Basil: Which Neighbours to Avoid in the Vegetable Patch

Basil is widely regarded as an easy-care culinary herb, pairing beautifully with tomatoes, pasta and summer salads. It also has an important place in companion planting in the vegetable patch. Not every plant makes a suitable companion, however: some compete with basil for water, light or nutrients, while others can even impair its flavour. Knowing these pitfalls helps prevent disappointing harvests and pale, unhealthy-looking plants.

Why basil does not suit every neighbour

Companion planting deliberately combines the qualities of different plants: some attract pollinators, others deter pests or loosen the soil. Basil can benefit greatly from this approach, provided it is planted alongside compatible neighbours.

“Basil needs plenty of light, sufficient water, nutrient-rich soil and undemanding neighbours that do not compete with it for space or flavour.”

When this balance is wrong, the herb can quickly be overshadowed. Plants are particularly troublesome if they:

Water-hungry plants near basil

• require exceptionally large amounts of water,