What Herbs Can Be Planted Together Guide

What Are The Main Types of Herbs

There is a bit of ambiguity regarding what is a spice and herb. According to the McCormick Science Institute, herbs are obtained from the leaves of plants, whereas spices are derived from other parts of the plant.

However, some plants produce both spices and herbs. 

For example, a coriander's dried seed is a spice, while its leaf is a herb. Rosemary, basil, and parsley are culinary herbs that are commonly seen in spice cabinets, but their aromatic leaves make them qualify as herbs.

Therefore, it is important to gain insight into the life cycle of herbs before you attempt to grow your supply of culinary spices and seasonings.

Most herbs can thrive in a vegetable garden, just as well as in a dedicated herb garden. However, if you want to get the most out of your plants, it is helpful to have some background knowledge on the many available herbs.

There are three distinct herb types: annuals, perennials, and biennials. Annuals and perennials are the most prevalent types.

Basil is an another example of an annual herb.

It is often used in Italian cooking as a flavoring ingredient. Basil needs adequate amounts of sunlight and moist, well-drained soil to flourish.

Start seeds indoors, then transplant them to the herb garden when ready. Basil and other annual herbs can be brought indoors for container gardening and kept throughout the winter.

Other popular annual herbs include cilantro, chamomile, chervil, dill, fennel, and others. 

Perennial Herbs

Perennial herbs are plants that can live for several years or seasons. Perennial herbs thrive in warm areas and well-draining soil and return in the spring in areas with colder climates. Perennials do not need to be replanted; they will regrow again.

However, you may need to cut them at the base during fall to ensure they will grow back the following year. For example, mint is perennial plant that returns to the garden year after year, spreading with each reappearance.

In addition, mint is a sun-loving herb and drought-tolerant once grown in the garden.

Some of the most popular herbs you want to grow are perennial herbs. Perennial herbs like sage, thyme, lavender, chives, and mint need not be replanted yearly. These herbs are used in the kitchen as well as for their fragrance.

Biennial Herbs

Herbs with a two-year life cycle are known as biennials. Because they produce seeds and flowers from a new generation after their second season, biennials are fascinating plants to study.

Unfortunately, the plant usually dies after the seeds of a biennial herb have been produced.

Biennial herbs like parsley and caraway develop healthy plants in the first year, blossoming and generating seeds in the second year. To get the most out of your biennial herbs, you should devise strategies for a staggered blooming of biennials.

You can have a staggered planting schedule every year to have a steady supply of fresh herbs. 

Providing 6-8 hours of direct sunlight and water when growing parsley is important. If you want a steady supply of parsley, you should plant seeds for a second year and let the growth from the first year reseed the area where it was planted.

Perennial and biennial herbs benefit from a covering of mulch in the winter. In the spring, fertilize lightly to keep plants compact and their aromas and flavors robust.

Before the cold weather sets in, make sure to water and fertilize your plants properly, but do so sparingly.

Sage 

Sage is a member of the mint family, and its distinctive feature is its oval, gray-green leaves with woody stalks. It is a perennial plant that prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Common sage, garden sage, kitchen sage, or Salvia officinalis is the species commonly used in cooking.

Sage is known for its earthy scent and flavor. It can be found in a variety of savory dishes, including stuffing, where it is a staple.

Since the plant is available all year round, both fresh and dried forms can be purchased. Sage is a good companion for rosemary, thyme, sage, and lavender.

Oregano

First-time gardeners should consider oregano. It's easy to maintain, can live for many years, and yields a bountiful crop.

It only requires light, well-drained, moderately rich soil. Once it has been established, there is no need to water this hardy, low-growing herb. Sage, thyme, rosemary, and lavender are some herbs that go well with oregano. 

Mediterranean oregano, a member of the mint family, and Mexican oregano are two distinct varieties. In addition, there are other oregano varieties within these two categories. The flavors of oregano, both Greek and Italian, are well-known to fans of Mediterranean cuisine.

The bitter, grassy aromas of oregano, along with a hint of mint, give it its distinctive flavor. It is frequently used in marinades and stuffings.

Mint

Mint is often used to flavor dishes and drinks. For example, mint is well-known for enhancing the flavor of tea, mojito cocktails, and lamb dishes.

Plant mint close to its pot or bed because it is a very invasive plant that can occasionally spread where it does not belong. Experts advise putting mint in a separate container from other herbs and plants.

Plants and fellow herbs can benefit significantly from the strong aroma of mint, which drives garden pests, such as flea beetles, aphids, ants, and Cabbage moths. Plant mint alongside cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, kale, cauliflower, and radish.

Mint can be used to fend off carrot flies, or onion flies, by planting it near the vegetables. If you're having problems with aphids on your tomato plants, consider planting mint nearby. Mint also make great container plants since they grow easily.

Rosemary

Aromatic herbs like rosemary can be added to salads, soups,  and stews to enhance their flavor. Rosemary pairs well with a variety of meats and fish, especially oily fish, chicken, lamb, and hog.

Rosemary, a Mediterranean herb, thrives on sandy soil and warm temperatures.

Rosemary is an excellent choice as a companion plant. Rosemary, like many other aromatic herbs, keeps pests at bay and promotes a healthy garden. Both rosemary and lavender are Mediterranean herbs that have comparable sun and water requirements so they are great companion plants.

In addition, rosemary is an excellent companion plant for sage, oregano, thyme, and marjoram.