Medicinal Herbs are Healthy for Plants as Well

Using organic practices in our gardens means avoiding harmful chemicals where we grow our food and medicinal plants. The most damaging chemicals in modern gardening are pesticides. To avoid them, we can work with nature through methods like companion planting.

Aside from making your garden more beautiful, companion planting also:

• Provides ground cover to crowd out weeds, which compete for nutrients, water, and sunlight while also spreading disease. Fewer weeds are a great bonus, especially for those with grip issues!

• Uses soil more efficiently—shallow-rooted plants can grow alongside deep-rooted ones, reducing competition for space and nutrients.

• Reduces disease in the soil, as many companion plants are medicinal herbs with natural antifungal and antibacterial properties.

• Repels pests with their strong fragrances while attracting beneficial wildlife that preys on garden pests.

• Draws in pollinators, which are essential for fruiting plants and seed propagation.

Essentially, companion planting creates a healthier garden with fewer pests and diseases while reducing work for the gardener. So many great reasons to incorporate it into any garden!

Plants That Should Not Be Grown Together

Some plant pairings should be avoided:

• Shade-loving herbs planted with sun-loving ones can result in improper watering—one may get too much moisture while the other doesn’t get enough.

• Tall plants can block sunlight from shorter ones unless used intentionally to provide shade.

• Some plants compete for the same nutrients in the soil, which can hinder growth.

• Certain plants release chemicals into the soil that inhibit the growth of others, a process called allelopathy. While some cases are well-documented (like black walnut releasing juglone), others remain debated.

This is also why organic gardeners rotate crops and continually feed the soil—something I’ll explore in my next post on soil health and organic fertilizers.

Excellent Companion Planting Combinations for Medicinal Gardens

Onions & Garlic

These antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antibiotic plants thrive alongside root vegetables. Carrots deter leek moths, while the scent of onions, garlic, and leeks repels carrot flies. Lavender, with its antibacterial properties and ability to aid sleep, complements these plants by attracting pollinators and deterring pests. Nasturtiums, beautiful edible flowers packed with medicinal goodness, also pair well.

Wormwood & Beans

Wormwood, a natural pain reliever, repels aphids and attracts beneficial insects like ladybirds that prey on any remaining aphids. It grows well alongside beans.

Marigolds & Vegetables

Marigolds (Calendula), valued for their anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, work wonders with beans, cucumbers, and courgettes. They attract pollinators and deter common pests.

Sage & Brassicas

Sage, known for reducing inflammation and supporting brain function, confuses flea beetles, protecting turnips and cauliflower. When it flowers, it also attracts pollinators.

Borage & Strawberries

Borage, a medicinal plant used as a sedative and diuretic, pairs well with strawberries. It attracts pollinators necessary for fruiting and is believed to improve fruit flavor, though this is mostly anecdotal.

Thyme & Roses

Thyme, with its antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, is an excellent companion for roses, deterring blackflies with its strong scent.

Coriander & Sweet Peas

Coriander, beneficial for digestion and inflammation, thrives under the shade of sweet peas, which prevent it from going to seed too quickly.

Mint & Onions/Asparagus

Mint aids digestion and respiratory health. To prevent it from spreading uncontrollably, plant it in a pot near onions or asparagus. If planting in the ground, use a buried container to keep it contained.

Basil, Tomatoes & Peppers

Basil, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, not only tastes great with tomatoes and peppers but also protects them from aphids. Comfrey, a wound-healing herb, adds to this combination by attracting pollinators.

Oregano & Broccoli

Oregano, an effective antibiotic and antifungal herb, pairs beautifully with broccoli.

These are just a few examples of how you can naturally enhance your garden’s health and productivity. Have you tried companion planting? What combinations work well for you? Share your experiences in the comments or send us pictures!

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