As the summer sun intensifies and alfresco meals become a staple, basil (Ocimum basilicum) takes center stage in countless seasonal dishes - whether torn over fresh tomatoes, tossed through salads, or muddled into summer cocktails. Yet for all its culinary appeal, basil is notoriously temperamental in the garden. One of the most effective ways to support this herb’s growth is through thoughtful garden planning - specifically, by planting it alongside plants that enhance its performance, both above and below the soil.
This approach, known as companion planting, is a time-honored horticultural practice that harnesses the natural affinities between certain plants. Basil, in particular, benefits from being interplanted with other species that either offer structural support, ward off insect pests, or improve essential oil production. When you plant herbs that grow well together, such as basil with oregano, they can bolster one another’s vigor and resilience throughout the growing season.
