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What you can grow with basil is a whole lot more than just a single herb.
Basil is one of the most rewarding plants to have in a garden, and when you’re planning what can you grow with basil, the possibilities are genuinely exciting.
This isn’t just about planting a few basil seeds in a pot, it’s about creating a thriving, aromatic, and productive space around this culinary superstar.
From vegetables that soak up the same sunny conditions to flowers that attract helpful pollinators, understanding what can you grow with basil transforms your patch into a companion-planting powerhouse.
In this post, we’ll dive into the best companions, the science behind why they work, and a few things you should keep far away from your basil.
Let’s get growing.
Why Basil Loves Company (And What Can You Grow With Basil)
The first question is often why bother pairing basil with other plants, and the answer is simple: basil is a natural team player.
When you ask what can you grow with basil, you’re really asking which plants share similar needs and offer mutual benefits.
Basil thrives in warm weather, rich soil, and plenty of sunlight, so your best companions are plants that crave the same conditions.
Beyond that, basil’s strong scent confuses pests like aphids, spider mites, and tomato hornworms, making it a living shield for its neighbors.
If you’re wondering what can you grow with basil that will actually thrive, focus on vegetables and herbs that enjoy full sun and consistent moisture.
1. Tomatoes Are The Classic Answer To What Can You Grow With Basil
Tomatoes and basil aren’t just partners on your plate, they’re perfect garden buddies.
Tomatoes grow tall and leafy, while basil stays bushy and low, so they don’t compete for space.
More importantly, basil repels whiteflies and hornworms that love attacking tomato plants.
Some gardeners even say basil improves tomato flavor, though the science is fuzzy, but the pest protection is rock solid.
If you’re planting tomatoes, basil is the first answer to what can you grow with basil in that same bed.
2. Peppers Love Growing Near Basil
Peppers are another great answer to what can you grow with basil because they share the same love for warm soil and long sunny days.
Basil’s aromatic leaves mask the scent of pepper plants, which helps hide them from thrips and aphids.
In return, peppers give basil a bit of dappled shade during the hottest afternoon sun, which can prevent bolting.
This pairing is compact, so you can easily grow basil and peppers together in a raised bed or even a large container.
3. Asparagus And Basil Are Long-Term Companions
Asparagus takes years to establish, so it needs companions that won’t disturb its roots, and basil fits perfectly.
When you think about what can you grow with basil, asparagus is a clever choice because basil’s flowers attract ladybugs and lacewings.
Those beneficial insects feast on asparagus beetles that would otherwise chew your spears.
Plus, basil will fill in the gaps between asparagus rows, suppressing weeds and keeping the soil cool.
4. Lettuce And Greens Are Quick Companions For Basil
Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and arugula grow fast and shallow, so they won’t crowd basil’s roots.
When you grow basil alongside lettuce, the basil’s strong scent keeps slugs and snails from treating your greens like a buffet.
Lettuce also appreciates a little shade from basil’s bushy leaves, especially in hot climates.
So if you’re after quick wins, this is a fantastic answer to what can you grow with basil.
5. Root Vegetables Like Beets And Carrots Do Well
Carrots and beets grow underground, so they don’t compete with basil for sunlight.
Basil’s leaves help keep carrot flies away, which is a major pest for these root crops.
And because basil grows above ground, you’re essentially double-cropping the same space.
This is a smart way to maximize what can you grow with basil in a small garden.
Flowers And Herbs That Answer What Can You Grow With Basil
Beyond vegetables, there’s a whole world of flowers and herbs that pair beautifully with basil.
These companions add color, attract pollinators, and even improve basil’s essential oil production.
So when you’re thinking about what can you grow with basil, don’t forget the blooms.
1. Marigolds Are A Pest-Repelling Friend
Marigolds are the ultimate garden guardian, and they’re a perfect match for basil.
Their roots release a chemical that repels nematodes in the soil, protecting basil’s roots from microscopic pests.
Marigolds also attract hoverflies, which eat aphids that might attack basil leaves.
It’s a bright, cheerful answer to what can you grow with basil that also adds beauty.
2. Nasturtiums Act As A Trap Crop
Nasturtiums are like a sacrificial lamb, they draw aphids away from basil and other herbs.
Aphids love nasturtiums even more than basil, so the pests will gather there instead of ruining your harvest.
You can also eat nasturtium flowers and leaves, giving you two edible plants from one bed.
If you’re listing what can you grow with basil, nasturtiums deserve a top spot.
3. Oregano And Basil Thrive Together
Oregano is a low-growing perennial herb that shares basil’s love for sun and well-drained soil.
Since oregano spreads along the ground, it acts as a living mulch, keeping basil’s roots cool.
The two herbs also complement each other in Italian cooking, so harvesting them together is a treat.
This pairing is perfect if you want to know what can you grow with basil in a dedicated herb garden.
4. Chives Help Deter Japanese Beetles
Chives have a strong onion scent that confuses pests like Japanese beetles and aphids.
When planted next to basil, chives add a layer of protection while also feeding your kitchen.
Just be sure to give both plants enough space, as chives can grow tall and might shade basil if planted too close.
It’s another simple, effective answer to what can you grow with basil.
What NOT To Grow With Basil (And Why)
Not every plant is a good neighbor, so it’s just as important to know what to avoid.
Some plants compete for nutrients, while others change the soil chemistry in ways that hurt basil.
If you’re serious about what can you grow with basil, also learn about the bad pairings.
1. Keep Rue And Sage Far Away
Rue is a notorious inhibitor, it releases chemicals that stunt the growth of nearby herbs, including basil.
Sage can also interfere with basil’s development, so keep them in separate beds.
These herbs simply don’t get along, so cross them off your what can you grow with basil list.
2. Avoid Cucumbers With Basil
Cucumbers and basil actually have conflicting needs when it comes to moisture.
Cucumbers want very consistent, high humidity, while basil prefers drier air between waterings.
This mismatch can lead to fungal issues on basil leaves.
So despite both loving the sun, cucumbers aren’t a great answer to what can you grow with basil.
3. Skip Fennel Entirely
Fennel releases chemicals from its roots that suppress the growth of most garden plants, and basil is no exception.
Even strong herbs like basil will struggle when fennel is nearby.
Treat fennel as a lone wolf and grow it far from your main beds.
It’s a solid rule to keep in mind when planning what can you grow with basil.
So, What Can You Grow With Basil?
What you can grow with basil includes tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, carrots, beets, asparagus, marigolds, nasturtiums, oregano, and chives.
These companions share similar growing conditions and offer real benefits like pest control and space efficiency.
Just remember to avoid fennel, rue, sage, and cucumbers if you want your basil to thrive.
Now that you know what can you grow with basil, you can plan a garden that’s productive, beautiful, and full of flavor.
Happy planting.