Herbs are some of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow, whether in containers on a windowsill or a garden bed in your backyard. But one of the most common questions new (and even seasoned) gardeners ask is: how close can you plant herbs together?
The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on the types of herbs, how you’re growing them (in pots, raised beds, or in-ground), and whether you’re prioritizing yield, aesthetics, or airflow. Planting herbs too close together can lead to overcrowding, poor growth, and fungal issues—but spacing them too far apart wastes valuable growing space.
This article explores the ideal spacing for common herbs, grouping by growth habits, gardening methods, and companion planting best practices. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to organize your herb garden for healthy, productive plants.
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Why Spacing Matters
Plant spacing isn’t just about how things look—it affects the overall health of your garden. Here’s why giving herbs enough room is important:
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Air Circulation: Prevents fungal diseases and mildew, especially in humid climates.
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Sunlight Access: Crowded herbs shade each other out, reducing growth.
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Root Development: Herbs need space to grow strong root systems, which support bigger, better harvests.
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Pest Management: Some pests thrive in dense, moist environments. Proper spacing deters them.
General Spacing Guidelines
Let’s start with a broad overview. Here’s a quick reference for typical spacing needs of popular herbs:
| Herb | Spacing (Inches) | Growth Habit |
|---|---|---|
| Basil | 10–12 | Bushy, upright |
| Parsley | 6–8 | Clump-forming |
| Cilantro | 6–8 | Upright, soft stems |
| Chives | 4–6 | Clumping, grass-like |
| Oregano | 10–12 | Sprawling, low-growing |
| Thyme | 8–12 | Spreading, woody base |
| Mint | 12–18 (or isolated) | Aggressive spreader |
| Rosemary | 12–24 | Upright, woody shrub |
| Sage | 12–18 | Woody base, bushy top |
| Dill | 12 | Tall, feathery |
| Tarragon | 12–18 | Upright, woody stems |
These are average spacing guidelines for outdoor garden beds. In containers or smaller spaces, you can plant herbs a little closer—just be prepared for more frequent pruning and maintenance.
How Close Can You Plant Herbs in Containers?
Container gardening is more space-efficient, but comes with its own rules. In pots, the main concerns are root competition and air circulation.
General Rule:
Allow at least 6–8 inches of space between small herbs and 10–12 inches for larger herbs.
Pot Size Recommendations:
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6–8 inch pots: Suitable for one herb (like thyme, chives, or parsley)
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10–12 inch pots: Can hold two compatible small herbs
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14–18 inch pots or window boxes: Can fit 3–4 herbs, depending on their size and growth rate
Tips for Close Planting in Pots:
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Pair herbs with similar water and sunlight needs
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Use light, well-draining soil to prevent rot in tight spaces
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Prune herbs regularly to prevent overcrowding
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Choose herbs with different growth habits (e.g., one upright, one trailing)
Spacing by Herb Category
🌿 Fast-Growing, Tender Herbs (e.g., basil, parsley, cilantro)
These herbs grow quickly, don’t get very woody, and can tolerate tighter spacing.
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Ideal spacing: 6–10 inches
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Close planting okay? Yes, especially for cut-and-come-again harvesting
🌱 Tip: For basil, pinch tops regularly to keep the plant compact when space is tight.
🌿 Woody Perennials (e.g., rosemary, sage, oregano, lavender)
These herbs grow into larger, bushy forms and may become permanent fixtures in a garden.
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Ideal spacing: 12–24 inches
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Close planting okay? Not recommended. These herbs need room for airflow and root expansion.
🌱 Tip: If space is limited, grow these in individual containers to avoid crowding.
🌿 Spreading Herbs (e.g., mint, lemon balm)
These herbs can be invasive, sending out runners and quickly overtaking garden beds.
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Ideal spacing: 12+ inches, or isolate in containers
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Close planting okay? Only if fully contained
🌱 Tip: Grow mint in a pot—even if it's in the ground—by sinking the pot into the soil to contain roots.
🌿 Clumping Herbs (e.g., chives)
These herbs grow in tight bunches and can tolerate moderate spacing.
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Ideal spacing: 4–6 inches
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Close planting okay? Yes, especially in containers
🌱 Tip: Divide chive clumps every 1–2 years to maintain vigor.
Spacing in Raised Beds vs. In-Ground Gardens
In Raised Beds:
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Herbs can be planted slightly closer than in open soil due to better drainage and soil quality
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Allow for 6–8 inches between small herbs and 12–18 inches for larger ones
In-Ground Gardens:
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Stick closer to standard spacing guidelines
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Allow more room for spreading herbs like mint and oregano
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Consider using physical barriers to manage aggressive spreaders
🌱 Example Plan:
In a 4x4 raised bed, you could comfortably plant:
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2 rosemary bushes (diagonal corners)
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4–6 basil plants (center)
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3 thyme plants (edges)
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2 chive clumps (along the front)
What Happens If You Plant Herbs Too Close?
While it’s tempting to squeeze herbs together for a lush look, here’s what can go wrong:
🚫 Poor Airflow
Moisture gets trapped, leading to powdery mildew or root rot—especially in basil, oregano, and sage.
🚫 Reduced Harvest
Crowded herbs grow slower and produce fewer leaves, especially light-demanding varieties like dill and rosemary.
🚫 Increased Disease and Pests
Overlapping leaves and stems create hiding spots for aphids, spider mites, and fungal spores.
🚫 Root Competition
Shallow-rooted herbs like cilantro can get outcompeted by deeper-rooted types like rosemary if planted too closely.
Companion Planting: Grouping Herbs That Thrive Together
Not all herbs mind being close neighbors—some actually benefit from being planted together. When grouping herbs, aim for shared needs (sunlight, soil type, watering frequency).
🌿 Good Herb Companions:
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Basil + Parsley + Chives: All enjoy moist, rich soil and sun.
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Thyme + Oregano + Rosemary: Mediterranean herbs that like dry soil and sun.
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Mint + Lemon Balm: Both spreaders, best kept in their own space—but okay together in a large pot.
🚫 Herbs That Don’t Mix Well:
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Fennel: Releases compounds that inhibit growth of many herbs.
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Dill + Carrot-family herbs (e.g., cilantro, parsley): Can cross-pollinate or compete.
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Mint + Anything Else (in-ground): Too aggressive—plant solo.
Vertical Gardening and Herb Walls
Short on space? Vertical herb gardens and wall planters are trendy solutions. In these systems, you can plant herbs closer—but airflow and drainage are key.
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Allow 4–6 inches between small herbs in vertical planters
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Use breathable containers (like felt pockets) with good drainage
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Place larger herbs like rosemary at the bottom, where more root space and water collect
How to Adjust Spacing Over Time
Herbs don’t all grow at the same pace. Start with tighter spacing for seedlings, then thin as needed.
Tips:
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Seedlings: Plant 2–3 inches apart and thin to final spacing
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Transplants: Use full spacing from the start
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Prune regularly: Keeps plants in check when spacing is tight
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Harvest strategically: Use leaves from crowded areas to improve light access
Final Thoughts: Finding the Sweet Spot
So, how close can you plant herbs together? The answer depends on your gardening style, herb choices, and goals.
As a rule of thumb:
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In garden beds, stick to 6–18 inches apart depending on herb size
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In containers, you can go a bit closer—especially with regular pruning
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In tight spaces, choose herbs that tolerate crowding (like chives, parsley, cilantro)
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Aggressive spreaders like mint should be isolated
Smart spacing not only prevents plant stress but also boosts your harvest and keeps your herb garden thriving all season long.
Quick Reference Chart: Herb Spacing Summary
| Herb | Min. Spacing (Inches) | Best Grown In | Can Tolerate Closer Planting? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | 10–12 | Containers, raised beds | Yes, with pruning |
| Parsley | 6–8 | Raised beds, containers | Yes |
| Cilantro | 6–8 | Pots, beds | Yes |
| Chives | 4–6 | Containers, garden edges | Yes |
| Mint | 12–18 (solo) | Isolated containers | No |
| Oregano | 10–12 | Beds, large pots | Somewhat |
| Thyme | 8–12 | Rock gardens, beds | Somewhat |
| Rosemary | 12–24 | Large pots, in-ground | No |
| Sage | 12–18 | Beds, large containers | No |
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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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