Which herbs go well together?

Why mixed cultivation in the herb bed?

Mixed cultivation is not only beneficial for vegetables. This principle can also be applied to herbs. Here are a few reasons why mixed cultivation in the herb bed or balcony box is a good idea:

• Avoiding competition for nutrients: The different nutrient requirements of different herbs in the soil means there is less competition between neighbors. This means that all plants in the bed can be optimally supplied.
• Similar site requirements: Herbs with similar light or soil requirements can be planted together in the "optimal" place in the garden. Some herbs prefer a brighter spot, others a shadier one. Still others prefer a lot of moisture while others like it rather dry.
• Pest defense: Herbs are often used as partner plants in mixed cultivation. This is mainly due to their strong scent. The volatile substances not only repel pests from the herb, but also from certain other plants. Cleverly combined, you not only plant a tasty culinary herb in your garden, but also get a natural pest repellent.
• Attracting beneficial insects: These aromas not only keep pests away, but also have a particularly attractive effect on many a pollinator and beneficial insect. Certain herbs attract beneficial insects, which destroy potential pests of their neighboring herbs.
• Different space requirements: To ensure that none of the planting partners are restricted, the neighbors should have different growth forms. This applies both above and below ground. It therefore makes sense to plant deep-rooted and shallow-rooted herbs next to each other. That way they don't steal each other's root space and nutrients. However, herbs with sprawling foliage combined with herbs with a more compact growth habit also feel at home next to each other.
• Do not mix annual and perennial herbs: Annual herbs must be sown or planted anew each year. To avoid damaging the roots of perennial herbs, it is advisable to plant annual and perennial herbs separately. If you cultivate your herbs in a balcony box or raised bed, you can make your own herb soil. You can find out how to do this in our article on the subject!

Which herbs don't get along? - Loners in the herb bed

Some plants need a lot of space and don't like anyone getting too close to them. This applies to vegetables, but also to herbs. This is partly due to their space requirements and partly because they can inhibit the growth of other plants around them (allelopathy). You should plant these herbs without direct neighbors:

• Wormwood
• lovage
• Angelica

Find out the good and bad neighbors for your favorite herbs!

Our library provides information on many herbs, including growing seasons, planting tips, and harvesting instructions. You can also find good and bad neighbors to help you plan a mixed crop.

Check out our plant library

Creating a companion plant herb bed: suitable neighbors

In the following table you will find all the beneficial combinations of herbs. It also shows which neighborhoods you should avoid in the herb bed.

Which herbs to plant together? (table)

Tip: A herb spiral is a great place to try out and use mixed herb cultures.

Mixed cultivation with herbs and vegetables

Of course, you can not only grow herbs separately in a herb bed. They can also be wonderfully integrated into your vegetable patch. In the spirit of mixed cultivation, herbs can also keep pests and diseases away or attract beneficial insects with their scent. Herbs can also improve the growth and taste of vegetables. You can find more information on this in the article on mixed cultivation with herbs and vegetable plants.

Companion planting with herbs

Herbs are a wonderful addition to a mixed culture. Vegetables often benefit from herbs because they attract beneficial insects and can contribute to plant health. Some herbs can also enhance the flavor and aroma of vegetables. Mixing herbs in a bed is also a good idea. A diverse herb bed looks great and provides plenty of food for insects. For examples of your mixed herb garden, click here.

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Cover picture by silviarita on pixabay.