Basil should be a welcomed guest in your vegetable garden. It protects a number of other crops by attracting pollinators and deterring destructive insects that feed on the leaves, flowers, and fruit, like beetles (bean beetles, Japanese beetles) and worms (tomato hornworms and cabbage worms).
These plants are beneficial to grow together with basil
1. Asparagus
Basil and asparagus are particularly appealing to ladybugs, which helps control the aphids and other pests in the vegetable garden. It also deters asparagus beetle, which feeds on the tender tips of new asparagus shoots.
2. Borage
This flowering herb, is a big favorite of pollinators. It also repels bugs that are harmful to basil’s other companions, such as tomato hornworms. And as an added bonus, it improves the growth and flavor of basil.
3. Chives, chamomile and oregano
Some flowering herbs, like chamomile, chives, and oregano increase the strength of the essential oils in their herb garden neighbors. So this makes them a great neighbor. The basil will have better flavor and it will be much more effective in the garden as a pest repellent.
4. Marigold
Marigolds and basil are a natural pest repellent companions. You should plant them next to each other to get the most of this powerful aromatic shield.
5. Peppers
Basil is very effective for peppers in repelling garden pests and providing dense ground cover. Peppers prefer humidity, and it can trap heat and moisture.
6. Root vegetables
Parsnips, radishes, turnips, carrots, and beets all benefit from the pest-repelling aromas of a nearby basil plant.
7. Tomato
Basil is very beneficial against the tomato hornworm. When grown together, it will also increase the yield of tomato plants.
Plants to avoid growing with basil
1. Sage and rue
Basil should not be planted near rue or sage. Also, if you plant it near rosemary, plant them in separate pots.
2. Fennel
Fennel doesn’t grow well with most other vegetable garden plants, so it’s not recommended for most home gardeners. It can attract beneficial insects, but it can also serve as an inhibitor to the growth of most other plants—stunting them or even killing them completely.
3. Cucumber
Cucumbers are mostly water. Because of this they tend to take on the flavor of what is grown near it. Aromatic herbs, like basil, can affect the taste of your cucumber, so it’s best to plant them away from each other. Some gardeners also noticed reduced cucumber harvest when it is planted near aromatic herbs.
Source: www.masterclass.com
