21 Best Mint Companion Plants: What to Plant & What to Avoid

Mint can be a real game-changer when it comes to companion planting in the garden. I mean, who doesn’t love the smell of spearmint, or the idea of chocolate mint, pineapple mint, and more? As someone who made the mistake of planting mint willy-nilly once before, I can certainly attest to its invasive nature. But when it comes to companion planting, mint is a real powerhouse! It can help to repel pests, enrich the soil, and even improve the flavor of other plants that are grown alongside it. I’m excited to share some of the benefits of companion planting with mint with you below!

Why is mint a bad companion plant

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Mint can be a problematic companion plant for several reasons. One of the main issues with mint is that it can be invasive, meaning it grows quickly and can take over an entire garden bed if not contained. Its root systems can grow densely, choking out other plants in the process. Mint can also attract pests such as aphids, cutworms, flea beetles, and spider mites, which can be harmful to other plants in the garden. However, it’s important to note that not all sources agree on the pest-repelling properties of mint, and some sources even suggest that mint can actually attract certain pests. To avoid these issues, it can be helpful to grow mint in containers and place them near other plants that can serve as good companions for mint. This can help to control the spread of mint and prevent problems with overgrowth.

When does mint become a good companion plant

Mint can be a good companion plant in a variety of situations. One of the main reasons why mint is a good companion plant is because it has a strong, minty aroma that can deter certain pests, both wildlife, and insect pests. For example, mint can help to repel carrot root flies and onion flies. Additionally, when mint is in bloom, its flowers can attract pollinators, which can be beneficial for other plants in the garden. Mint can also be a good companion plant for herbs that have similar growing requirements, such as basil, oregano, and thyme. In general, mint can be a good companion plant when it is grown in a controlled manner, such as in containers or when its spread is limited by other plants.

What can I grow in my garden with mint?

Mint can be a useful companion plant for a variety of crops, including kale, radish, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, onions, tomatoes, roses, oregano, marigolds, peas, and beans. Mint helps to deter pests such as flea beetles, carrot root fly, onion flies, aphids, and spider mites, and can also attract pollinators. When planted near these crops, mint can help to protect them from pests and improve their overall health and growth.

Kale

Mint helps deter flea beetles, which chew holes in the foliage of Kale.
Radish

Planting mint next to Radishes will help to baffle onion flies.
Cabbage-

The sharp scent of mint deters both the white cabbage moth and flea beetles from chewing through the leaves of any brassicas.
Cauliflower

– Mint helps to provide protection from harmful insect pests for Cauliflower.
Oregano

Pungent and spicy oregano complements mint in a vegetable garden, attracting pollinators and deterring pests.
Carrots-

The carrot fly is a common pest that can damage carrot plants by laying its eggs around the root end of a developing carrot. Once hatched, the larvae burrow into the vegetable. Mint is a good repellent for the carrot fly and can help to protect carrot plants from this pest when it is grown nearby.
Tomatoes-

Mint effectively repels aphids and spider mites, two of the nightshade family’s greatest nemeses.
Eggplants-

Planting mint around Eggplants helps to repel harmful insect pests.
Peas-

Planting mint around Peas can help save the crop from incessant rodent snacking.
Beans-

Mint can help to provide protection from harmful insect pests for Beans.
Beets-

Planting mint near Beets helps to attract pollinators and deter pests.
Broccoli-

Mint helps to deter flea beetles from chewing through the foliage of Broccoli.
Brussels Sprouts-

Planting mint around Brussels Sprouts helps to repel harmful insect pests.
Chili and Bell Peppers-

Mint helps to discourage carrot root fly from Chili and Bell Peppers.
Kohlrabi-

The pungent scent of mint helps to confuse the insects that find their dinner by smell, which is beneficial for Kohlrabi.
Lettuce-

Mint helps to deter flea beetles, which chew holes in the foliage of Lettuce.
Salad Burnet-

Mint can be used as a mulch to repel harmful insect pests from Salad Burnet.
Squash-

Planting mint near Squash helps to attract pollinators and deter pests.

Mint Flower Companion Plants: What flowers grow well with mint

Marigold

In combination with mint, pungent, spicy oregano and marigold spread an aromatic forcefield across any vegetable garden, attracting pollinators and deterring pests. They can grow in the same environment as mint, but it’s important to remember that mint will try to spread and take over.
Roses

Roses can be a great flower companion for mint. They look beautiful together and they will also help to keep the mint in check by reducing its spread.
Sunflowers

Sunflowers are a very forgiving flower, so they can be a great companion for mint. They will not be affected by the spread of the mint and will still be able to thrive.
Zinnias

Zinnias are another great flower for growing near mint. They are very easy to care for and will still be able to thrive even with the mint’s spread.
Peonies

Peonies are so established in their own flower bed that they can coexist with the mint without any competition for space. They look beautiful with the mint and add a great splash of color.

Mint Companion Herbs : What herbs grows well with mint

Mint does not do well when planted with most other herbs, as it prefers moist soil whereas many herbs prefer dry soil. However, there are some veggies and herbs which may be suitable for companion planting with mint. These include lettuce, as its shade-loving nature makes it suitable for growing alongside taller mint plants, as well as squash, as the scent of mint is thought to help deter certain pests from the garden.

What should not be planted with mint?

It is best to avoid planting mint near lavender, rosemary, sage, oregano, and thyme. Additionally, other herbs such as basil, chamomile, and parsley should not be planted alongside mint. To prevent mint from becoming invasive, it is best to avoid planting it directly in the ground.

how to get rid of mint plants?

To get rid of mint plants, some people suggest boiling water or a mixture of salt, dish soap and white vinegar (2 cups salt, 1 teaspoon soap, 1 gallon vinegar). Both of these methods should be applied over a period of time in order to be effective.

what to do with mint flowers?

There are several ways to use mint flowers in the kitchen:

Salads: Mint flowers can be added to salads for a burst of flavor and a pop of color.

Garnish: Mint flowers can be used as a decorative garnish on top of dishes such as desserts, cocktails, or ice cream.

Tea: Dried mint flowers can be used to make a refreshing and aromatic tea.

Ice cubes: Mint flowers can be frozen in ice trays and used to create unique ice cubes for cold drinks.

Overall, mint flowers are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes to add flavor and a touch of whimsy.

what to plant with mint in containers?

Mint is an herb that can be planted in containers. It does well with other herbs and vegetables, but mint’s small size makes it difficult to grow in the ground. Mint is easy to plant in containers, and it can be grown outside. It is best to start mint from cuttings, but cutting off a few leaves from the stem will work as well.

Can you plant different mints together?

While it is possible to plant different varieties of mint together, it is generally not recommended because they can lose their individual scent and flavor when grown too close to each other. It is best to keep different varieties of mint separate, either by growing them in separate pots or in different areas of the garden. This will help to preserve the unique characteristics of each variety and ensure that they retain their individual scent and flavor. If you do want to plant different varieties of mint together, it is a good idea to give them plenty of space to allow for proper air circulation and to prevent the spread of diseases.

Can you plant mint with potatoes?

Yes, you can plant mint with potatoes. Mint is an excellent companion plant for potatoes as it deters pests, including whitefly, ants and mice, and the flowers attract bees, butterflies and hoverflies. You should plant mint in containers to keep it under control, as it can spread quickly.

Can you plant lavender and mint together?

No. Mint and lavender have very different needs and are incompatible in the same garden. The best way to ensure they both thrive is to plant them in separate areas of your garden where they can each get the specific soil and water requirements they need.

Invasive mint plants: How to contain mint in garden :

There are several ways to contain mint in the garden to prevent it from becoming invasive:

Plant mint in pots: One of the most effective ways to contain mint is to plant it in pots. This will prevent the mint from spreading and allow you to control its growth more easily.

Create barriers: Another option is to create barriers around the mint plants to limit their spread. This could include using a raised bed or planting the mint in a contained area, such as a container or a pot with sunken sides.

Plant in less than ideal conditions: Mint grows best in moist, well-draining soil, but if you plant it in less than ideal conditions, such as in dry or rocky soil, it may grow more slowly and be less likely to become invasive.

Prune regularly: Pruning mint regularly, at least once a month, can help to control its growth and prevent it from becoming invasive.

Also, Read

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21 Best Mint Companion Plants: What to Plant & What to Avoid

Why is mint a bad companion plant

When does mint become a good companion plant

What can I grow in my garden with mint?

Kale

Radish

Cabbage-

Cauliflower

Oregano

Carrots-

Tomatoes-

Eggplants-

Peas-

Beans-

Beets-

Broccoli-

Brussels Sprouts-

Chili and Bell Peppers-

Kohlrabi-

Lettuce-

Salad Burnet-

Squash-

Mint Flower Companion Plants: What flowers grow well with mint

Marigold

Roses

Sunflowers

Zinnias

Peonies