Learn how growing Lavender as a companion plant can benefit your garden in this easy lavender companion planting guide.
What is companion planting
Companion planting is essentially when two plants are grown close together for the benefit of one or both of those plants. Most commonly companion planting is useful to deter pests, attract beneficial insects (pollinators), and stimulate growth. The benefit could go one way or be mutual.
Compatible companion plants typically have a symbiotic relationship and they often need or add things that is in the soil or the soil is lacking for the other plant. Companion plants typically need similar amount of moisture and grow well with similar amounts of light. In some cases one plant can shade the other if one is sun loving and the other shade loving.
Lavender is such a versatile plant and it is so wonderful at attracting pollinators that it can be beneficial to a whole host of garden plants. Finding plants that benefit lavender can be a bit trickier, but rest assured they are out there!
Benefits of Companion planting
- Enriches soil
- Attracts pollinators and other beneficial insects
- Deters unwanted insects
- Provides a symbiotic benefit to plants grown around it
- Encourages healthier faster growing plants
Lavender Growing tips
Typically lavender, once established doesn't need a whole lot of constant care, in fact my lavender seems to do best when I neglect it all together for long period of time. That said these basic tips will help you get your lavender established and healthy.
- plant in slightly alkaline soil
- prune annually
- make sure you have well draining soil
- plant in full sun or at least eight hours a day in the warmer months
- Use helpful companion plants to help your lavender thrive
- Harvest lavender when buds have formed but before they have dried out (usually lat spring or early summer)
what plants grow well with lavender
Lavender tends to be the work horse when it comes to companion planting and other plants tend to benefit greatly from having lavender in the garden. Lavender, among other things is excellent at attracting beneficial insects and deterring unwanted insects.
There are some great herbs and flowers that have similar growing needs as lavender and they are the best companion plants for close planting with lavender.
herbs to grow with lavender
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- marjoram
- sage
- basil
- lemon balm
flowers to grow with lavender
- Chamomile
- Roses
- Echenacia
- Comfry
Lavender and companion plants as a border
As mentioned before lavender can have huge benefits to other plants in the garden and therefor make a great companion planting partner with numerous fruit and veggies. However lavender should not be planted directly next to or in extremely close proximity to these plants as they require more water and attention than lavender.
I recommend using lavender as a border in this case. Your garden will still get the benefits of lavender and the lavender will not be as affected by more constant watering fertilizing etc.
Fruit and vegetables to grow with lavender
- Squash
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Brassicas
- Peppers
what should not be planted with lavender
There are very few plants that don't benefit from lavender. That said any plants that need a lot of water or require a hight soil ph and different growing conditions than lavender should not be planted in close proximity to your lavender plants.
some of these plants include:
- Mint
- Lettuce
- Hostas
Lavender can be a great addition to your garden. Not only is it an excellent companion plant for so many vegetables and other garden plants, it can also be harvested and eaten as a garnish or tea. It can also be used in many diy projects. I highly recommend you consider growing lavender in your garden this year.