden, giving you something to harvest while parsley starts to grow its first few sets of leaves,” says Ohler.