What Herbs Grow Well Together in the Same Container? Complete Guide

By Alex Assoune Jun 28, 2025

Growing herbs in containers is a convenient and rewarding way to keep fresh flavors right at your fingertips. But when space is limited, many gardeners wonder: Can I grow different herbs in the same pot? The answer is yes — if you pair them wisely.

Just like in the vegetable garden, some herbs thrive when planted together, while others may compete or stunt each other’s growth. In this guide, we’ll explore which herbs grow well together in the same container, which combinations to avoid, and tips for designing your own harmonious herb container garden.

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Why Companion Planting Matters for Herbs in Pots

Companion planting is the practice of grouping plants with similar needs and compatible traits. In containers, this becomes especially important, because herbs must share:

Light
Water
Nutrients
Space

Pairing herbs with similar growing conditions ensures that all the plants in the pot thrive. On the other hand, mismatched herbs can compete, struggle, or even inhibit each other’s growth through root competition or chemical signals (allelopathy).

Key Factors to Consider When Grouping Herbs

Before combining herbs in a single container, consider the following:

1. Sunlight Needs

Most herbs love full sun (6–8 hours/day), but some prefer partial shade. Don’t mix sun-loving and shade-tolerant herbs in the same pot.

2. Watering Requirements

Some herbs like moist soil (e.g., basil, parsley), while others prefer it dry (e.g., rosemary, thyme). Group herbs that need similar watering.

3. Growth Habit and Size

Avoid overcrowding. Combine compact herbs together, and don’t plant aggressive growers (like mint) with delicate ones.

4. Soil Preferences

Mediterranean herbs do best in light, sandy, fast-draining soil. Others may prefer richer or slightly moister soil.

Best Herb Combinations for the Same Container

Here are time-tested herb groupings that work well together in the same pot, based on similar care needs.

🌿 Mediterranean Mix (Dry, Sunny Herbs)

Best For: Full sun, low water, well-draining soil.

Herbs to Combine:

Rosemary
Thyme
Oregano
Sage
Lavender (optional)

Why It Works: These herbs are native to Mediterranean climates. They all prefer drier conditions, lots of sun, and sandy soil. Their woody stems and slow growth make them ideal container mates.

Container Tip: Use a wide, shallow terra cotta pot to improve drainage and mimic dry conditions.

🌱 Moisture-Loving Mix (Tender, Leafy Herbs)

Best For: Part sun to full sun, moderate watering, richer soil.

Herbs to Combine:

Basil
Parsley
Cilantro
Chervil

Why It Works: These herbs thrive in slightly moist, fertile soil and grow best with regular watering. They also have soft stems and fast growth rates, making them compatible in terms of harvest timing.

Container Tip: Choose a deeper pot to support their root systems and help retain moisture.

🌿 Fragrant Culinary Mix (Versatile Cook’s Garden)

Best For: General-purpose container garden in full sun.

Herbs to Combine:

Basil
Chives
Parsley
Oregano

Why It Works: While basil prefers a bit more moisture, oregano, parsley, and chives all tolerate average conditions well. These are some of the most used kitchen herbs, and they make a great patio container for frequent harvesting.

Container Tip: Place basil near the center, since it grows upright, and let the others spread outward.

🌿 Herb Garden for Tea Lovers

Best For: Herbal tea blends, partial sun, moderate moisture.

Herbs to Combine:

Lemon balm
Chamomile
Mint (in a separate pot if possible)
Fennel (only if space allows)

Why It Works: These herbs share calming properties and are popular in homemade teas. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial to full sun.

Container Tip: Mint is highly invasive — plant it alone or in a separate small pot within a larger container to control spreading.

Herbs You Should NOT Grow Together

Just like some plants make good neighbors, others don’t. Here are some combinations to avoid in the same pot:

❌ Mint + Any Other Herb

Mint grows aggressively and sends out runners that choke other plants.
Solution: Always plant mint by itself or in a buried container to control its roots.

❌ Fennel + Most Herbs

Fennel releases compounds that inhibit the growth of nearby plants (allelopathy).
Solution: Keep fennel in its own pot, away from the rest of your herb garden.

❌ Basil + Rue

These herbs can stunt each other’s growth and aren’t compatible.

❌ Dill + Caraway or Fennel

These herbs can cross-pollinate and compete chemically.

Companion Planting Chart: What Grows Well Together?

Compatible Herbs	Incompatible Pairings
Basil + Parsley	Basil + Rue
Thyme + Rosemary	Rosemary + Mint
Oregano + Sage	Sage + Chives (can compete)
Cilantro + Chervil	Cilantro + Fennel
Chamomile + Mint (separate pots)	Mint + Anything in same soil

Pot Size and Arrangement Tips

When combining herbs in the same pot, space and layout matter just as much as compatibility.

👉 Use the “Thriller, Filler, Spiller” Technique:

Thriller: Tall focal herb (e.g., basil or rosemary)
Filler: Mounding herbs (e.g., oregano, parsley)
Spiller: Trailing herbs (e.g., thyme, creeping rosemary)

This not only looks beautiful but also helps herbs grow without shading or crowding each other.

Minimum Pot Sizes:

Small group (2–3 herbs): 10–12 inches wide
Medium group (3–4 herbs): 14–16 inches wide
Large group (5+ herbs): 18+ inches wide and at least 8–10 inches deep

Sun and Watering Placement

Full-Sun Herbs (6–8 hours/day): Basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, lavender
Part-Sun Herbs (4–6 hours/day): Mint, parsley, lemon balm, chervil
Shade-Tolerant (3–4 hours/day): Cilantro (cool climates), chives

Always place pots in locations that match the collective light needs of the herbs inside.

Seasonal Considerations

Herbs vary in lifespan and growth habits:

🌱 Annual Herbs:

Basil, cilantro, dill, chervil
May need replacing or rotating after summer

🌿 Perennial Herbs:

Rosemary, thyme, mint, oregano, sage, chives
Can overwinter indoors or in mild climates

When combining annuals and perennials, be aware that the pot may need to be reset each year.

Fertilizer and Maintenance Tips

Use organic, slow-release fertilizer once per month.
Avoid over-fertilizing — it can lead to excessive leaf growth and reduced flavor.
Trim herbs frequently to encourage bushier growth.
Remove flowers (especially on basil and mint) to prolong leaf production.

Final Thoughts: Mixing Herbs in Containers the Right Way

With the right planning, you can grow multiple herbs together in one pot and enjoy a compact, fragrant, and functional herb garden. The key is to group herbs by their light, water, and soil preferences, and give them enough room to grow without crowding.

Whether you’re crafting a Mediterranean planter, a tea herb pot, or a kitchen windowsill mix, companion planting in containers lets you make the most of your space — while adding beauty and flavor to your home.

Quick Summary: Best Herb Pairings for Containers

Container Theme	Herbs to Include
Mediterranean Mix	Rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage
Moisture-Lovers Mix	Basil, parsley, cilantro, chervil
Culinary Kitchen Mix	Basil, parsley, chives, oregano
Tea Herb Planter	Lemon balm, chamomile, mint (in own pot)

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About the Author: Alex Assoune

Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.

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