Companion planting for thyme 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 thyme below.
| Companion plants for thyme | Enemy plants of thyme |
|---|---|
| Lavender | Chives |
| Potato | Cilantro |
| Tomato | Basil |
| Rosemary | |
| Cabbage | |
| Eggplant | |
| Common sage | |
| Blueberry |
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 thyme?
The following plants have positive effects on the growth of your thyme. 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 thyme.
Lavender
Lavender thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, alkaline soil with a pH range between 6.5 and 7.5. Full sunlight and good air circulation nurture its delicate flowers and aromatic foliage. Lavender provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, and promoting relaxation and tranquility in the garden environment. Belonging to the Lamiaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like rosemary and mint, lavender symbolizes the natural elegance and serene beauty found within the garden's sanctuary.
Lavender and thyme make the perfect pair! Both love dry, well-drained soil and plenty of sunshine, so they thrive side by side without competing. Plus, lavender’s strong scent attracts helpful pollinators while keeping pesky bugs away. It’s a match made in herb garden heaven!
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.
Potatoes have a way of attracting certain pests, but lucky for them, thyme helps keep those bugs in check. In return, potatoes provide a little extra ground cover, helping the soil hold onto moisture for thyme to enjoy. Together, they make a great duo for a thriving garden!
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 and thyme are like best friends who bring out the best in each other. Thyme helps keep pests away from tomatoes, and tomatoes offer a little shade to keep the soil from drying out too fast. Plus, growing them together improves the flavor of both—talk about a tasty partnership!
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.
Thyme and rosemary thrive in the same type of soil—dry, well-drained, and a little on the sandy side. Since they have similar needs, they grow well together without competing for resources. Plus, rosemary’s strong scent helps keep away pests that might bother thyme.
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 has a hard time keeping pests at bay, but thyme is here to help! Thyme’s strong aroma confuses cabbage-loving bugs, making it harder for them to find their target. If you want healthier cabbages without as much pest trouble, plant some thyme nearby.
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 and thyme are a great pair in the garden. Eggplants can attract flea beetles, but thyme helps drive them away. Plus, thyme grows low to the ground, acting like a natural mulch to keep the soil moist for eggplants.
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.
Thyme and sage are both hardy herbs that love the same growing conditions. Since they have similar water and soil needs, they make excellent garden neighbors. Plus, their combined fragrances create a natural bug-repellent zone in your herb garden.
Blueberry
Blueberries, renowned for their exquisite taste and nutrient-packed profile, thrive amidst lush foliage. They flourish in acidic soil with good drainage, ideally maintaining a pH level between 4.5 and 5.5. Abundant sunlight and consistent moisture levels foster optimal growth and fruit development. Belonging to the Ericaceae family, alongside esteemed counterparts such as cranberries and rhododendrons, blueberries epitomize the harmonious fusion of flavor and nourishment within the natural world's abundance.
Blueberries naturally make the soil a little more acidic, creating a cozy spot for thyme to grow. Their roots also pull up nutrients, keeping the soil rich and healthy. Plus, they offer a bit of shade, helping thyme stay cool and happy on hot days!
What are the enemy plants of thyme?
Planting these plants next to thyme 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 thyme. Because of these negative effects, we don’t recomment growing the plants below next to your thyme.
Chives
Chives thrive in well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost, they embody adaptability and finesse. Adequate moisture and sunlight support lush growth and abundant foliage. Chives extend general benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests and attracting beneficial insects, enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Chives grow fast and love rich, moist soil—exactly the opposite of what thyme prefers. If you plant them too close, chives will take over the space and crowd out thyme, leaving it struggling for room to breathe. It’s best to keep these two apart so each can thrive in its own way.
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 loves plenty of water and cooler temperatures, while thyme prefers dry soil and lots of sun. If they’re planted together, cilantro’s thirst will leave thyme sitting in damp soil, which can cause it to rot. To keep both herbs happy, it’s best to grow them in separate spots.
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.
Basil and thyme might seem like they’d get along, but they have very different needs. Basil likes rich, moist soil, while thyme thrives in drier, sandier conditions. If planted together, basil will soak up all the moisture, leaving thyme struggling to survive. It’s better to keep these two in separate garden beds.
