The Best Herbs to Grow Together

Group herbs with similar growing needs.

Proper design and planning is the first step to a successful herb garden. With the plethora of herbs available and the many uses for each of these herbs, it's easy to get carried away and create a design that is too complex to maintain. Planting herbs that share the same growing needs together allows all neighboring herbs to thrive harmoniously.

Drought-Tolerant Herbs

The medicinal aloe plant thrives next to other drought-tolerant herbs.

Grouping herbs together that have different water needs will undoubtedly lead to the death of some. Plant herbs that are drough-tolerant together and be sure not to overwater them once they are established. Herbs that can withstand and even thrive in dry conditions are aloe "Aloe vera," borage "Borago officinalis," chicory "Chichorium intybus," feverfew "Tanacetum parthenium," lavender "Lavandula," rosemary "Rosmarinus officinalis," and thyme "Thymus vulgaris."

Moisture-Loving Herbs

Chive plants need regular waterings.

Herbs that need water often are most conveniently planted near a water source or in a place in the garden where water naturally runs or pools. Adding mulch to the tops of these herbs can help them retain water. Plant basil "Ocimum," chives "Allium," cilantro "Coriandrum sativum," dill "Anathum graveolens," fennel " Foeniculum vulgare," marjoram "Origanum marjorana," mint "Mentha," and viola "Viola" together.

Herbs for Shade

While majority of the common culinary herbs prefer full sun, some herbs need to shielded from the sun's rays. Utilize the shady parts of your yard by planting shade-loving herbs under trees. These include sweet woodruff "Galium odoratum," anise hyssop "Agastache foeniculum," wild ginger "Asarum canadense," shiso "Perilla frutescens," and spicebush "Lindera benzoin."

Salt-Spray Tolerant Herbs

Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean coast and is tolerant of salt spray.

For people living on the coast, tolerance of wind and salt spray will play a role in which herbs fare well. These include: aloe "Aloe vera," bay "Laurus nobilis," germander "Teucrium fruticans," lambs' quarters "Chenopodium," lemon balm "Melissa officinalis," juniper "Juniperus," rosemary "Rosmarinus officinalis," sage "Salvia," and yaupon holly "Ilex vomitoria."

References

• "Herbs and Spices"; Monica Moran Brandies; 1996.
• "Herbs: The Complete Gardener's Guide"; Patrick Lima; 2001.