Best Thyme Companion Plants

Thyme companion planting: what grows well with thyme

As someone with personal experience growing thyme, I can confidently say that there are many plants that make great companions for this herb. Here are some of the best companions for thyme, in my opinion:

1. Strawberries:

   When planted alongside thyme, strawberries can benefit from the herb’s ability to deter worms and provide ground cover, helping to keep soil moist.

2. Cabbage family crops:

   Thyme serves as a natural repellent against insect pests and can also attract ladybugs, which can consume over 50 aphids a day, while also serving as crop pollinators. These benefits can be especially useful for cabbage family crops like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower, and kohlrabi.

3. Tomatoes:

   In addition to serving as a natural repellent against tomato hornworms and whiteflies, thyme can also enhance the flavor of ripe tomatoes when planted nearby.

4. Eggplants:

   When grown near thyme, eggplants can benefit from the herb’s ability to deter garden moths.

5. Potatoes:

   Thyme can improve the flavor of potatoes and attract beneficial insects like parasitic wasps for protection against pests, while also being able to thrive in a wide pH range.

6. Blueberries:

   Thyme can attract honey bees for pollination when planted near blueberry bushes.

7. Shallots:

   Growing thyme near shallots can help improve and enhance their flavor.

8. Roses:

   When planted near roses, thyme can serve as a natural deterrent for blackflies and aphids.

Best Vegetable Thyme Companion Plants

As someone with personal experience growing thyme, I can confirm that this herb can be a great companion for various vegetables in the garden. Here are a few vegetables that go well with thyme, in my opinion:

1. Cabbage:

   The pungent smell of thyme can be a repellent for pests like cabbage worms, slugs, beetles, and cabbage loopers, which can damage cabbage plants. Thyme can also attract ladybugs, which can consume aphids and act as pollinators for cabbage. When planting thyme with cabbage, it’s important to leave enough space between the two plants (about 24-36 inches) to allow for the cabbage’s growth and to prevent competition for nutrients.

2. Tomatoes:

   Thyme’s aromatic properties can help deter the tomato hornworm, a common pest that can damage tomato plants. Planting thyme near tomatoes can also enhance the taste of the fruits. When planting thyme with tomatoes, it’s best to leave a gap of about two feet between the plants to prevent competition for nutrients and allow for the growth of the tomatoes.

3. Potatoes:

   Wasps, which are attracted to the smell of thyme, can be beneficial for potatoes as they consume potato beetles and act as pollinators for the plants. Planting thyme near potatoes can also improve their flavor. When planting thyme with potatoes, it’s best to leave a gap of about one foot between the plants to prevent competition for nutrients and allow for the growth of the potatoes.

4. Eggplants:

   Thyme’s pungent smell can be a natural deterrent for pests like garden moths, beetles, aphids, spider mites, and hornworms, which can damage eggplant plants. When planting thyme with eggplants, it’s important to leave enough space between the two plants (about 2.5 feet) to prevent competition for nutrients and allow for the growth of the eggplants.

5. Brassicas:

   Thyme can repel a variety of pest insects and also attract ladybugs, which are natural predators of aphids.This makes it a great companion for brassica vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and kohlrabi.

6. Nightshades:

   Eggplants and tomatoes can benefit from thyme’s ability to deter garden moths and whiteflies.

7. Potatoes:

   Thyme can improve the flavor of potatoes and attract beneficial insects like parasitic wasps for protection against pests.

8. Shallots:

   Growing thyme near shallots can help enhance their flavor.

Overall, these vegetables can be great companions for thyme in the garden, adding flavor, fragrance, and various benefits to your outdoor space. Try mixing and matching various plants to see which combinations work best for your garden.

Best Fruit Thyme Companion Plants

As someone with personal experience growing thyme, I can confirm that planting thyme alongside strawberries and blueberries can be a great combination for weed control and pest deterrence.

1. Strawberries

   Thyme can help suppress weeds and deter pests like worms that may damage the strawberries. When planting thyme with strawberries, it’s important to leave enough space between the two plants (about 1.5 feet) to allow for the thyme’s trailing habit and to help control weed growth. The size of thyme plants can also provide shade for the strawberries and help keep the soil moist.

2. Blueberries

   In addition to its pest-repelling properties, thyme can also attract pollinators like honeybees, which can be beneficial for blueberries. Despite preferring acidic soil, thyme can thrive in a wide range of pH levels, making it a good companion for blueberries. To allow for the bushy growth of blueberry plants, it’s best to plant thyme about 2-2.5 feet apart from the blueberry bushes. This can help repel pests belowground and control the growth of weeds.

3. Shallots

   When growing shallots in your garden, consider planting them alongside thyme for added benefits. Thyme is known to improve the flavor of shallots and can also serve as a natural repellent for worms that may try to feast on the bulbs. The combination of these two plants can help to enhance the overall success of your garden. Try it out and see how it works for you.

4. Potatoes

   Potatoes and thyme are a great combination in the kitchen. Not only do they taste great together, but thyme also has some great benefits for potatoes. Planting potatoes as a companion plant to thyme is a good endeavor. Thyme attracts parasitic wasps that prey on potato beetles, which keeps them away from the plants and your harvest. In addition to repelling pests, thyme can also improve the taste of your potatoes. Be sure to plant it with thyme!

5. Eggplants

   Companion planting is a technique that gardeners use to pair plants together in order to benefit each other. Often, companion plants are planted near one another so that they can protect each other from pests and diseases. Thyme is a great companion plant for eggplant because it repels pests like moths and beetles. Additionally, planting thyme near eggplant will help protect the eggplant from disease.

Herb Companion Plants For Thyme

I’ve grown thyme in my herb garden for years, and I can attest to the fact that it’s an excellent companion plant for many herbs. Here are some of the best options

1. Rosemary:

   Thyme and rosemary are both members of the mint family, so they have similar growing conditions and make great companions in the garden. Both herbs are known for their insect-repelling properties, and planting them together can help protect your crops from harmful pests. Just make sure to plant them in separate containers, as some varieties of rosemary can overtake smaller plants like thyme.

2. Oregano:

   Thyme and oregano are both drought-tolerant herbs that prefer well-draining soil, so they make great companions in the garden. The taller thyme plants can provide shade for the shorter oregano plants, which can help keep the soil moist and aid in oregano’s growth. Pinching off the flowers on both plants can help encourage bushier growth and allow them to cuddle together.

3. Lavender:

   Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant herb that is often used for decorative purposes, as well as in cooking. It prefers dry, arid soil and hot climates, just like thyme, so they make great companions in the garden. The beautiful blooms of thyme and lavender can also attract pollinators like honeybees and butterflies, which can be beneficial for both plants. Just make sure to plant them when the weather is warm enough, as thyme doesn’t like cold temperatures.

4. Sage:

   Sage is another herb that pairs well with thyme, particularly lemon thyme. Sage prefers drier soil, so planting it with thyme can help ensure that it gets the conditions it needs to thrive. Both herbs are known for their insect-repelling properties, so planting them together can help keep pests like beetles, carrot flies, and snails at bay. It’s best to plant thyme on the edges of sage plants, as thyme has a creeping habit. Overall, thyme is a versatile and hardy herb that makes a great companion plant for many herbs, vegetables,

 

Bad thyme companion plants: What can you not plant with thyme?

One of the worst companion plants for thyme is chives. Chives are a member of the onion family, and their strong smell can overpower and inhibit the growth of thyme.

Basil is another plant that should not be planted with thyme. This is because basil is a very aggressive plant that can compete with thyme for nutrients and space.

Cilantro is another herb that should not be planted with thyme. Cilantro attracts a lot of pests and can also harbor diseases that could damage the thyme.

Finally, mint is a herb that should not be planted with thyme. Mint is a very invasive plant, and it can easily take over the area where thyme is planted.

In summary, the worst companion plants for thyme are chives, basil, cilantro, and mint. These plants can either compete for nutrients, attract pests, or be too invasive to allow thyme to thrive. Therefore, it is best to avoid planting them

Where should I plant my thyme?

Thyme should be planted in a sunny location with well-draining soil. If you are growing it indoors, choose a bright window or another sunny spot. Outdoors, plant with other drought-tolerant perennials in a sunny spot.

Can you plant oregano and thyme together?

Yes, thyme and oregano can be planted together successfully. They both prefer a sunny position and can be planted in a raised garden bed, in the ground, or in a pot.

Can thyme be planted with flowers?

Yes, thyme can be planted with flowers. Choose a sunny spot in the garden and make sure the soil is well drained for the best results.

Do parsley and thyme go together?

Parsley and thyme should not be planted together since parsley prefers a more moist soil.

Can I plant lemon thyme and basil together as companion plants?

Yes, with a few caveats.Basil and thyme make good companion plants, but should not be planted together. It is best to plant them side by side in separate containers, as thyme can repel pests that may damage basil.

Can thyme and basil be planted together?

No, thyme and basil should not be planted together due to their different growing requirements. Thyme needs drier soil and is tolerant of sandy soil, while basil requires moist, nutrient-dense soil.It is best to plant them side by side in separate container

Can I plant rosemary and thyme together?

Yes, you can plant rosemary and thyme together. The two plants will complement each other and provide a variety of benefits, such as helping to deter pests, providing fragrances, and acting as companion plants. Be sure to provide them both with adequate sunlight and water to keep them healthy.

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