Picture this: you’re making a delicious pesto, but you're out of fresh basil! A quick trip to the grocery store solves the problem, but what if you could extend the life of that store-bought basil and create an endless supply? The good news is, with a little know-how, you absolutely can! Growing Basil From Store-Bought: A Complete Guide So, can you really grow basil from store bought bunches? Absolutely! It's a fantastic way to save money, reduce waste, and enjoy fresh basil whenever you need it. However, the success of growing basil from store bought depends on a few key factors. This article will walk you through the entire process, from selecting the right basil to harvesting your homegrown leaves. We'll cover everything you need to know to successfully propagate basil from your grocery store haul. Selecting the Right Store-Bought Basil for Propagation Not all store-bought basil is created equal when it comes to propagation. To increase your ...
Basil, with its fragrant leaves and distinctive flavor, is a garden staple for many home cooks. But did you know that basil isn't just a delicious herb; it's also a fantastic companion plant? Planting it alongside certain vegetables and flowers can boost their growth, deter pests, and even enhance their flavor. Let's dive into the wonderful world of basil companion planting and discover the best plants to grow with basil.
Companion Planting 101: Why Grow Plants with Basil?
Companion planting is an age-old gardening technique that involves strategically planting different plants together to benefit each other. When it comes to basil, the benefits are plentiful. Some of the primary reasons to practice companion planting with basil include:
Pest Deterrence: Basil contains compounds that repel many common garden pests, such as aphids, whiteflies, tomato hornworms, and mosquitoes. Improved Growth: Basil can help improve the growth and vigor of its neighbors by attracting beneficial insects and improving soil health. Enhanced Flavor: It's believed that basil can even enhance the flavor of certain vegetables when planted nearby. Attracting Pollinators: Basil flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, benefiting the entire garden ecosystem.
The Best Companions: What to Grow With Basil for a Thriving Garden
Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: what exactly should you grow alongside your basil plants? Here's a detailed breakdown of some of the best companion plants for basil, along with the specific benefits they offer:
Tomatoes and Basil: A Match Made in Garden Heaven
This is perhaps the most well-known and celebrated companion planting pairing. Tomatoes and basil are not only delicious together in the kitchen, but they also thrive together in the garden. Here's why:
Basil Repels Tomato Pests: Basil helps to deter tomato hornworms, whiteflies, and aphids, which are all common tomato pests. The strong scent of basil masks the scent of tomatoes, making them less attractive to these pests. Tomatoes Provide Shade: Basil prefers full sun but can benefit from some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Tomatoes provide just the right amount of shade to protect basil from scorching. Improved Tomato Flavor:Many gardeners believe that basil enhances the flavor of tomatoes when planted nearby. While the science behind this is not definitive, anecdotal evidence suggests that the proximity does lead to tastier tomatoes.
Practical Tip: Plant basil seedlings around your tomato plants at the time of transplanting. Space them about 12-18 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation.
Peppers and Basil: A Spicy Combination
Like tomatoes, peppers also benefit from basil's pest-repelling properties. Here's why this pairing works:
Pest Control: Basil deters aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, which can plague pepper plants. Pollinator Attraction: Basil flowers attract pollinators like bees, which are crucial for pepper fruit production. Improved Pepper Growth:Some gardeners report that basil can improve the overall growth and health of pepper plants.
Practical Tip: Plant basil seedlings between pepper plants, spacing them about 12 inches apart. Ensure that both plants receive adequate sunlight and water.
Asparagus and Basil: A Perennial Partnership
Asparagus, a perennial vegetable, can also benefit from having basil as a companion plant. Here’s how:
Asparagus Beetle Deterrent: Basil is known to repel the asparagus beetle, a common pest that can decimate asparagus crops. Attracts Beneficial Insects: Basil attracts beneficial insects that can help control other asparagus pests.
Practical Tip: Plant basil near your asparagus patch to help keep the asparagus beetles away. You can also interplant basil between asparagus rows.
Cabbage and Basil: Battling Cabbage Moths
Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and other members of the brassica family can fall prey to cabbage moths and cabbage butterflies, whose larvae devour the leaves. Basil can help deter these pests.
Cabbage Moth Repellent: The strong scent of basil helps to repel cabbage moths and butterflies, preventing them from laying their eggs on your cabbage plants. General Pest Control: Basil can also help control other pests that may attack brassicas, such as aphids.
Practical Tip: Plant basil seedlings around the perimeter of your cabbage patch or interplant them between rows of cabbage. Make sure to prune the basil regularly to encourage bushy growth and maximize its pest-repelling effects.
Flowers that Love Basil: Attracting Beauty and Benefits
Basil also pairs well with certain flowers, creating a beautiful and beneficial garden ecosystem. Here are a few floral companions for basil:
Marigolds: Marigolds are renowned for their pest-repelling properties. They deter nematodes, whiteflies, and other soil-borne pests, making them an excellent companion for basil and other vegetables. Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums attract aphids away from your other plants, acting as a trap crop. They also attract beneficial insects like hoverflies, which prey on aphids and other pests. Petunias:Petunias repel tomato hornworms, aphids, and other pests, making them a great companion for basil, tomatoes, and peppers.
Practical Tip: Plant marigolds, nasturtiums, or petunias around the perimeter of your vegetable garden or interplant them between rows of vegetables to create a diverse and pest-resistant garden.
Plants to Avoid Planting with Basil: A Note of Caution
While basil is a fantastic companion plant for many vegetables and flowers, there are a few plants that it doesn't play well with. Avoid planting basil near:
Rue: Rue inhibits the growth of basil and other herbs. Sage: Sage and basil are said to compete for resources and can inhibit each other's growth. Fennel:Fennel releases a substance that inhibits the growth of many plants, including basil.
Maximizing the Benefits: Tips for Successful Basil Companion Planting
To get the most out of your basil companion planting efforts, keep these tips in mind:
Choose the Right Variety: Different basil varieties have different strengths. For example, lemon basil is particularly effective at repelling mosquitoes. Provide Adequate Sunlight: Basil needs at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day to thrive. Water Regularly: Basil prefers consistently moist soil. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. Pinch Off Flowers: Pinching off the flowers will encourage the plant to produce more leaves. However, allowing some flowers to bloom will attract pollinators to your garden. Monitor for Pests:Even with companion planting, it's important to regularly monitor your plants for signs of pests and diseases.
Grow With Basil: A Quick Reference Chart
Here's a quick reference chart summarizing the best and worst companion plants for basil:
| Plant | Benefit |
|---|---|
| -------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Tomatoes | Repels tomato hornworms, whiteflies, and aphids; may improve flavor |
| Peppers | Repels aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies; attracts pollinators |
| Asparagus | Repels asparagus beetles |
| Cabbage | Repels cabbage moths and butterflies |
| Marigolds | Repels nematodes, whiteflies, and other soil-borne pests |
| Nasturtiums | Attracts aphids (trap crop); attracts beneficial insects |
| Petunias | Repels tomato hornworms, aphids, and other pests |
| Rue | (Avoid) Inhibits basil growth |
| Sage | (Avoid) Competes for resources |
| Fennel | (Avoid) Inhibits growth of many plants |
Final Thoughts on What To Grow With Basil
Companion planting with basil is a simple and effective way to create a healthier, more productive garden. By strategically planting basil alongside other vegetables and flowers, you can deter pests, improve growth, enhance flavor, and attract beneficial insects. So, go ahead and experiment with different combinations and discover the best companion plants for your garden. Happy gardening!