The Undisputed Best Oregano Companion Plants
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If you're growing oregano in your garden, you're already on the path to a more flavorful and fragrant outdoor space. But did you know you could amplify these benefits—and more—by pairing oregano with specific companion plants?
This guide offers an in-depth look at the best plants to grow alongside oregano, and how doing so can boost your garden’s health, deter pests, and even enhance the flavors of your herbs.
To learn more about growing oregano, check out my guides:
The 6 Best Oregano Companion Plants
Companion planting offers a sustainable way to enhance the growing conditions of your garden and improve the yields of your plants.
When it comes to oregano, certain plants can be particularly beneficial when grown alongside this popular herb.
Here's a detailed look at the best oregano companion plants and why they make excellent companions:
1. Basil
Why it's a Good Companion: Basil and oregano both belong to the mint family, and they thrive in similar growing conditions.
They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Basil can also attract beneficial insects, such as bees, that can help with pollination.
To learn more about growing basil, check out my guides:
Additional Benefits:
Both herbs can be used in Mediterranean and Italian cuisines, making harvest time a culinary delight.
My recommended variety: Genovese Basil
Known for its large leaves and rich flavor, Genovese basil is a popular variety that pairs wonderfully with tomato dishes. It grows robustly, making it an ideal companion for oregano.
2. Thyme
Why it's a Good Companion: Thyme shares oregano's love for Mediterranean climates. It also requires well-drained soil and full sun, making the two herbs ideal companions.
Additional Benefits:
Thyme attracts parasitic wasps, which help control pests that might affect other plants in your garden.
Both herbs can help repel pests when planted near vegetable crops, enhancing the overall health of your vegetable garden.
My recommended variety: French Thyme
A culinary favorite, French thyme has a subtle flavor and is often used in traditional French dishes. It's a compact grower, making it easy to interplant with oregano.
3. Rosemary
Why it's a Good Companion: Like oregano, rosemary thrives in well-drained soil and enjoys full sun.
The strong aroma of rosemary can help deter pests that might otherwise target oregano plants.
Additional Benefits:
Rosemary attracts beneficial insects like bees.
Both herbs are commonly used in poultry and meat dishes, so having them grow together can be convenient for cooking.
My recommended variety: Tuscan Blue Rosemary
This variety stands out for its vivid blue flowers and tall, upright growth habit. It's drought-tolerant and pairs well with Mediterranean herbs like oregano.
4. Sage
Why it's a Good Companion: Sage and oregano both enjoy full sun and share similar soil needs, which makes them compatible in terms of growing requirements.
Additional Benefits:
Sage has its own set of beneficial insects that it attracts, adding to the diversity of helpful insects in your garden.
Both can be used fresh or dried for various culinary uses.
My recommended variety: Garden Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Often simply referred to as culinary sage, this is the most common variety used in kitchens. Its gray-green leaves are aromatic, and it thrives in conditions similar to oregano.
5. Cabbage
Why it's a Good Companion: Oregano helps to repel pests like cabbage moths, which can be a big problem for cabbage crops.
Additional Benefits:
Cabbage benefits from the strong aroma of oregano, which can mask its scent and make it less attractive to pests.
The different growing heights of cabbage and oregano help maximize the use of space in your garden.
My recommended variety: Golden Acre Cabbage
A reliable, early variety that produces compact heads, Golden Acre is resistant to yellows disease and can benefit from oregano's pest-repelling properties.
6. Tomatoes
Why it's a Good Companion: Oregano's natural ability to repel certain pests can protect tomato plants, which are often prone to pest attacks.
Additional Benefits:
Tomato and oregano are often used together in cooking, especially in Italian and Mediterranean dishes, making them a perfect pair in the kitchen as well.
Both plants require similar amounts of water and nutrients, making them easy to care for when planted together.
To learn more about growing tomatoes, check out my guide Are Coffee Grounds Good for Tomato Plants?
My recommended variety: Roma Tomatoes
These are determinate tomatoes, which means they grow to a certain height and then stop, making them less sprawling than some indeterminate varieties.
Their dense, meaty fruit is excellent for sauces and pairs wonderfully with oregano in recipes.
By carefully choosing which plants to grow alongside your oregano, you can enjoy a healthier, more productive garden. From herbs that enhance each other's flavors to plants that help protect each other from pests, companion planting is a gardening strategy well worth implementing.
To learn more about herb gardening, check out my guides How to Grow Cilantro and Where to Plant Feverfew.
Plants to Avoid as Oregano Companions
While many plants can benefit from being planted near oregano, there are certain plants that are best kept at a distance.
These plants either compete for the same nutrients, require significantly different growing conditions, or attract pests that could harm oregano.
Here's a look at some plants you may want to avoid placing near your oregano:
1. Cucumbers
Cucumbers require much more water than oregano, and their excessive watering needs can lead to root rot for oregano, which prefers well-drained soil.
2. Mint
Although mint is a relative of oregano and shares many of its growing requirements, mint is an aggressive grower that can quickly spread and crowd out oregano and other plants.
3. Watermelon
Like cucumbers, watermelons require lots of water, making them a poor companion for drought-tolerant plants like oregano.
4. Corn
Corn is a heavy feeder that competes for soil nutrients, potentially depriving oregano of essential nutrients. Additionally, the height of corn plants can shade oregano, depriving it of the full sun it prefers.
5. Potatoes
Potatoes prefer acidic soil, whereas oregano likes a slightly alkaline to neutral pH range. Additionally, potatoes are susceptible to blight, which could inadvertently affect your oregano.
To learn more about growing potatoes, check out my guide The Best Potatoes to Grow in Bags.
By carefully considering what not to plant near oregano, you can avoid common gardening pitfalls and create a more harmonious and productive garden.
The Benefits of Oregano Companion Plants
The idea of companion planting—pairing certain plants together for mutual benefits—is as old as agriculture itself.
When it comes to oregano, there are several compelling reasons to consider its companions carefully.
1. Attracting Beneficial Insects
Why It's Important:
One of the most advantageous reasons to pick companion plants wisely is to attract beneficial insects to your garden.
These helpful bugs, including pollinators like bees and predators like ladybugs, can improve the overall health and productivity of your garden space.
How Oregano Helps:
Oregano flowers are a favorite among bees and other pollinators. Furthermore, the plant's strong scent attracts predatory insects like parasitic wasps that prey on harmful pests.
Companion Plants That Help:
Plants like thyme and basil are excellent choices, as they attract a variety of beneficial insects, including parasitic wasps, which help keep garden pests at bay.
Check out my guide: Herbs That Can Be Planted Together: The Best Combinations.
2. Repelling Pests
Why It's Important:
A natural and sustainable way to keep pests away from your crops is by employing plants with pest-repellent properties.
How Oregano Helps:
The aromatic oils in oregano leaves can act as a natural insect repellent, driving away a variety of pests, including aphids and spider mites.
Companion Plants That Help:
Rosemary and sage are known for their strong scents, which can further deter pests when planted alongside oregano.
3. Enhancing Flavor
Why It's Important:
Certain plants, when grown together, can have a positive influence on each other's flavor profile. This is particularly relevant for herbs used in cooking.
How Oregano Helps:
The robust flavor of oregano can be complemented by other herbs, making your herb garden a one-stop-shop for seasoning.
Companion Plants That Help:
Herbs like basil and thyme not only grow well with oregano but can also be used together in a variety of culinary dishes, potentially enhancing their flavors.
4. Optimizing Growing Conditions
Why It's Important:
Each plant has specific growing needs, including light, water, and soil conditions.
Planting companions with similar requirements can simplify garden maintenance.
How Oregano Helps:
Oregano thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun, conditions that are shared by many of its best companion plants.
Companion Plants That Help:
Thyme, basil, and rosemary all enjoy similar growing conditions, making them easy to care for when planted near oregano.
This similarity in growing requirements allows you to streamline watering and fertilizing schedules.
By harnessing these benefits through careful companion planting, you can create a thriving, harmonious garden that's greater than the sum of its parts.
Tips for Successful Oregano Companion Planting
Companion planting is a fantastic way to optimize your garden's yield, but it does require some planning and care.
Here are some tips to ensure your oregano and its companions thrive:
1. Soil Preparation
Both oregano and its companions like well-drained soil. Add organic matter like compost to improve soil structure and nutrient content.
Check out my guide to The Best Compost for Vegetable Gardens.
2. Proper Spacing
Make sure you space your plants appropriately. Herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme generally need about 18 to 24 inches between plants.
This ensures they have room to grow without competing for nutrients.
3. Sunlight Needs
Most herbs, including oregano, prefer full sun. Make sure your planting area receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight a day for optimal growth, ideally in a south facing spot.
4. Watering Schedule
While herbs like oregano are relatively drought-tolerant, they do need water, especially in very hot conditions. However, avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. A good rule of thumb is to water when the soil feels dry to the touch.
For this, you can use rainwater harvested from a water butt.
5. Fertilizing
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the start of the growing season. However, be cautious not to over-fertilize, as too many nutrients can lead to excessive growth but less flavorful herbs.
6. Pest Control
Monitor your garden regularly for signs of pests. The advantage of companion planting is that it often reduces the need for chemical pesticides, but it’s always good to keep an eye out for potential problems.
7. Harvesting
Oregano can be harvested once it has enough foliage to maintain growth. Cut back to just above a set of leaves, allowing for more growth. Companion herbs like basil and thyme can often be harvested in the same way.
Check out my guide: How to Harvest Basil Seeds the Right Way.
By following these tips, you increase the likelihood of not only a fruitful harvest but also of creating a garden that is ecologically balanced and less dependent on artificial means of pest control and fertilization.
FAQ
1. What not to plant with oregano?
It's best to avoid planting oregano near plants that have very different growing requirements.
For instance, water-loving plants such as watermelon or cucumber may not be ideal companions because they may lead to overwatering of the oregano, which prefers well-drained soil.
2. Thyme Companion Plants?
Thyme enjoys the company of many of the same plants as oregano. Good companions for thyme include basil, rosemary, and sage.
These herbs have similar growing conditions—well-drained soil and full sun—which makes them easier to care for when grown together.
Take a look at my guide to Herbs That Can Be Planted Together: The Best Combinations.
3. Green Oregano Companion Plants?
If you're looking for green, leafy companions for oregano, consider planting it near spinach, lettuce, or Swiss chard.
These plants benefit from oregano's ability to repel certain pests and will not compete with oregano for nutrients as their root systems are different.
4. What herbs grow well together in the same container?
Herbs that have similar growing requirements can often be grown together in the same container.
For example, basil, thyme, and oregano all prefer well-drained soil and full sun, making them good container companions.
However, be cautious when planting mint in the same container as it can be invasive.
5. Can oregano and rosemary be planted together?
Yes, oregano and rosemary make good companions because they both enjoy similar growing conditions like well-drained soil and full sun.
Additionally, both herbs are known to attract beneficial insects and repel pests, offering mutual benefits.
6. How does oregano repel pests?
Oregano contains aromatic oils that are unappealing to many types of pests, including aphids and spider mites.
This natural repellent property makes oregano a valuable addition to a vegetable or herb garden.
To learn more about herb gardening, check out my guide How to Start a Raised Bed Herb Garden.
7. What vegetables benefit from being planted near oregano?
Vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and cabbage can benefit from being planted near oregano.
The herb helps to repel common pests that afflict these vegetables, thereby reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
8. Can I plant oregano near fruit trees?
Oregano can be planted near certain fruit trees like apple and pear trees. The herb's ability to attract beneficial insects can help with pollination, while its scent can deter some pests that commonly affect fruit trees.
9. How do I care for oregano and its companion plants?
Oregano and its companion plants generally require well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Regular watering is essential, but avoid overwatering as these Mediterranean herbs prefer soil that is not too moist.
During the growing season, a balanced fertilizer can be applied to support healthy growth.
To store your harvest of oregano, check out our guide to How to Store Dried Herbs: Tips to Ensure they Last Longer.
Companion planting is not just an age-old agricultural practice; it's a sustainable, efficient, and natural way to enrich your garden.
By choosing the right oregano companion plants, you can create a balanced ecosystem that benefits not only the plants themselves but also the soil and beneficial insects in your garden.
With the insights provided in this guide, you're well-equipped to make informed decisions that will optimize your garden's health and yield.
