Companion planting for catnip is an experience-based observation developed over centuries. People have noticed that planting certain plants side by side has a positive effect on each other, increasing the quality and quantity of the harvest.
Companion planting is not set in stone and it is the least you can do for your plants. You can get the right care from the individual plant article. You can see the companion and the enemy plants of catnip below.
| Companion plants for catnip | Enemy plants of catnip |
|---|---|
| Pumpkin | Mint |
| Squash | Fennel |
| Broccoli | Common sage |
| Cauliflower | Dill |
| Potato | |
| Basil | |
| Oregano | |
| Cabbage | |
| Pea |
Why does companion planting work?
Companion planting works due to several interconnected factors:
Pest Control: Certain plants emit natural chemicals or scents that repel pests, effectively acting as natural pest deterrents for nearby plants. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fosters a more balanced ecosystem.
Attracting Beneficial Insects: Some companion plants attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, which feed on common garden pests. This creates a natural form of pest control and helps maintain ecological balance.
Soil Improvement: Different plants have varying root structures and nutrient requirements. Companion planting can enhance soil health by reducing soil erosion, suppressing weeds, and improving nutrient uptake. For example, leguminous plants fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting neighboring plants that require nitrogen for growth.
Competition Reduction: Companion planting can help reduce competition for resources such as water, sunlight, and nutrients by utilizing plants with complementary growth patterns and root structures. This allows for more efficient resource utilization and healthier plant growth.
Biodiversity and Resilience: Planting diverse species together increases biodiversity in the garden, which can enhance ecosystem resilience. A diverse ecosystem is better equipped to withstand pests, diseases, and environmental stresses compared to monocultures.
Maximizing Space: Companion planting allows gardeners to make the most of limited space by intercropping plants with different growth habits and maturity rates. This maximizes yield per square foot and promotes efficient land use.
Overall, companion planting capitalizes on the natural synergies between plant species, creating a thriving and sustainable garden ecosystem.
What are the companion plants of catnip?
The following plants have positive effects on the growth of your catnip. These plants can repel pests that damage your plants. These plants provide increased nutrition to the soil that your plants can use. Therefore, we recommend planting these plants next to your catnip.
Pumpkin
Pumpkins, known for their gourd-like fruits and garden splendor, grow in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Full sunlight and ample space nurture their sprawling vines and prolific fruiting. Pumpkins provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by shading the soil, conserving moisture, and suppressing weed growth with their dense foliage.
Pumpkins and catnip make great garden buddies because pumpkins help catnip grow strong. Here’s why this pairing works:
Shade Support: Pumpkin plants have big, wide leaves that give catnip some shade. This keeps the catnip from drying out in hot weather and helps the soil stay cool and moist—just the way catnip likes it.
Pest Help: Pumpkin vines spread out and act like a natural shield, keeping pests away from the catnip. Plus, pumpkins attract bees and other pollinators, which are great for the whole garden.
Squash
Squash thrives in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Full sunlight and ample space nurture its sprawling vines and prolific fruiting. Squash provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by shading the soil, conserving moisture, and suppressing weed growth with its broad leaves. Belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like pumpkins and cucumbers.
Squash is a fantastic companion for catnip, offering big benefits that help catnip grow strong and healthy. Here’s how:
Cooling Shade: Squash plants have large, sprawling leaves that give catnip plenty of shade. This keeps the soil cooler and helps it stay moist, which catnip loves. It also protects the catnip from drying out on hot, sunny days.
Natural Shelter: The vines of squash plants spread out and act like a protective cover, making it harder for pests to bother the catnip. This extra protection creates a safer space for catnip to grow.
Broccoli
Broccoli flourishes in diverse growing conditions. Thriving in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, it adapts to pH levels ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. Adequate moisture and sunlight support vigorous growth and abundant yields. Belonging to the Brassicaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like kale and cabbage, broccoli embodies the natural abundance and beauty found within the garden's embrace.
Light Shade: Broccoli’s tall, leafy structure provides just enough shade for catnip, helping it stay cool and preventing the soil from drying out too quickly. This is especially useful during warmer days.
Pest Protection: Broccoli and catnip work together against pests. Catnip repels harmful bugs, while broccoli’s sturdy growth creates a natural barrier, giving catnip some extra protection from being trampled or damaged.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic matter. Adequate moisture and sunlight support vigorous growth and abundant curds. Cauliflower extends benefits to neighboring plants by enhancing soil health, promoting microbial activity, and optimizing nutrient availability. Belonging to the Brassicaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like broccoli and Brussels sprouts, cauliflower epitomizes the lush abundance and natural charm found within the garden's bounty.
Potato
Potatoes grows in loose soil with a pH range between 5.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their lush foliage and tuber development. Potatoes provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by improving soil structure, suppressing weed growth, and adding nutrients to the soil when left to decompose.
Moist Soil: Potato plants naturally thrive in loose, moist soil, which also suits catnip perfectly. Growing them together ensures catnip gets the soil conditions it loves.
Ground Cover: The leafy growth of potato plants helps shield the soil around catnip, keeping it cool and reducing evaporation. This means catnip stays hydrated and happy, even on warmer days.
Pest Balance: While catnip repels certain pests that might bother potatoes, potato plants give back by creating a stable environment where catnip can grow without stress.
Basil
Basil, with its aromatic leaves and culinary versatility, transcends its role as a mere herb, emerging as a cornerstone of companion gardening practices. Beyond its culinary appeal, basil offers a multitude of benefits to the garden ecosystem, serving as a beacon of fragrance and functionality in both kitchen and cultivation.
Pest Defense: Basil is well-known for repelling pests like flies and mosquitoes. By growing basil near catnip, it adds an extra layer of protection, keeping harmful bugs away from the catnip.
Garden Harmony: Basil has a compact growth habit, so it doesn’t overshadow or compete with catnip for space. Instead, it complements catnip’s growth, creating a balanced, happy garden environment.
Aromatic Boost: Both basil and catnip have strong scents that confuse pests looking to harm your plants, making them a great natural team for pest control.
Oregano
Oregano grows in diverse soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 8.0. Full sunlight and occasional pruning nurture its flavorful foliage and compact growth. Oregano offers invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting pollinators, and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Pest Control: Oregano is a natural pest repellent, driving away harmful bugs like aphids and spider mites. Its presence near catnip adds an extra layer of protection, keeping the catnip safe and healthy.
Soil Health: Oregano grows well in similar soil conditions to catnip, helping maintain a balanced environment with good drainage and nutrients that both plants enjoy.
Low Competition: Oregano’s compact and spreading growth doesn’t overshadow catnip, allowing both plants to grow comfortably together without competing for light or space.
Cabbage
Cabbage thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained soil enriched with compost, it adapts to pH levels ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. Adequate moisture and sunlight foster robust growth and ample foliage. Belonging to the Brassicaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like kale and Brussels sprouts, cabbage epitomizes the culinary versatility and natural elegance found within the garden's domain.
Pest Protection: Cabbage is a great companion because it helps protect catnip from pests like aphids and cabbage worms. These pests often target both plants, but their presence around cabbage can help distract them from catnip.
Shade and Shelter: Cabbage’s large leaves provide some shade to catnip, keeping the soil cooler and moister, which helps catnip stay hydrated and healthy during hot days.
Improved Growth: Since both cabbage and catnip thrive in cool weather, they can grow well together, making the most of the same seasonal conditions
Pea
Peas thrive in diverse soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5, they embody adaptability and vigor. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their lush foliage and prolific growth. Peas provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by fixing nitrogen in the soil, enhancing fertility, and promoting overall garden health.
Soil Improvement: Peas are nitrogen fixers, meaning they help add nutrients to the soil that both plants can use. This creates a richer environment for catnip to grow in.
Shade and Support: Pea vines can provide some shade for catnip, protecting it from the harsh afternoon sun. This helps keep the soil moist and prevents catnip from drying out in hot weather.
Pest Protection: Peas can act as a natural barrier against certain pests that might target catnip, such as aphids, while catnip helps repel other insects like mosquitoes and flies.
What are the enemy plants of catnip?
Planting these plants next to catnip has a huge negative effect on the development of your plant. Growing enemy plants can appeal detrimental insects, change the taste of the grown plant and even consuming all of the nutrients and water from your catnip. Because of these negative effects, we don’t recomment growing the plants below next to your catnip.
Mint
Mint thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, moist soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Partial shade and consistent moisture nurture its lush foliage and aromatic leaves. Mint provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting beneficial insects, and promoting a sense of freshness in the garden.
Fennel
Fennel flourishes best in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Adequate sunlight and consistent moisture nurture its lush foliage and aromatic essence. Fennel extends numerous benefits to its garden companions by attracting beneficial insects like pollinators and predatory wasps, which help control pest populations. Additionally, its deep taproot can break up compacted soil, improving overall soil structure and promoting healthier root growth in nearby plants.
Common sage
Common Sage grows in diverse soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, sandy or loamy soil. Full sunlight and moderate moisture nurture its aromatic foliage and sturdy growth. Common Sage provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting beneficial insects, and adding culinary richness to the garden.
Dill
Dill thrives in various soil types. Flourishing in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil under the gentle caress of sunlight, it embodies adaptability and elegance. Consistent moisture and occasional pruning support lush growth and abundant foliage. Dill offers general benefits to neighboring plants by attracting beneficial insects and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
