Which Herbs Should Not Be Planted Together? Complete Guide

By Alex Assoune Jun 28, 2025

Growing herbs is one of the most rewarding aspects of gardening. They’re compact, flavorful, and full of health benefits. But not all herbs make good neighbors. Just like people, some herbs thrive in each other’s company, while others clash — competing for resources or even harming each other through chemical interactions.

If you want a thriving herb garden, understanding which herbs should not be planted together is just as important as knowing which ones grow well side by side. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common incompatible herb pairings, why they don’t work together, and how to plan a healthy, harmonious herb garden.

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Why Some Herbs Don’t Grow Well Together

There are several reasons herbs may not thrive when planted together:

1. Different Water and Sun Needs

Some herbs love moist soil and shade, while others prefer full sun and dry conditions. Combining them leads to one plant getting too much or too little of what it needs.

2. Root Competition

Fast-growing or invasive herbs can overwhelm slower-growing neighbors, stealing nutrients and space.

3. Allelopathy

Some herbs release natural chemicals from their roots or leaves that inhibit the growth of nearby plants. This phenomenon is known as allelopathy.

4. Pest Attraction or Repulsion

Certain herbs can attract pests that harm neighboring plants or repel beneficial insects that support them.

Herbs That Should Not Be Planted Together

Here’s a list of common herb incompatibilities with explanations so you can avoid pairing them in your garden or container pots.

❌ Mint (Mentha spp.) + Any Other Herb

Why it doesn’t work:

Mint is highly invasive, sending out underground runners that quickly take over space.
It will outcompete slower-growing herbs for water, nutrients, and light.

Better Option:

Plant mint in its own pot or isolated area. It can be aggressive even in containers.

❌ Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) + Most Herbs

Why it doesn’t work:

Fennel is allelopathic, releasing compounds that inhibit the growth of nearby plants.
It can also cross-pollinate with dill, leading to poor seed quality.

Better Option:

Grow fennel in a separate bed or large container, well away from other herbs.

❌ Rue (Ruta graveolens) + Basil

Why it doesn’t work:

Rue can stunt basil’s growth when planted nearby.
Rue also tends to repel pollinators that basil needs.

Better Option:

Keep rue and basil in different parts of the garden.

❌ Basil (Ocimum basilicum) + Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Why it doesn’t work:

Basil likes moist soil and frequent watering, while sage prefers dry conditions.
Their needs are too different to coexist in the same soil.

Better Option:

Grow basil with parsley or cilantro, and keep sage with rosemary or thyme.

❌ Dill (Anethum graveolens) + Caraway or Fennel

Why it doesn’t work:

These plants are closely related and may cross-pollinate, resulting in poor-quality seeds.
They also compete for the same resources, leading to stunted growth.

Better Option:

Plant dill with herbs like cilantro or parsley instead.

❌ Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) + Mint

Why it doesn’t work:

While both like similar conditions, mint’s invasive growth will crowd out chamomile.
Mint’s strong roots may also interfere with chamomile’s ability to develop properly.

Better Option:

Grow chamomile with lemon balm or lavender, and keep mint in its own pot.

❌ Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) + Rosemary

Why it doesn’t work:

Cilantro prefers cooler weather and moist soil, while rosemary thrives in hot, dry conditions.
They have vastly different care requirements.

Better Option:

Pair cilantro with parsley or chervil, and rosemary with thyme or oregano.

Summary Table: Incompatible Herb Pairings

Herb	Should NOT Be Planted With	Reason
Mint	Any other herb	Invasive roots overtake others
Fennel	Basil, cilantro, dill, most herbs	Allelopathic; inhibits growth
Rue	Basil	Growth suppression
Basil	Sage	Conflicting soil/moisture needs
Dill	Fennel, caraway	Cross-pollination & competition
Chamomile	Mint	Overcrowding by mint
Cilantro	Rosemary	Opposite temperature and water needs

Tips for Avoiding Incompatible Pairings

Now that you know which combinations to avoid, here are practical strategies to prevent conflicts and create a healthy herb garden.

🌱 Use Individual Pots for Aggressive Growers

Plant mint, fennel, and rue in their own containers.
Even in raised beds, place them in buried pots to limit root spread.

☀️ Group Herbs by Growing Conditions

Match herbs by:

Sunlight (full sun vs. partial shade)
Water (moist vs. dry)
Soil type (rich vs. sandy)

Example:

Rosemary, sage, thyme, and oregano love dry, sunny conditions.
Basil, parsley, cilantro, and chives prefer moist, fertile soil.

🌿 Avoid Mixing Annuals and Perennials in Tight Spaces

Annuals like basil and cilantro grow quickly and die back, while perennials like thyme and oregano establish slowly and persist. Keep them separate to avoid crowding or early die-off in shared containers.

🔄 Rotate and Replant with Care

Some herbs release residual chemicals into the soil. After harvesting or removing allelopathic herbs (like fennel), wait a season before planting sensitive herbs in the same spot.

How to Plan a Conflict-Free Herb Garden

Here’s a step-by-step approach to building a container or bed-based herb garden without incompatible pairings.

Step 1: List Your Favorite Herbs

Start by identifying the herbs you cook with or use the most.

Step 2: Group Them by Growing Preferences

Moisture-Loving Herbs	Dry-Loving Herbs	Invasive Herbs (Use Separate Pots)
Basil, Parsley, Cilantro, Chives	Thyme, Sage, Rosemary, Oregano	Mint, Fennel, Lemon Balm

Step 3: Design Your Layout

Use raised beds or large containers for compatible herbs.
Add smaller pots within containers for invasive herbs if you want them in the same planter visually.
Provide appropriate sun exposure and good drainage for all.

A Note on Companion Planting with Vegetables

Some herbs that are incompatible with each other can still be great companions for vegetables. For example:

Basil pairs well with tomatoes.
Dill attracts beneficial insects to support carrots and cucumbers.
Mint, while problematic with other herbs, repels aphids and cabbage moths when grown near leafy greens (in a separate pot).

This means you can still grow “troublemaker” herbs — just give them their space and choose neighbors wisely.

Conclusion: Keep the Peace in Your Herb Garden

Just like in any community, some herbs make great companions, and others need a little distance. Understanding which herbs should not be planted together helps you avoid common mistakes that lead to poor growth, flavorless leaves, or even garden failure.

Here’s the golden rule:
👉 If an herb grows fast, spreads aggressively, or releases growth-inhibiting chemicals, give it its own space.
👉 If two herbs have opposite sun or watering needs, plant them separately.

By following this guide and observing your plants closely, you’ll build a vibrant herb garden that flourishes in harmony — whether in pots, window boxes, or raised beds.

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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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