Companion planting is a popular method among gardeners looking to grow healthier plants and make the most of their outdoor space. It involves placing certain plants together so they benefit each other by improving soil quality, deterring pests, or encouraging better growth.
But while some combinations work well, others can cause problems, and there’s one common pairing experts say you should avoid. According to gardening experts at Gardenia.net, basil should never be planted next to sage. While both are popular herbs in British gardens and kitchens, they don’t get along well in the soil. In fact, planting them side by side may cause your basil to struggle.
The two herbs have very different growing needs. Basil prefers warm, moist conditions with regular watering and rich soil, while sage grows best in drier, well-drained environments and doesn’t need as much water.
These conflicting preferences mean one plant is likely to suffer if forced to share space with the other.
As Gardenia.net explains, sage “may stunt the growth of basil,” especially when the plants are competing for nutrients or sunlight.
For gardeners hoping to get the most from their crops, that’s a big problem, particularly in summer, when basil is at its peak and often used for making fresh pesto, garnishing salads or adding flavour to home-cooked meals.
To avoid this issue, gardeners are encouraged to plant basil away from sage and instead place it near herbs and vegetables that are more compatible.
Good companion plants for basil include tomatoes, peppers, parsley and lettuce, which can help protect it from pests and improve its overall growth.
Basil is also known to help other plants by repelling aphids, whiteflies and mosquitoes, making it a useful herb to have in both vegetable patches and flower beds.
But when grown next to the wrong companion, such as sage, its potential can be limited.
For those who still want to grow both herbs, the best option is to keep them in separate pots or plant them in different sections of the garden.
That way, each can thrive in the conditions they prefer without impacting the other.
