Holy Basil Companion Plants That Will

Holy Basil Companion Plants That Will Enhance Your Garden

Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum), also known as tulsi, is a sacred herb in Hinduism and has been used for centuries for its medicinal and culinary properties. It is a member of the mint family and is native to India and Southeast Asia. Holy basil is a versatile plant that can be grown in a variety of climates and conditions. It is a fast-growing plant that can reach heights of up to 4 feet. The leaves of holy basil are dark green and have a slightly sweet, minty flavor. The flowers are small and white or purple.

Holy basil is a popular companion plant in gardens because it can help to repel pests and attract beneficial insects. It is also said to improve the flavor and yield of other crops. Some of the best companion plants for holy basil include:

• Asparagus: The combination of holy basil and asparagus appeals to ladybugs in particular, which helps to control the presence of aphids and other pests in the garden.
• Borage: Borage is a flowering plant that is known for its insect-repelling properties. It can help to keep away pests such as cabbage moths, tomato hornworms, and whiteflies.
• Chamomile: Chamomile is a calming herb that can help to deter pests such as spider mites and thrips. It can also help to improve the flavor of holy basil.
• Oregano: Oregano is a strong-flavored herb that can help to repel pests such as mosquitoes, flies, and ants. It can also help to improve the flavor of holy basil.
• Rosemary: Rosemary is a fragrant herb that can help to repel pests such as cabbage moths, tomato hornworms, and whiteflies. It can also help to improve the flavor of holy basil.

In addition to these companion plants, holy basil can also be planted near tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. These plants all benefit from the insect-repelling properties of holy basil. Holy basil can also be planted near flowers such as marigolds and nasturtiums. These flowers attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and hoverflies, which help to control pests in the garden.

When choosing companion plants for holy basil, it is important to consider the size and growth habit of the plants. Holy basil is a relatively tall plant, so it should not be planted next to smaller plants that it may shade out. It is also important to consider the climate and soil conditions in your area. Holy basil prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

With a little planning, you can create a beautiful and productive garden by planting holy basil with the right companion plants. Holy basil is a versatile and easy-to-grow herb that can add value to any garden.

Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum), also known as tulsi, is a sacred herb in India and has been used for centuries for its medicinal and culinary properties. When growing holy basil, it is important to consider its companion plants. Some good companion plants for holy basil include:

• Marigolds: Marigolds are known for their insect-repelling properties, which can help to protect holy basil from pests such as aphids and whiteflies.
• Potatoes: Holy basil can help to deter potato beetles from attacking potato plants.
• Tomatoes: Holy basil can help to protect tomato plants from tomato hornworms.
• Cilantro: Cilantro and holy basil are both members of the mint family, and they benefit from being planted together. Cilantro can help to improve the flavor of holy basil, and holy basil can help to repel pests from cilantro.
• Rosemary: Rosemary is another herb that can help to deter pests from holy basil. It also has a strong fragrance that can help to mask the scent of holy basil, which some insects find attractive.

For more information about holy basil companion plants, please visit Garden Wiki.

FAQ of holy basil companion plants

1. What are some good companion plants for holy basil?

Holy basil is a versatile plant that can be grown with a variety of other plants. Some good companion plants for holy basil include:

• Asparagus: The combination of basil and asparagus appeals to ladybugs in particular, which helps control the presence of aphids and other pests in the garden.
• Borage: Borage is a flowering plant that attracts pollinators, which can help to improve the pollination of your holy basil plants.
• Chamomile, oregano, and chives: These herbs all have insect-repelling properties, which can help to protect your holy basil plants from pests.
• Marigolds: Marigolds are another flowering plant that attracts pollinators and repels pests.
• Peppers: Peppers and holy basil are both members of the nightshade family, and they complement each other well. Peppers can help to deter pests from holy basil plants, and holy basil can help to improve the flavor of peppers.

2. What are some plants that should not be planted near holy basil?

While holy basil is generally a compatible plant, there are a few plants that should not be planted near it. These include:

• Cucumbers: Cucumbers and holy basil can compete for nutrients, so it is best to avoid planting them together.
• Potatoes: Potatoes can harbor a fungus that can be harmful to holy basil plants.
• Tomatoes: Tomatoes and holy basil can compete for sunlight, so it is best to avoid planting them together.

3. How far apart should holy basil plants be planted?

Holy basil plants should be spaced about 12 inches apart. This will give them enough room to grow and spread without competing with each other for nutrients or sunlight.

4. How much water do holy basil plants need?

Holy basil plants need about an inch of water per week. However, the amount of water they need will vary depending on the climate and the type of soil they are planted in. In hot, dry climates, they may need more water. In cooler, moist climates, they may need less water.

5. How do I know if my holy basil plants need fertilizer?

If your holy basil plants are looking healthy and are producing lots of leaves, they probably do not need fertilizer. However, if the leaves are starting to yellow or the plants are not growing as quickly as you would like, you may need to fertilize them. You can use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer, at the rate recommended on the label.

Image of holy basil companion plants

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• Tomatoes: Basil and tomatoes are a classic companion plant pairing. Basil helps to deter pests from tomatoes, such as thrips and hornworms.
• Marigolds: Marigolds are another great companion plant for holy basil. They help to repel nematodes, which can damage basil plants.
• Cucumbers: Cucumbers and holy basil can be grown together, but they should not be planted too close together. Cucumbers can shade out basil plants, so it is best to plant them about 2 feet apart.
• Carrots: Carrots and holy basil can be grown together because they have different nutrient needs. Carrots need a lot of nitrogen, while basil does not. This means that the two plants will not compete for nutrients.
• Basil and beans: Basil and beans are another good companion plant pairing. Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit basil plants.