Have you ever wondered if there are certain plants that basil grows best with? Growing basil can be a great way to add flavor to dishes, but it can be tricky to get the most out of the plant.
In this article, we will look at what basil is, the benefits of growing it, the ideal climate for it, and the best way to use it with companion plants such as tomatoes, peppers, oregano, and marigolds.
Read on to find out the expert tips for growing basil and the best companion plants for it!
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Short Answer
Basil grows well in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
It thrives in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil.
It’s a good companion plant for tomatoes, peppers, oregano, and asparagus.
It’s also known to deter some pests, like aphids and flies, so it can be beneficial to plant with other vegetables.
What is Basil?
Basil is an herb belonging to the mint family, and is commonly used in a wide variety of culinary dishes.
It is an aromatic plant with a sweet, peppery flavor and can be used to enhance both sweet and savory dishes.
Basil is a versatile herb that can be used fresh or dried, and can be added to salads, sauces, marinades, and more.
It also has many medicinal properties, and has been used for centuries to treat various ailments.
In addition to its culinary and medicinal benefits, basil is also a beautiful plant to add to an outdoor garden.
It has green, oval-shaped leaves and small white flowers that are attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Benefits of Growing Basil
Basil is a versatile herb that has been used for centuries to add flavor and nutrition to dishes.
It is also an easy herb to grow, making it a great addition to any garden.
Growing basil comes with many benefits, from its unique flavor to its ability to help other plants thrive.
Basil is a hardy herb and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, making it an ideal choice for beginning gardeners.
The herb produces a sweet, pungent aroma that can be used to add flavor to dishes.
Basil also contains a number of important nutrients, such as vitamins A, K, and C, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
These nutrients can help to improve overall health, and basil is also known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Basil can also benefit other plants when it is grown alongside them.
The herb helps to enrich the soil, which can improve the health of other plants.
It can also provide a living mulch, which helps to retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.
Basil also helps to repel pests, making it an excellent companion plant for tomatoes, peppers, oregano, and marigold.
Finally, basil benefits from regular pruning in order to promote new growth and increase flavor.
Pruning helps to keep the plant from becoming too large and encourages the production of new leaves.
Pruning also helps to keep basil from becoming too woody and bitter.
Overall, growing basil provides a number of benefits, from its unique flavor and nutritional benefits to its ability to help other plants thrive.
Whether growing basil for culinary uses or as a companion plant, this hardy herb is an ideal choice for any garden.
Ideal Climate for Growing Basil
Basil is an herb that thrives in warm, sunny conditions, making it an ideal addition to many home gardens.
It is a relatively easy plant to grow, and can provide a bounty of flavorful leaves that can be used in a variety of recipes.
When planted in the right climate, basil can grow quickly and abundantly.
When growing basil, it is important to ensure that the plant is in direct sunlight for at least six hours per day.
This will ensure that the plant gets enough light to photosynthesize, leading to robust growth.
If the plant is not in direct sunlight, it will be unable to thrive and may struggle to survive.
Additionally, basil should be grown in temperatures between 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
If the temperatures drop below this range, the plant may go into shock and die.
It is also important to ensure that the soil is well-draining and rich in nutrients.
As basil is a heavy feeder, it will need regular applications of fertilizer or compost to ensure that it has the necessary nutrients to grow.
Additionally, mulching the soil around the basil plant can help to keep the soil moist and prevent weeds from growing.
Tomato Planting Tips
When planting basil with tomatoes, it is important to keep in mind that the two plants have different needs.
Tomatoes require plenty of sun and well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
Basil, on the other hand, prefers partial shade and soil with a slightly higher pH, between 6.5 and 7.5.
To ensure the success of both plants, it is important to provide adequate spacing between them, as tomato plants require more space than basil.
Additionally, it is beneficial to keep the tomato plants well-watered, as water helps to promote healthy fruit production.
Furthermore, tomatoes should be pruned regularly to ensure that the foliage remains healthy and to encourage new growth.
When planting tomatoes alongside basil, it is also important to provide adequate support for the tomato plants, as they have a tendency to become top-heavy with fruit.
A tomato cage or trellis can help to provide stability for the plant, leading to higher yields and better quality produce.
Peppers Planting Tips
When planting peppers in the same area as basil, it’s important to remember that peppers need more nutrients and water than basil.
If you’re adding peppers to the same bed as basil, consider adding some extra nutrient-rich soil or compost to the area.
Peppers also need more sunlight than basil, so make sure to plant them in a sunny spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Pruning pepper plants can also help to promote growth and increase the yield of peppers.
Regularly removing the yellow or brown leaves from the bottom of the plant will help to ensure it receives enough light and air circulation.
Additionally, adding some mulch or compost around the base of the pepper plants can help the soil retain water and keep the plants healthy.
Oregano Planting Tips
When planting oregano alongside basil, it is important to choose a variety of oregano that is suitable for your climate.
Oregano is a hardy plant, but it does best in warm, sunny conditions.
When selecting plants for companion planting, it is also important to choose varieties that will not compete for resources.
In other words, choose varieties that have different rooting depths and nutritional needs.
Once you have selected the oregano variety that is best suited for your climate, it is time to prepare the soil.
Oregano prefers soil that is well-drained and rich in organic matter.
If the soil is too heavy or clay-like, add some compost or other organic matter to improve the quality.
When planting oregano, it is best to plant the seedlings a few inches apart to allow for good air circulation and to prevent overcrowding.
If you are transplanting seedlings, make sure that the roots are kept moist and dont dry out.
It is also important to keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season.
Oregano also benefits from regular pruning to keep it from becoming too woody or overgrown.
Pruning also helps to promote new growth and increases the flavor of the oregano.
By planting oregano alongside basil, gardeners can create a flavorful and nutritious garden that is both beautiful and productive.
Oregano is a hardy and reliable companion plant that will help to improve the health of the basil plant while providing an additional flavor to dishes.
By following these planting tips, gardeners can ensure a successful harvest of both herbs.
Marigold Planting Tips
When it comes to companion planting with basil, one of the best choices is the marigold.
Marigolds are a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions and require little maintenance.
They also have the added benefit of repelling pests, which can help to keep your basil plant healthy and protected.
When selecting a marigold to plant alongside your basil, look for varieties that are shorter in height, such as the ‘Tangerine Gem’ or ‘Tangerine Gem Improved’.
These varieties have a smaller mature size and are ideal for container gardens or small plots.
When planting your marigolds, it’s important to give them plenty of space.
Marigolds should be planted at least six inches apart and it’s best to plant them in rows to maximize their pest-repelling effects.
Additionally, marigolds need plenty of sun and well-draining soil.
If your soil is too dense or wet, it can cause the marigold’s roots to rot.
When it comes to pruning your marigolds, it’s best to do so as soon as the flowers start to wilt and die.
Pruning helps to promote new growth and encourages the marigolds to produce more blooms.
Additionally, deadheading your marigolds regularly can help to keep them looking their best.
For those who are looking to add some extra flavor to their dishes, consider planting some basil alongside your marigolds.
The two plants can work together to create delicious dishes that are both nutritious and flavorful.
Plus, the pest-repelling qualities of the marigolds can help to keep your basil plant healthy and safe.
Final Thoughts
Growing basil is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your dishes while also keeping other plants in your garden healthy.
With the help of companion plants like tomatoes, peppers, oregano, and marigold, basil can be grown in warm, sunny conditions for optimal flavor and health.
Now that you’ve learned the tips and tricks to growing basil, why not get out in the garden and give it a try? You won’t regret it!