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Basil Companion plants to grow

Tony Mowlavi, 2 years ago 7 min read 257

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Table of Contents

The purpose of a companion plant

A companion plant is a plant that is grown in close proximity to another plant to provide benefits to one or both of the plants. The purpose of companion planting is to enhance the growth, health, and productivity of the plants involved. The benefits of companion planting can include: In this article we will discuss 8 best basil companion plants to grow.

Pest control: Companion plants can repel pests that can harm the main plant, or attract beneficial insects that will help control pests.
Nutrient uptake: Companion plants can improve the soil and make nutrients more available to the main plant.
Disease control: Companion plants can help to prevent or reduce the spread of diseases that can harm the main plant.
Improved growth: Companion plants can provide shade, wind protection, or other environmental benefits that help the main plant grow better.
Increased yield: Companion plants can improve the overall health and productivity of the main plant, resulting in a higher yield.
Improved taste and aroma: Companion plants can enhance the taste and aroma of the main plant, making it more desirable for culinary or medicinal uses.
Pollination: Companion plants can attract pollinators that will help the main plant set fruit or produce seeds.

8 companion plants for growing basil

Petunias: Petunias are often planted with basil to repel flies and mosquitoes. Petunias can also be used as an ornamental plant, which give a beautiful look to the garden.

Marigold: Marigold planted with basil can help to repel pests and improve the overall health of the basil plants. They also complement each other in dishes like “Marigold pesto”

Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums and basil can be planted together to repel pests, and they also complement each other well in dishes like “Nasturtium pesto”

Borage: Borage planted with basil can help to improve the overall health of the basil plants and can also repel pests. They also complement each other in dishes like “Borage and basil soup”

Garlic: Garlic planted with basil can help to repel pests and improve the overall health of the basil plants. They also complement each other in dishes like “Garlic and basil pasta”

Oregano: Oregano and basil can be planted together to repel pests and they also complement each other well in dishes like “Italian seasoning”

Thyme: Thyme and basil can be planted together to repel pests and they also complement each other well in dishes like “Thyme and basil chicken”

Rosemary: Rosemary and basil can be planted together to repel pests and they also complement each other well in dishes like “Rosemary and basil bread”

It’s worth noting that companion planting is a way to group plants together that have a symbiotic relationship and can benefit each other in terms of growth, pest control, pollination, and more. It is important to check the growth requirements, sun exposure, water and soil needs of each plant before planting them together.

Dishes that complement Basil

Caprese Salad Recipe

Tomatoes: Tomatoes and basil have a symbiotic relationship, with basil helping to repel pests that can harm tomatoes, while tomatoes help to provide shade for the basil. They complement each other in the dish called “Caprese salad”

Caprese salad is a simple Italian dish made with fresh mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and basil. Here is a basic recipe:

Ingredients:

2 large ripe tomatoes
8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese into 1/4-inch thick slices.
Arrange the slices of tomato and mozzarella on a large plate, alternating between the two.
Tear or chop the basil leaves and sprinkle them over the top of the salad.
Drizzle the olive oil over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Note: You can also add balsamic vinegar or vinaigrette to enhance the flavor.

Peppers: Peppers and basil can be planted together to repel pests, and they also complement each other well in dishes like “Pesto peppers”

Eggplants: Eggplants and basil can be planted together to repel pests, and they also complement each other well in dishes like “Ratatouille”

Ratatouille Recipe

Ratatouille is a traditional French dish made with a variety of vegetables, including eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Here is a basic recipe:

Ingredients:

1 eggplant, diced
2 zucchinis, diced
2 bell peppers, diced
2 onions, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 cups diced tomatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or thyme, for garnish

Instructions:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the onions, garlic, and diced vegetables. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Stir in the diced tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Reduce the heat to low and let the ratatouille simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are very tender and the sauce is thickened.
Serve the ratatouille hot or cold, garnished with fresh basil or thyme.

Note: You can also add some herbs de Provence, a blend of herbs traditionally from the region of Provence, or some chopped fresh basil or thyme for additional flavor.

Okra: Okra and basil can be planted together to repel pests, and they also complement each other well in dishes like “Okra stew”

Okra stew aka Gumbo (a basil companion plant to grow)

Gumbo is a traditional dish from the southern United States, particularly Louisiana, that is made with okra, tomatoes, and a variety of meats or seafood. Here is a basic recipe:

Ingredients:

1 lb okra, sliced
1 onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cups diced tomatoes
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 tsp cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 lb of your choice of meat or seafood (chicken, sausage, shrimp, etc.)
Hot cooked rice, for serving

Instructions:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some oil over medium heat, add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper and cook until softened.
Stir in the okra, tomatoes, broth, cajun seasoning, paprika, salt and pepper, and your choice of meat or seafood. Bring to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer for 30-40 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Serve the stew over hot cooked rice.

Note: You can also add some more vegetables like carrots, celery, or potatoes to make the stew more substantial. Some people also add a roux (a mixture of flour and fat) to thicken the stew and make it more creamy.

Best Basil companion plants to grow