preferences, pest control, and space efficiency. Bad pairings can happen, too. This often comes down to plants that have contrasting growth and care needs, or plants that attract pests or release growth-inhibiting chemicals.

Here's what to know about the best companion plants for your herbs specifically.

Meet the Expert
Mary Jane Duford is a certified master gardener and founder of the website Home for the Harvest.

Basil and Tomatoes
Basil and tomatoes may be a dreamy combination on the plate, but they also make the best of friends in the garden. For starters, the scent of basil keeps hornworms away from tomato plants and tomatoes can offer shade for basil plants while they're leafy.

Master gardener Mary Jane Duford notes that other great companion plants for basil include chives (and other onion family plants) and oregano, both of which can keep pests at bay. In terms of similar care needs, cilantro ticks the boxes.

"Cilantro has similar soil and moisture preferences, and basil can take the spot of cilantro in the garden when cilantro bolts as temperatures warm in the summer," Duford says.

As for plants to avoid, Duford says to skip planting dill and mint near basil as they can be competitive growers. Sage also isn't a great choice as it needs drier soil.

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Rosemary and Sage
When you're looking for garden bed pals for rosemary, consider sage, or make it a trio and throw lavender into the mix, too. All together they can thrive in dry, well-drained soil and won't get too competitive, Duford says.

Outside of these two plants, think about adding thyme to keep weeds away and monitor soil moisture. For pest control, Duford says that rosemary and carrots or cabbage family plants will ward off pests for one another, such as moths and carrot flies.

There are also some plants to avoid planting nearby rosemary. Basil is one as their moisture needs don't align, but mint could be even worse.

"Mint spreads aggressively and can compete with rosemary’s shallow root system," says Duford, adding that "fennel can inhibit rosemary’s growth through chemical interactions in the soil."

Thyme and Lavender
Lavender, rosemary, and sage are wonderful companions for thyme as they all do best in the same dry, well-drained soil and get pollinators to head their way, according to Duford.

Another plant to consider is chamomile, which has the potential to boost the essential oils in thyme, giving it a stronger aroma and helping it grow.

Thyme also excels at keeping pests away from the likes of broccoli, kohlrabi, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. Strawberries will experience the same perks as thyme will bring pollinators along and mask the scent of the fruit.

Try passing on basil and cilantro, at least in the same area as thyme since they require much more water in their soil. Mint is also too aggressive for thyme.

Dill and Onions
Keep annoying pests from attacking your dill plants by planting onions within their vicinity. These and other onion family plants produce a scent that mites and aphids dislike, allowing your dill to stay intact.

Dill can also provide the same pest-warding properties for a variety of other plants. Brassicas like kale, broccoli, and cabbage can resist cabbage moths and various other pests when they're planted next to dill, says Duford.

When you're considering the types of plants to steer clear of, you'll want to keep tomatoes and fennel away from dill.

"Tomatoes can be stunted by mature dill plants due to root competition and potential negative chemical interaction," says Duford. "Fennel and dill negatively affect each other’s growth when planted too close together."

Parsley and Carrots
Cilantro works well with parsley and has similar needs and habits, but it's not the only one.

"Carrots grow well with parsley, as they share similar needs and aren’t overly competitive with one another," says Duford.

When it comes to pest repellent properties, lean on chives and onions to keep aphids and other bugs from munching on your parsley.

Options that won't benefit parsley's growth include mint, which Duford notes will overpower the plant. Lettuce is a no-go as well due to root competition, since parsley's taproot is much longer.