Benefits of Herbs

Natural Pest Control
Many herbs, such as basil, garlic, chives, oregano, and rosemary, produce strong scents or compounds that repel harmful insects like aphids, whiteflies, mosquitoes, spider mites, cutworms, and onion maggot flies. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides.
Attracting Beneficial Insects
Herbs like alyssum attract predator insects such as ladybugs and lacewings that prey on garden pests, helping maintain a balanced ecosystem.
Improved Pollination
Herbs such as basil attract pollinators like bees, which boosts fruit set, plant health, and flavor—especially in crops like tomatoes and peppers.
Enhanced Plant Growth and Flavor
Some herbs improve the growth and flavor of neighboring plants. For example, basil enhances peppers, while onions intercropped with carrots increase carrot yields.
Soil Health and Efficiency
Planting herbs alongside vegetables can improve land-use efficiency and contribute to healthier soil through diverse root systems and organic matter.

Basil

Repels: Mosquitoes, Whiteflies, Tomato Hornworms, Ants

Plant with: Tomatoes, Peppers, Beets

Borage

Repels: Cabbage Worms

Attracts: Bees

Catnip

Repels: Ants, Squash Bugs

Chamomile

Improves the flavor of Cabbage

Chives

Repels: Japanese Beetles, Aphids, Rabbits, Carrots, Cabbage Worms

Plant with: Lettuce, Kale, Radish, Arugula, Spinach, Carrots (improves growth)

Dill

Repels: Aphids, spider mites

Lemon Balm

Repels: Mosquitoes

*plant in pot*

Oregano

Repels: Aphids, Cabbage Moths

Plant with: Peppers, Eggplant, Tomatoes

Parsley

Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Ladybugs

Plant with: Lettuce, Arugula, Kale, Tomatoes,

Rosemary

Repels: Aphids, Cabbage Moths

Plant with: Beans, Tomatoes, Carrots, Thyme

Sage

Repels: Flea Beetles, Cabbage Moths, Carrot Flies

Plant with: Kale, Radish, Lettuce, Carrots, Tomatoes, Melons, and Strawberries

Thyme

Repels: Aphids, Whiteflies, Mosquitoes

Plant with: Cabbage, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Peppers, Cucumbers