Are you looking for plants that complement lavender? Lavender companion plants are the answer. Lavender is one of the most popular herbs because of its pleasant fragrance and health benefits, but did you know that adding companion plants to your lavender garden can help in promoting plant growth and warding off pests?
Companion plants are those that are planted alongside a particular crop in order to enhance its growth and health, or even to repel pests and insects. In the case of lavender, some companion plants can attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, while others can help repel pests that can harm the lavender.
One of the best companion plants for lavender is rosemary. Rosemary has a similar growth habit and can mature to a similar height as lavender. It also requires similar soil conditions, such as well-drained soil and full sun. Rosemary also emits a strong scent that can help repel pests.
Another good lavender companion plant is thyme. Like lavender and rosemary, thyme is a member of the mint family and prefers similar growing conditions. Thyme can also help attract pollinators while deterring pests.
Lavender and sage are also great companions. Sage can grow up to three feet tall and has thick foliage that acts as a natural mulch, helping to conserve soil moisture and suppress weed growth. Sage is also a perennial plant that comes back year after year, so once established, you won’t need to replant it.
Mint is another plant that can grow well alongside lavender while also repelling pests. However, because it can easily take over your garden, it is important to plant mint in a container that is buried in the ground so that it doesn’t spread too far.
Lavender and chives are also good companions. Chives can help repel aphids and other pests that can damage lavender plants. They also attract plenty of beneficial insects like bees and pollinators to your garden.
Lavender and marigolds also work well together. Marigolds are known to repel bugs, nematodes, and other soil pests. They also add a pop of color to your lavender garden, making it even more beautiful.
When planning your lavender garden, be mindful of which plants make good companions and which don’t. Avoid planting cabbage, broccoli, and other brassica plants near lavender since they prefer more alkaline soils than what lavender thrives in.
When you plant lavender companion plants, it’s important to ensure that you have enough space in between them. Lavender requires good air circulation to avoid developing mold and mildew, so make sure you give them enough space to grow. Similarly, companion plants shouldn’t be planted too close to each other, or they may start competing for resources.
To ensure a thriving lavender garden, make sure to provide the appropriate care for both the lavender and the companion plants. This includes watering them regularly, fertilizing them, pruning them, and removing any dead or diseased plants.
Lavender companion plants can be beneficial additions to your garden. These plants can help attract beneficial insects to the garden, repel harmful pests, and promote the growth and overall health of your lavender plant. Make sure to choose the right companion plants, provide them with the appropriate care, and give them enough space to grow, and before long, you’ll have a thriving lavender garden that’s the envy of the neighborhood.