Compatibility of Herb Plants

Mints and Basil

• Here's one plant that doesn't work in containers, but grows quite well about anywhere you put it. The mint -- or Mentha -- family includes peppermint, spearmint, chocolate mint, orange mint and about 200 other named varieties. These plants are hardy and they will spread out rapidly, so find a spot where they won't interfere with smaller herbs. A nice corner of the yard works. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) grows with about anything, but it's considered a form of mint, so may take over, too. Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) comes in both green leaf and reddish-purple leaf forms. They grow easily from seed, and in Mediterranean or similar climates, will become like shrubs. Basil works well with many different herbs, but it's best not to plant it with sage or rue.

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme

• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and sage (Salvia apiana) can grow together, but since both become very large plants if left to grow, allow several feet for them to spread out. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) can be grown in containers with other herbs, and is also happy with chives and onions. Thyme (Thymus) comes in many different varieties from tiny crawlers that work nicely in rock gardens and pathways to taller plants that grow well with most other herbs.

Marjoram and Oregano

• These cousins do well in the garden together. Marjoram (Origanum majorana) and Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare) can grow into rather large plants, but don't take over nearly as wildly as the mints. Marjoram is a good companion plant because it's said to improve the flavor of nearby vegetables and herbs. Oregano grows well in containers or in the yard.

Garlic, Onions & Chives

• Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are often planted at the ends of vegetable garden rows and do well with a number of plants, including its relatives in the onion family. Onions (Allium) and garlic (Tulbhagia violacea) are larger bulbs, some of which repel beetles. They grow well together in nearby rows and help repel a number of undesirable insects. Dill (Anethum graveolus) is said to help them.

Warnings

• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is not a welcome plant in most gardens as it will likely destroy the other plants, with the exception of dill. Keep it far away from your vegetable or herb gardens if you plan to grow it. Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is another hazard. While it has its uses, it can be toxic to other plants and will stunt their growth. This is because the plant releases absinthe, which will leach into the soil. Plant borage (Borago officinalis) and comfrey (Symphytum officinale) where they have plenty of room to spread out and become very large bushes.