Companion planting for mint 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 mint below.
| Companion plants for mint | Enemy plants of mint |
|---|---|
| Eggplant | Parsley |
| Tomato | Rosemary |
| Cabbage | |
| Carrot | |
| Beetroot | |
| Cauliflower | |
| Beans | |
| Pea | |
| 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 mint?
The following plants have positive effects on the growth of your mint. 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 mint.
Eggplant
Eggplant thrives in well-drained, loamy soil under the nurturing warmth of sunlight. Flourishing in fertile earth enriched with organic matter, it embodies resilience and grandeur. Consistent moisture and adequate spacing support robust growth and prolific fruiting. Eggplant provides general benefits to neighboring plants by shading the soil, reducing weed growth, and promoting overall garden health.
Eggplant grows tall with big, leafy foliage, giving peppermint just the right amount of shade. Peppermint enjoys a little break from the hot sun, so having eggplant nearby helps keep it cool and comfortable.
Tomato
Tomatoes thrive in various soil conditions. Flourishing fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their sprawling vines and abundant fruiting. Tomatoes provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by attracting pollinators, suppressing weed growth with their dense foliage, and adding richness to culinary dishes.
Tomatoes may be garden favorites, but they’re also magnets for all kinds of pests. Luckily, peppermint doesn’t mind helping keep bugs at bay. In return, tomato plants create a humid microclimate that peppermint loves, helping it grow lush and strong.
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 plants grow low and wide, providing a natural cover that keeps the soil around peppermint moist and cool. This makes sure peppermint always has the right conditions to stay fresh and vibrant.
Carrot
Carrots thrives in well-drained, loose soil enriched with organic matter. Adequate moisture and sunlight support robust root growth and vibrant foliage. Carrots offer general benefits to neighboring plants by improving soil structure with their deep taproots, enhancing soil aeration, and creating pathways for water and nutrients to reach other plant roots.
Carrots dig deep into the ground with their long roots, helping to break up tough soil. This keeps the earth nice and loose, which peppermint loves for spreading its own roots with ease.
Beetroot
Beetroots, celebrated for their earthy sweetness and nutrient-rich composition, thrive amidst fertile soil and ample sunlight. They prefer well-drained earth with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0, ensuring optimal growth and development. Regular watering and loose soil encourage healthy root formation and vibrant foliage.
Beetroot grows well in the same type of soil that peppermint enjoys. Plus, it helps hold in moisture, keeping the earth soft and rich so peppermint doesn’t dry out too quickly.
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’s big, leafy growth provides a natural umbrella, offering peppermint a bit of shade during the hottest part of the day. This protection keeps peppermint from wilting under the summer sun.
Beans
Beans are thriving in well-drained soil and basking in ample sunlight, these leguminous wonders enrich the soil with nitrogen, enhancing the vitality of their botanical companions. As stalwart providers of sustenance and greenery, beans epitomize the essence of garden bounty and vitality.
Beans help improve soil health by naturally replenishing nutrients. With richer soil to feed from, peppermint grows more vigorously, staying fresh and strong all season long.
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.
Like beans, peas also add nutrients back into the soil, making it healthier for peppermint. The two grow well side by side without competing for space, making them great neighbors.
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 takes up room above the ground but doesn’t spread too far at the roots. This means peppermint can grow happily nearby without getting overcrowded. Plus, broccoli’s shade helps keep peppermint from drying out.
What are the enemy plants of mint?
Planting these plants next to mint 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 mint. Because of these negative effects, we don’t recomment growing the plants below next to your mint.
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 may seem harmless, but it has a habit of growing thick and bushy, taking up more room than peppermint likes. Both plants have shallow roots and end up fighting for the same nutrients and water, leaving peppermint feeling crowded and underfed. Instead of thriving, peppermint may struggle to spread, which isn’t ideal for a plant that loves to roam!
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 enjoys dry, sandy soil and doesn’t need much water, but peppermint is the opposite—it loves rich, moist soil. Planting them together leads to trouble because peppermint’s need for damp soil can cause rosemary’s roots to rot, while rosemary’s preference for drier conditions can leave peppermint thirsty.
