Companion planting for lemon balm 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 lemon balm below.
| Companion plants for lemon balm | Enemy plants of lemon balm |
|---|---|
| Common sage | Mint |
| Rosemary | Parsley |
| Dill | |
| Cilantro | |
| Turnip | |
| Radish | |
| Kale | |
| Cabbage | |
| Bok Choy | |
| Arugula | |
| Cauliflower | |
| Broccoli |
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 lemon balm?
The following plants have positive effects on the growth of your lemon balm. 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 lemon balm.
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.
Common sage helps Lemon balm by keeping away unwanted pests that might nibble on those tender lemon-scented leaves. Sage’s strong aroma confuses insects, making it harder for them to find lemon balm in the first place. Plus, sage thrives in similar growing conditions, so they make a great team without fighting over space or nutrients.
Rosemary
Rosemary flourishes in well-drained, sandy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and moderate moisture nurture its aromatic foliage and robust growth. Rosemary provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting beneficial insects, and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Rosemary is a hardy plant that helps keep lemon balm safe from pests and disease. Its powerful scent works like a natural bug repellent, keeping harmful insects at bay. Plus, rosemary’s drought-resistant nature helps create a well-balanced growing environment, preventing soil from getting too damp—something lemon balm appreciates. Together, these two herbs make a strong, healthy pair!
What are the enemy plants of lemon balm?
Planting these plants next to lemon balm 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 lemon balm. Because of these negative effects, we don’t recomment growing the plants below next to your lemon balm.
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.
Mint and lemon balm may seem like a perfect herbal match, but they both have a habit of spreading fast and wide. When planted together, they’ll end up in a battle for space, choking each other out instead of thriving. It’s best to keep them in separate spots or grow them in containers to prevent a turf war!
Parsley
Parsley, known for its verdant leaves and garden vitality, grows in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Partial shade and consistent moisture nurture its lush foliage and robust growth. Parsley provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by attracting beneficial insects, repelling pests, and adding freshness to culinary dishes.
Parsley has a way of taking up all the room in the garden bed, and lemon balm doesn’t appreciate the competition. They both like rich soil, but parsley’s growth pattern can crowd out lemon balm, leaving it struggling for nutrients and sunlight.
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.
Dill and lemon balm just don’t see eye to eye. Dill releases chemicals into the soil that can slow down lemon balm’s growth, making it weaker instead of stronger. Plus, dill tends to attract insects that might bother lemon balm, so it’s best to keep these two herbs apart.
Cilantro
Coriander thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic matter, it embodies adaptability and aroma. Adequate moisture and sunlight support lush growth and abundant foliage. Coriander extends general benefits to neighboring plants by attracting beneficial insects and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Cilantro has a way of drawing in aphids and other pests, and lemon balm would rather avoid that kind of company. If planted too close together, lemon balm might end up dealing with uninvited guests that make it harder to thrive.
Turnip
Turnips, known for their nutritious roots and garden resilience, grow in loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their robust foliage and prolific root development. Turnips provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by improving soil structure, suppressing weed growth, and enriching the soil with nutrients.
Turnips grow quickly and need plenty of room to develop their roots. Lemon balm, on the other hand, thrives in well-spaced conditions where it can spread its leaves and take in sunlight. When planted too close together, turnips can overcrowd lemon balm, leaving it struggling for space and nutrients.
Radish
Radishes thrive in loose soil with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.0, they embody adaptability and zest. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their rapid growth and vibrant foliage. Radishes provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by breaking up compacted soil, improving soil aeration, and suppressing pest populations.
Radishes sprout and mature at lightning speed, rapidly pulling nutrients from the soil as they go. Lemon balm prefers a more balanced and steady environment, and radishes can throw that off. Their quick growth can also disturb the soil around lemon balm’s roots, making it harder for the herb to stay healthy.
Kale
Kale, known for its robust leaves and garden vigor, thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Partial shade and consistent moisture nurture its vibrant foliage and sturdy stems. Kale provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by enriching the soil with nutrients, suppressing weeds, and attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
Kale is a heavy feeder, meaning it takes up a whole lot of nutrients from the soil. Lemon balm, on the other hand, prefers a fair share of nutrients without having to fight for them. When these two grow side by side, lemon balm may end up weak and struggling while kale takes all the good stuff.
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.
Cabbage is notorious for attracting pests like cabbage worms and aphids—exactly the kind of trouble lemon balm doesn’t need. While lemon balm can repel some insects, it doesn’t stand a chance against a full-blown cabbage infestation. Keeping these two apart means fewer headaches and healthier plants.
Bok Choy
Bok choy flourishes in diverse soil conditions, favoring well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. It thrives in partial shade and moderate moisture, displaying lush green leaves and crisp stems. Bok choy enriches the soil, attracts beneficial insects.
Fast-growing and nutrient-hungry, bok choy pulls a lot from the soil in a short amount of time. Lemon balm, which likes a steady and balanced growing environment, can end up struggling if planted nearby. Give them separate beds so both can thrive without fighting over resources.
Arugula
Arugula, known for its bold peppery flavor and delicate leaves, unveils a hidden dimension as a key player in companion gardening. Thriving in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range of 6 to 6.8, arugula exhibits a preference for cool weather, making it ideal for early spring and fall plantings. Rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, this resilient green thrives with moderate watering and benefits from occasional fertilization, enriching both garden palates and landscapes.
Arugula spreads quickly, and while it’s delicious in salads, it doesn’t play nice with lemon balm. It can take over garden space, leaving lemon balm in the shadows. Without enough room and sunlight, lemon balm may end up stunted and unhappy.
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.
Cauliflower needs rich, fertile soil to grow those big, beautiful heads. Unfortunately, that means it takes most of the nutrients, leaving little behind for lemon balm. If grown too close, lemon balm may end up weak and undernourished.
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.
Broccoli, much like cauliflower, demands a lot from the soil. It grows tall, spreads wide, and pulls in a ton of nutrients. Lemon balm, which does best with a little breathing room, won’t be happy trying to compete. Keeping these two apart ensures both can grow to their full potential.
