Mint Companion Plants: The Best And Worst Plants To Grow Together

Mint is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes, from savory to sweet. It's also a natural pest repellent, making it a valuable addition to any garden. But did you know that mint can also benefit other plants when grown nearby?

That's right, mint companion planting is a great way to boost the health and productivity of your garden. In this blog post, we'll discuss the best and worst plants to grow with mint, as well as some tips for companion planting.

What is companion planting?

Companion planting is a gardening technique that involves planting certain types of plants together to benefit each other. Some plants, for example, can attract beneficial insects or repel pests. Others can improve the soil or provide shade. By planting the right plants together, you can create a more balanced and productive garden.

Mint companion plants

Mint is a good companion plant for a variety of vegetables, flowers, and herbs. Here are some of the best plants to grow with mint:

• Carrots: Mint can help repel carrot flies, which are a common pest of carrots.
• Tomatoes: Mint can help improve the flavor of tomatoes and deter pests such as aphids and whiteflies.
• Brassicas: Mint can help repel cabbage moths and other pests that target brassicas.
• Peas and beans: Mint can help attract pollinators, which are essential for fruit production in peas and beans.
• Marigolds: Marigolds are a natural pest repellent, and they can help keep pests away from mint plants.
• Roses: Mint can help improve the health of roses and deter pests such as aphids and spider mites.

Mint companion plants to avoid

While mint is a good companion plant for many other plants, there are a few that you should avoid planting near it. These include:

• Other types of mint: Planting multiple types of mint together can result in their flavors becoming muddled.
• Lavender, rosemary, thyme, and basil: These herbs have similar soil and moisture requirements to mint, and they can compete with each other for resources.
• Chamomile: Chamomile can inhibit the growth of mint plants.
• Parsley: Parsley can stunt the growth of mint plants.

Tips for companion planting with mint

Here are a few tips for companion planting with mint:

• Plant mint in a container or raised bed if you're worried about it taking over your garden.
• Space mint plants at least 18 inches apart to give them room to grow.
• Mulch around mint plants to help keep the soil moist and suppress weeds.
• Water mint plants regularly, especially during hot weather.
• Harvest mint leaves as needed.

Conclusion

Mint companion planting is a great way to boost the health and productivity of your garden. By planting mint near the right plants, you can attract beneficial insects, deter pests, and improve the flavor of your vegetables and herbs. So next time you're planning your garden, be sure to consider companion planting with mint.

Mint is a versatile herb that can be used in cooking, tea, and even as a natural insect repellent. But did you know that mint can also be a beneficial companion plant for other vegetables and flowers?

The strong scent of mint can help to deter pests such as aphids, cabbage moths, and spider mites. It can also help to improve the growth and flavor of other plants. Some of the best companion plants for mint include:

• Brassicas: Cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale all benefit from the pest-repelling qualities of mint.
• Carrots: The strong scent of mint can help to deter the carrot root fly, a common pest of carrots.
• Marigolds: Marigolds and mint are both known for their insect-repelling properties. When planted together, they can help to create a pest-free zone in your garden.
• Melons: The strong scent of mint can help to camouflage the scent of ripe melons from melon pests such as squash bugs.
• Onions: Onions and mint are both members of the Allium family, and they share a symbiotic relationship. Planting them together can help to improve the growth and flavor of both plants.

For more information about mint companion plants, please visit Gardenia Inspiration. This website has a comprehensive list of plants that can be planted with mint, as well as tips on how to create a successful companion planting scheme.

FAQ of mint companion plants

• What are some good companion plants for mint?

Some of the best companion plants for mint include:

* Carrots: Mint helps repel carrot flies and other pests that can damage carrots.
* Beans: Mint and beans are both nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they can help each other grow by adding nitrogen to the soil.
* Tomatoes: Mint helps deter pests like aphids and spider mites, which can damage tomatoes. It also helps improve the flavor of tomatoes.
* Peas: Mint helps repel pests like slugs and snails, which can damage peas.
* Broccoli: Mint helps deter pests like cabbage moths, which can damage broccoli.

• What are some plants that should not be planted near mint?

Some plants that should not be planted near mint include:

* Rhubarb: Mint can stunt the growth of rhubarb.
* Cucumbers: Mint can inhibit the growth of cucumbers.
* Rosemary: Mint can suppress the growth of rosemary.
* Basil: Mint can compete with basil for water and nutrients.
* Lavender: Mint can overpower the delicate scent of lavender.

• How do I plant mint companion plants?

When planting mint companion plants, it is important to keep in mind that mint is a very invasive plant. To prevent it from taking over your garden, it is best to plant it in a pot or raised bed. You can also plant it in the ground, but be sure to contain it with a barrier, such as a root barrier or a trench filled with gravel.

• How do I care for mint companion plants?

Mint and its companion plants need full sun and moist, well-drained soil. They should be watered regularly, especially during hot weather. Mint can be harvested throughout the growing season. To prevent it from becoming overcrowded, be sure to trim it back regularly.

• What are some other benefits of planting mint companion plants?

In addition to deterring pests, mint companion plants can also attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and honeybees. Mint can also improve the flavor of other vegetables and herbs, and it can be used to make tea, syrup, and other culinary delights.

Image of mint companion plants

• Tomatoes. Mint's strong aroma will keep pests like mosquitoes and flies away from tomatoes.
• Carrots. Mint helps to repel carrot flies, which are a common pest of carrots.
• Basil. Basil and mint are both Mediterranean herbs that thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They also have similar growing requirements, so they can be planted together without competing for resources.
• Cucumbers. Mint can help to repel cucumber beetles, which are a common pest of cucumbers.
• Broccoli. Mint's strong aroma can help to deter pests like cabbage moths and flea beetles, which are common pests of broccoli.