InfoBarrel > Home & Garden > Gardening & Yard Care

How to Use Basil in Companion Planting

0 Comments | Rating: 0 | |

Companion planting is an age old technique in which plants are planted near each other so they can either benefit from or benefit the other plant. If you are striving for an organic garden, companion planting will be very helpful in reaching that goal. Basil has many different uses in companion planting.Grow basil in a location that receives full sun. It prefers soil with a pH level between 5.5 to 6.5. As the herb grows, pinch it to promote bushiness.

Things You Will Need

Basil seed
Garden snips
Garden hose
Garden gloves
Garden spade

This herb prefers a well drained, rich and light soil. Decide which plants you want to benefit from planting it nearby and plan your garden accordingly. Cross reference sunlight, watering and fertilizing requirements of the selected companion plant or plants.

Basil assists in keeping pests away from vegetables such as asparagus, potatoes and eggplant. It deters pests such as asparagus beetle, mosquitoes and flies in the home organic garden.

Plant it around the patio, children's sandbox and play area or keep in pots near sitting areas.

Plant this herb near tomatoes. It is said to improve the taste of tomatoes. Plant it near peppers to act as a "ground cover" that will increase the humidity that peppers prefer to grow in. It also benefits asparagus, potatoes, eggplant, oregano and even petunias.

Basil benefits from planting chamomile and anise nearby. They increase the herb's essential oil production. Avoid planting rue and sage nearby as they have a negative impact on this, and many other, herbs in the organic garden.

Basil also attracts butterflies and beneficial wasps to your garden. The beneficial wasps go after many types of pests and their larvae.