What Can You Plant With Basil In A Pot

You can plant a wide variety of herbs and even some flowers with basil in a pot, making it one of the best container companions in the garden.

If you’re asking what can you plant with basil in a pot, the short answer is that basil thrives with companions that share its love for warmth, moisture, and full sun.

When you’re deciding what can you plant with basil in a pot, you also want to think about which plants won’t compete too aggressively for root space or nutrients.

In this post, we’ll explore the best basil pot companions, the plants to avoid, and how to set up a thriving container garden.

Let’s dig into the wonderful world of growing basil alongside other plants in a single pot.

 

Best Companion Plants for Basil in a Pot

When you consider what can you plant with basil in a pot, you’ll discover that many herbs and vegetables make excellent neighbors for basil.

These basil pot companions are chosen because they either enhance basil’s growth, repel pests, or simply grow well together without fighting for resources.

Here are the top choices for what you can plant with basil in a pot:

 

1. Parsley

Parsley is a fantastic choice when you’re thinking about what can you plant with basil in a pot.

Both parsley and basil enjoy similar growing conditions, including moist, well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight.

Parsley has a shallow root system that won’t disturb basil’s roots, so they coexist peacefully in a shared container.

Plus, having both herbs in one pot means you can snip fresh herbs for your cooking without taking up extra space on your windowsill or balcony.

 

2. Chives

Chives are another great answer to what can you plant with basil in a pot because they naturally repel aphids and other small pests.

These pests often bother basil, so planting chives alongside your basil acts as a natural pest deterrent.

Chives also have a mild onion flavor that pairs beautifully with basil in salads and pasta dishes.

They prefer the same sunny spot and consistent watering that basil loves, making them a low-fuss companion.

 

3. Oregano

When you’re wondering what can you plant with basil in a pot, oregano should definitely be on your list.

Oregano is a hardy herb that doesn’t mind being crowded, and it thrives in the same warm, sunny conditions as basil.

This basil pot companion helps to create a mini Mediterranean herb garden right on your porch or kitchen counter.

Just make sure to give oregano a little extra room to spread, as it can grow a bit more vigorously than basil.

 

4. Marigolds

You might not think of flowers when you ask what can you plant with basil in a pot, but marigolds are a brilliant addition.

Marigolds release a scent from their roots that repels nematodes and other soil-borne pests that can harm basil.

They also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which help keep your basil pot healthy and pest-free.

Plus, the bright orange and yellow blooms add a cheerful splash of color to your herb container.

 

5. Tomatoes

Tomatoes and basil are a classic pairing in the kitchen, and they also make great companions in a pot.

If you’re asking what can you plant with basil in a pot, a compact tomato variety can share a large container with basil quite happily.

Basil helps repel tomato hornworms and other pests, while tomatoes provide a bit of shade for basil’s roots during hot afternoons.

Just be sure to use a big enough pot, at least 18 inches wide, so both plants have room to grow without crowding.

 

6. Peppers

Peppers, especially smaller varieties like jalapeños or bell peppers, are another excellent answer to what can you plant with basil in a pot.

Peppers and basil have similar watering and sunlight needs, so they won’t stress each other out in a shared container.

Basil can even help improve the flavor of your peppers, a trick many gardeners swear by.

Use a sturdy pot that can hold both plants, and place it in a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.

 

What NOT to Plant with Basil in a Pot

While many plants make great basil pot companions, there are a few you should steer clear of when deciding what can you plant with basil in a pot.

These plants either have conflicting needs or release chemicals that can inhibit basil’s growth.

 

1. Rue

Rue is a herb that you should never plant alongside basil in a pot.

This plant produces compounds that actually stunt the growth of nearby herbs, including basil.

It’s best to keep rue in its own separate container, far away from your basil pot.

 

2. Fennel

Fennel is notorious for being a poor companion for most garden plants, and basil is no exception.

When you plant fennel near basil, it can secrete substances that inhibit basil’s growth and flavor.

If you’re thinking about what can you plant with basil in a pot, just cross fennel off your list.

 

3. Mint

Mint is an aggressive grower that will quickly take over a pot and crowd out your basil.

While mint and basil like similar conditions, mint’s invasive roots will steal water and nutrients from basil.

It’s much better to give mint its own pot, so it doesn’t become a bully in your beautiful basil container.

 

Tips for Planting Basil with Companions in a Pot

Now that you know what can you plant with basil in a pot, it’s time to talk about how to set everything up for success.

These simple tips will help you create a thriving mixed container garden.

 

1. Choose the Right Pot Size

The size of your pot plays a huge role in how well your basil and its companions will grow.

For most basil pot companions, you’ll need a container that’s at least 12 to 16 inches deep and wide enough to give each plant a few inches of personal space.

A bigger pot also holds more soil, which means it retains moisture longer and gives those roots room to spread out.

 

2. Use Well-Draining Soil

Basil and its companions all hate sitting in soggy soil, so drainage is key.

Use a high-quality potting mix that includes perlite or vermiculite to ensure excess water flows out easily.

Make sure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom and consider adding a layer of small stones to help with drainage.

 

3. Water Consistently

When you plant basil with other herbs in a pot, watering becomes a daily ritual during hot weather.

Check the top inch of soil with your finger, and if it feels dry, give the pot a good drink until water runs out the bottom.

Avoid overwatering, as that can lead to root rot, which is the number one killer of container basil.

 

4. Fertilize Lightly

Herbs don’t need heavy feeding, so a light, balanced fertilizer once a month is enough.

Too much fertilizer can actually reduce the essential oils in basil, making it less flavorful.

Stick to a gentle organic fertilizer or compost tea to keep your basil pot companions happy and healthy.

 

So, What Can You Plant with Basil in a Pot?

You can plant a wonderful selection of herbs, flowers, and even some vegetables with basil in a pot, as long as they share similar growing needs.

When you choose what can you plant with basil in a pot, focus on companions like parsley, chives, oregano, marigolds, and compact tomatoes or peppers.

Avoid aggressive growers like mint and fennel, as they’ll only cause problems in a shared container.

With the right pot, quality soil, and consistent care, your basil pot companions will flourish right alongside your basil.

So go ahead and mix things up, because a pot full of basil and its friends is not just practical, it’s absolutely beautiful.

Happy planting, and enjoy the delicious harvest from your very own container herb garden.