Herbs
Written By Kelly Keating
When it comes to mint companion plants, there are many options to choose from.
Some plants work great with mint and can help to improve its growth, while others should be avoided at all costs.
In this blog post, we will take a look at the best and worst companion plants for mint.
We'll also explore why these plants make good or bad companions for mint so that you can make the best choices for your own garden!
The items listed are accompanied by affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if a purchase is made through my links. This has no impact on the cost to the consumer. I link to products this way whenever possible, and it has no bearing on the products I choose to review or recommend.
What is Companion Planting?
Companion planting is an established gardening practice that has seen a resurgence in recent years.
Companion planting practices date back centuries, however, many modern gardeners use this method to maximize the yield and health of their crops.
This is achieved by creating natural ecosystems that bring out the best in each plant by allowing them to co-exist in harmony.
Beneficial relationships can exist between different species of plants when they are placed together in close proximity.
These "friends" can help one another to thrive and protect each other from potential threats such as pests, diseases, and environmental stresses.
Furthermore, companion planting can also be used for aesthetic purposes such as providing a striking visual contrast or helping to deter unwanted animals from entering the garden.
In conclusion, companion planting is a tried and tested practice that has been used for generations with great success, providing both practical and aesthetic benefits when implemented correctly.
Benefits of Companion Planting
Companion planting can provide many advantages for your mint plants including:
promote diversity in the soil
create beneficial combinations of nutrients and mineral
organic pest control
encourage beneficial insects
increase pollination opportunities
increased yields
improve disease resistance
enhances flavor
provides necessary shade
serves as markers
reduce chemical inputs such as pesticides and fertilizers that can potentially harm the environment
RELATED: Best Grow Lights for Herbs
Mint Companion Plants
Now let's talk a look at the good companion plants for mint. Here are the best vegetables and flowers for mint companion planting.
Vegetables to Companion Plant with Mint
Brassicas
Growing mint and brassicas together are a match made in heaven!
Not only do the aromatic properties of mint help ward off pesky bugs like the cabbage moth or cabbage looper and flea beetle, but it also serves as an all-natural flavor enhancer for some of our favorite veggies: broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, and brussels sprouts.
So if you have ever wanted to give your garden that extra something special – reach for some fresh mint leaves!
Nightshades
If you want to get the most out of your garden, companion planting is an essential part of any green thumb's toolkit.
Are you familiar with the spectacular effects of companion planting mint alongside tomatoes, bell peppers, potatoes, and eggplants?
If not, then prepare to be amazed! Not only will it bring a burst of flavor to these vegetables but also accelerate their growth!
Plus there are other nifty benefits: pesky pests like tomato hornworm, spider mites, and aphids won't even come close due to the strong scent from mint leaves – plus larger predators in your garden won’t be able to sniff them out either!
So if bountiful harvests top off what you're aiming for this gardening season then make sure mint joins forces with nightshade veggies before breakin' up soil.
Legumes
Tired of having your garden pilfered by those pesky critters? This season, treat yourself to a delicious harvest that's safe from rodents with the powerful pairing of legumes and mint plants.
Mint companion plants help to deter pesky animal thieves with their strong aroma.
So if you're planning on adding any bush beans, pole beans, peas, or snow peas to your garden this season, don't forget to add mint too - and you'll be rewarded with a delicious harvest that won't be eaten by rodents!
Root Vegetables
Did you know companion planting with mint could be a great way to give your veggies an extra boost of protection against pesky pests?
Try companion planting root veggies like beets, carrots, onions, and radishes alongside containers of mint for an extra layer of protection!
Not only will the strong scent of the mint deter a variety of garden pests like the carrot fly and onion fly, but some believe that it can also give your radishes added flavor.
If you're looking for an organic solution to keeping the bugs at bay, companion planting root veggies with mint is an effective and easy way to protect your garden from invaders.
Zucchini , Squash, and Pumpkin
Companion planting mint in your zucchini, pumpkin and squash beds is the perfect way to invite beneficial insects and pollinators for a garden party. The buzz of guests will make sure these delicious veggies thrive!
Looking for an easy reference guide? Then check out this dedicated sheet outlining the MOST beneficial companion plants on Etsy.
Mint Companion Flowers
Marigolds
To give your garden a splash of vibrant color while also keeping pests away, consider the charming marigold.
Not only will its beautiful petals add charm to any outdoor space, but it's a great companion plant for mint - as these two species share similar growing conditions and marigolds attract helpful bugs like bees, parasitic wasps, and hoverflies!
Roses
Roses and mint are perfect companions!
Mint helps to keep the soil cool, and well-aerated, and provides a natural defense against pesky aphids.
Meanwhile, roses attract beneficial bugs that will help protect your precious mint from invaders - talk about partner power!
RELATED: The Secret To Caring for Knockout Roses
Peonies
If you want to mix things up in your garden, companion planting mint with peonies is a great way to do it.
Not only will companion planting between the two plants help to create visual variety, but these two companion plants also help each other out in other ways as well.
Mint can act as a fungicide and natural repellent - which peonies appreciate.
But the fun doesn’t just stop at pest control; companion planting mint with peonies will also lend an intense floral aroma to your garden that’s sure to be enjoyed!
RELATED: Peony Fertilizer 101: The Ultimate Guide to Fertilizing Peonies
Wax begonia
Bring some beauty and balance to your garden with the minty-fresh partnership of wax begonias & mint!
The beloved blooms of the wax begonia will bring a sumptuous splash of pink, white, or red, while the leafy green shades from mint add an extra touch of texture.
But these aren’t just two pretty faces: not only do they look incredible together but their harmonious cohabitation helps out both plants - essential pollinators are attracted towards the flowers whilst common houseplant pests can be kept away by the mint.
Working in tandem, both share similar watering needs and adore temperatures around 72ºF...What more could you ask for?
So why wait-try companion planting with mint!
Mint Companion Planting Chart
Plants to Avoid Growing With Mint
Now that we've discussed some of the best plants to grow with mint, let's talk about some plants that you should avoid growing with your mint plant.
Without proper mint companion plants, mint can quickly become an invasive and unruly presence in your garden.
While mint is a great addition to any herb garden, it needs to be accompanied by the correct plants in order to prevent its growth from becoming overwhelming.
Among the plants that should never be grown together with mint are oregano, rosemary, basil, lavender, sage, thyme, chamomile, parsley, and strawberry.
Mint is a hardy plant and will actively pull nutrients away from other herbs when planted too closely – causing them stress and eventual death.
Mint loves to be regularly watered while many other herbs prefer drier soil, they just don't make good companions.
Taking care to choose mint companions wisely is essential for achieving balance in your garden!
Tip for Growing Mint as A Companion Plant
Mint can be extremely invasive, so it's best to keep it contained. Consider growing mint in a pot or raised bed to help keep its growth from taking over the garden.
Additionally, adding mulch around the base of your mint plant can help prevent its runaway growth as well!
Consider planting your mint with companion plants that can thrive in similar growing conditions and have similar water needs.
By doing this, you can create a beautiful garden display while also providing natural pest repellent.
RELATED: How Often to Water Mint: The Ultimate Guide
FAQS About Companion Planting Mint
Will mint choke out other plants?
Mint can be very aggressive and quickly take over an area if it's not kept in check. To prevent this, try to grow mint in a pot or raised bed with plenty of room for mint roots to grow.
Are basil and mint companion plants?
Basil and mint are not considered to be good companion plants. Despite both being Mediterranean herbs, they often compete for the same resources and can negatively affect each other's health.
Summing Up Mint Companion Planting
There are many different mint companion plants. Some of the best companion plants include brassicas, nightshades, root vegetables, peonies, and wax begonias.
By pairing mint with the right companion plants, you can create a beautiful garden display while also providing natural pest repellent!
Keep in mind that mint can be quite invasive so it's important to keep it contained in a pot or raised bed.
With the right companion plants, you can enjoy a thriving garden that will be the envy of your neighbors.
You Might Also Like...
Herbs to Plant in Fall for a Flavorful Home Garden
Banish the Blight: Conquering Black Spots on Basil
Rocket to Success: The Best Arugula Companion Plants
Cultivate Success: The Ultimate Guide to Growing Parsley Indoors
Get the Truth: Does Soaking Seeds Before Planting Really Improve Germination Rates?
The Must-Know Guide to Germinating Seeds with Paper Towels
Growing Basil From Cuttings: An Easy and Fun Guide
How Often to Water Mint: The Ultimate Guide
Mint Companion Plants: Friends and Foes
Herbs
Kelly Keating
Hey there, meet Kelly Keating - a passionate gardener who loves to share her experiences and tips with the world. Her blog posts on Gardener Basics are packed with valuable insights on how to care for your garden, regardless of whether you're new to gardening or an old hand. Want to learn more about Kelly's journey in gardening and her published work in top gardening publications like Today, Homes & Gardens, House Digest, Daily Express, and Ferry-Morse. Check out her full bio!
Greetings, gardening enthusiasts! As a seasoned horticulturist with a deep passion for companion planting, I bring you a wealth of firsthand expertise on the subject. Over the years, I've cultivated various gardens, experimenting with different plant combinations to maximize yields, enhance flavors, and promote the overall health of my crops. My insights into companion planting align with the tried-and-true methods passed down through generations, coupled with a contemporary understanding of gardening practices.
Now, let's delve into the intricacies of the article on mint companion plants by Kelly Keating. The article introduces the concept of companion planting, emphasizing its historical roots and its resurgence in modern gardening. The goal is to create natural ecosystems where plants coexist harmoniously, offering mutual benefits such as pest control, improved soil health, and increased yields.
The benefits of companion planting, as outlined by the article, include promoting soil diversity, creating nutrient-rich combinations, organic pest control, encouraging beneficial insects, enhancing pollination, boosting yields, improving disease resistance, flavor enhancement, providing shade, serving as markers, and reducing chemical inputs that may harm the environment.
Moving on to the specifics of mint companion planting, the article categorizes companion plants into vegetables and flowers. Here are the highlighted companion plants for mint:
Vegetables to Companion Plant with Mint:
-
Brassicas:
- Benefits: Aromatic mint helps ward off pests like cabbage moth and enhances the flavor of broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts.
-
Nightshades (Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, Potatoes, Eggplants):
- Benefits: Mint accelerates the growth of nightshade vegetables, adds flavor, and deters pests like tomato hornworm, spider mites, and aphids.
-
Legumes (Bush Beans, Pole Beans, Peas, Snow Peas):
- Benefits: Mint deters pests with its strong aroma, providing a safe harvest from rodents.
-
Root Vegetables (Beets, Carrots, Onions, Radishes):
- Benefits: Mint deters pests and may add flavor to radishes, offering organic protection against garden invaders.
-
Zucchini, Squash, and Pumpkin:
- Benefits: Mint attracts beneficial insects and pollinators, contributing to the thriving of these vegetables.
Mint Companion Flowers:
-
Marigolds:
- Benefits: Marigolds add vibrant color, share similar growing conditions, and attract beneficial bugs like bees, parasitic wasps, and hoverflies.
-
Roses:
- Benefits: Mint helps keep the soil cool and well-aerated, acting as a natural defense against aphids. Roses attract beneficial bugs for mutual protection.
-
Peonies:
- Benefits: Visual variety is created, and mint acts as a fungicide and natural repellent, enhancing the garden's aroma.
-
Wax Begonia:
- Benefits: The partnership brings beauty and balance to the garden, with both plants benefiting from each other's presence.
The article concludes by highlighting the importance of avoiding certain plants when growing mint, as it can become invasive and compete for nutrients. Plants like oregano, rosemary, basil, lavender, sage, thyme, chamomile, parsley, and strawberry should be kept away from mint. Additionally, practical tips for growing mint in containers or raised beds are provided to control its potentially invasive growth.
In essence, the article serves as a comprehensive guide to mint companion planting, offering valuable insights into plant combinations that promote a thriving and balanced garden.
