Growing Mint and Basil Together: The Complete Guide

If you love using fresh mint and basil from your herb garden have you ever considered planting them together? Many gardeners wonder – can you plant mint and basil in the same garden bed or container? The short answer is yes! When grown together properly these two popular culinary herbs can thrive and provide benefits to each other.

In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about successfully growing mint and basil side-by-side.

Why Plant Mint and Basil Together?

Companion planting is the practice of planting different crops together so they can help each other grow Herbs make great companion plants in general because many of them produce natural compounds that deter pests Here are some of the biggest benefits of planting mint and basil together

• Pest repellency – Mint contains menthol which helps repel pests like aphids, mosquitos, cabbage moths and more. This can protect the neighboring basil.

• Enhanced flavor – When used together in recipes, mint and basil create a unique flavor profile. The mint provides a cool freshness while basil gives an aromatic sweetness.

• Efficient use of space – Planting these fast-growing herbs together allows you to produce more with less space.

• Soil enrichment – The root exudates of mint promote healthy microbial activity in soil which benefits basil’s growth.

Differences Between Mint and Basil

While mint and basil make great companions, they do have some differences in their ideal growing conditions:

• Sunlight – Basil requires full sun while mint does best with partial shade or filtered sunlight.

• Moisture – Mint thrives on constant moisture and can even tolerate soggy soil. Basil prefers consistently moist but well-draining soil.

• Soil – Rich loose soil with plenty of organic matter benefits both plants. However, mint is less fussy than basil.

• Temperature – Mint is hardy to cold weather but basil growth declines below 50°F.

Tips for Growing Mint and Basil Together

Here are some useful tips to ensure success when planting these two herbs together:

• Choose a spot that gets 6+ hours of sunlight but has some afternoon shade. This meets both plants’ light needs.

• Amend the soil with compost to improve drainage and nutrient content. Basil, in particular, wants nutrient-rich well-draining soil.

• Plant them 8-12 inches apart to allow each plant room for bushy growth. This prevents crowding.

• Set up a watering schedule. Basil likes frequent but lighter watering. Mint prefers consistently moist soil. Aim for a happy medium.

• Pinch back mint regularly so it doesn’t take over the container. Its fast growth rate can smother basil.

• Harvest frequently to encourage new growth. Cut mint stems to the base. Pinch off basil tops above a node.

• Watch for pests like aphids. Their numbers will be lower but isolate and treat any infestations promptly.

• Mulch around both plants to retain soil moisture. Use compost or grass clippings.

Best Ways to Plant Mint and Basil Together

You have a couple options for planting mint and basil together successfully:

Side-by-side in garden beds

• Space mints and basils 1-2 feet apart in garden beds
• Plant taller basils on north side of bed so they don’t shade mint
• Grow different mint varieties together for contrasting colors/textures

Mixed containers

• Use at least a 12-inch container
• Alternate plants around the pot
• Use mint as a thriller plant in the center and basil as fillers
• Pair with other herbs like oregano or chives

Adjacent pots

• Plant basils and mints in their own 6-8 inch pots
• Arrange pots together in a window box or planter
• Makes it easier to manage their individual water/soil needs

Bringing mint and basil together in your garden, whether in beds, containers, or adjacent pots, is an excellent way to get the benefits of companion planting. Pay attention to each herb’s ideal conditions and plant them accordingly. With the right care, you’ll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest of flavorful mint and basil!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you plant mint and basil in the same pot?

Yes, mint and basil can be planted together in the same container successfully. Use at least a 12-inch pot and space the plants 6-8 inches apart to prevent overcrowding. Alternate the placement around the pot. Manage moisture carefully as mint prefers more water than basil.

What herbs complement mint and basil?

Some great herb companions for mint and basil include oregano, thyme, sage, chives, parsley, dill, and lemon balm. Most culinary herbs make good companion plants as their scents deter pests.

How much sun do mint and basil need?

Mint grows best with 4-6 hours of sun and partial shade in the afternoon. Basil requires at least 6 hours of full sun per day. If planting together, choose a spot that meets both needs. Morning sun is best.

Should mint and basil be planted in separate beds?

It’s fine to plant them together in the same garden bed if you provide proper spacing – at least 12 inches apart. Another option is to plant them in adjacent separate beds or containers. This allows you to better manage watering and prevent mint from invading.

What pests does mint repel from basil?

Mint helps repel aphids, whiteflies, thrips, cabbage loopers, flea beetles, mosquitoes, gnats and other common garden pests from basil. Its natural menthol provides a protective barrier when planted nearby.