Lemongrass Companion Plants

If you’re growing lemongrass, you know its wonderful citrus scent and culinary uses. Choosing the right lemongrass companion plants can make your garden healthier and more productive. This guide will help you pick the ideal partners to support your lemongrass, deter pests, and improve your overall harvest.

Companion planting is a smart way to work with nature. It involves placing plants near each other for mutual benefit. For lemongrass, good companions can attract helpful insects, repel harmful ones, and even improve soil conditions. Let’s look at the best options for your garden.

Best Herbs to Plant With Lemongrass

Many herbs thrive alongside lemongrass and share similar needs. They often enjoy full sun and well-drained soil. Planting them together creates a fragrant and useful herb garden section.

Cilantro and Dill: These herbs attract beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps. These insects control aphids and other pests that might bother your lemongrass.
Basil: Basil is a classic companion. It may help repel mosquitoes and flies, complementing lemongrass’s own pest-deterrent properties. They both love warm, sunny spots.
Mint: Mint’s strong scent can deter pests like ants and cabbage moths. A important tip: always plant mint in a container, then sink the container into the soil. This prevents its aggressive roots from taking over.
Lemon Balm: Sharing a citrus theme, lemon balm attracts pollinators. It’s easy to grow and can help fill in space around your lemongrass clumps.

Excellent Vegetable Companions

Pairing lemongrass with vegetables is a great strategy for a productive plot. The lemongrass acts as a natural barrier and pest deterrent for these crops.

Tomatoes and Peppers: Lemongrass can help repel aphids and whiteflies that often attack tomatoes and peppers. Its tall, grassy form can also provide a bit of light afternoon shade for pepper plants in very hot climates.
Brassicas (Cabbage, Kale, Broccoli): The strong scent of lemongrass confuses pests like cabbage moths and cabbage worms. Planting it near your brassicas can lead to less damaged leaves.
Root Vegetables (Carrots, Radishes): Lemongrass doesn’t compete heavily for space in the root zone. Its vertical growth allows plenty of room for root crops to develop underground.

Flowers That Support Lemongrass

Don’t forget flowers! They are not just pretty; they are powerful garden allies. Certain flowers bring in pollinators and predatory insects that protect your plants.

Marigolds: This is one of the top companions for many plants. Marigolds release a substance from their roots that helps repel nematodes, tiny soil pests. Their bright blooms also attract pollinators.
Nasturtiums: These vibrant flowers act as a trap crop, attracting aphids away from your lemongrass and other vegetables. They are edible, too, with a peppery flavor for salads.
Lavender: Like lemongrass, lavender loves full sun and good drainage. It attracts bees and butterflies from miles around, which benefits your entire garden ecosystem.

How to Plant Your Lemongrass Companions

Planning your layout is key. Follow these simple steps for success.

Check Sun and Soil Needs: All companions should have similar light requirements. Lemongrass needs full sun (6-8 hours daily) and well-drained soil.
Give Lemongrass Space: A mature lemongrass clump can be 3-5 feet tall and wide. Plant it in the back or center of a bed so it doesn’t shade smaller plants.
Group by Water Needs: Plant thirstier companions, like basil, closer together. Drought-tolerant ones, like lavender, can be grouped seperately to avoid overwatering.
Interplant for Protection: For pest control, scatter your companion plants rather than putting them in one block. For example, place marigolds and nasturtiums in several spots amoung your vegetables.

Plants to Avoid Near Lemongrass

Not every plant is a good neighbor. Lemongrass has a few specific needs that make it incompatible with some common garden plants.

Heavy Feeders: Avoid plants that need lots of nitrogen, like corn or squash. Lemongrass prefers moderate fertility; too much nitrogen can reduce its flavor intensity.
Shade-Loving Plants: Do not plant lettuce, spinach, or other cool-season greens near lemongrass. They will not tolerate the full sun and heat that lemongrass requires.
Plants Requiring Wet Feet: Lemongrass roots can rot in constantly soggy soil. Avoid pairing it with plants that need very wet conditions, like rice or some types of mint if not contained.

Caring for Your Companion Plant Garden

A little maintenance goes a long way. Once your plants are in the ground, focus on these care tips.

Watering: Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil surface to dry between waterings. This encourages strong roots for all your plants.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, like straw or wood chips. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature.
Harvesting: Regularly harvest lemongrass stalks and the leaves of your herb companions. This pruning encourages bushier, healthier growth for everyone.
Observation: Keep an eye on your plant groupings. If one plant seems to be struggling, it might be to close to a neighbor and need a bit more space next season.

FAQ About Lemongrass Companions

What are the pest control benefits of companion planting with lemongrass?

Lemongrass contains citronella, which naturally repels mosquitoes and some flying insects. When combined with other pest-deterrent plants like marigolds or basil, it creates a stronger defensive barrier for your garden.

Can I plant lemongrass with other grasses?

It’s generally not recommended. Ornamental grasses may compete too directly for the same nutrients and space. They also don’t offer the same companion benefits as herbs, vegetables, or flowers.

How far apart should I plant companions from lemongrass?

Give lemongrass at least 2-3 feet of space to form its large clump. Plant smaller companions around the edges of this space. For taller plants, ensure they won’t eventually shade the sun-loving lemongrass.

Does lemongrass help with garden pollination?

While lemongrass itself is not a major pollinator attractant, its companion plants often are. Flowers like lavender and nasturtiums bring in bees and butterflies, which will then visit other plants, improving fruit set for your tomatoes and peppers.

Using lemongrass companion plants is a simple and effective organic gardening method. By choosing the right partners, you create a beautiful, resilient, and low-maintenance garden. Your lemongrass will be happier, and you’ll enjoy a more diverse and plentiful harvest from the same space. Start planning your ideal plant partnerships this season.