Tarragon Companion Plants

Planning your herb garden layout? Knowing about tarragon companion plants can make a big difference for your whole plot. This classic culinary herb, with its distinctive anise-like flavor, thrives when placed near the right neighbors. Let’s look at how to choose the best companions for tarragon to boost growth, health, and your overall harvest.

Companion planting is the practice of placing plants together for mutual benefit. For tarragon, the right partners can help with pest control, improve soil conditions, and even make flavors stronger. French tarragon, in particular, is a perennial herb that appreciates good company. It dislikes wet feet and loves well-drained soil and full sun.

Why Companion Planting Works for Tarragon

Tarragon has specific needs. It grows from rhizomes and can be a bit fussy about its environment. Good companions can create a mini-ecosystem that supports these needs. They can attract beneficial insects that eat common pests. Some plants also help improve the soil structure or nutrient availability right where tarragon’s roots are growing.

Another key reason is pest confusion. Dense, mixed planting makes it harder for pests to find their target plants. This is a natural, chemical-free way to protect your precious tarragon and its neighbors.

Best Herb Companions for Tarragon

Herbs often make the best companions because they share similar growing requirements. These herbs enjoy the same sunny, well-drained conditions that tarragon demands.

Lavender: Both love dry, sandy soil. Lavender’s strong scent can deter pests, and its flowers attract pollinators from a distance.
Rosemary: This woody herb has the same low-water needs. It can provide a little light structure without shading out the tarragon to much.
Oregano and Marjoram: These spreading herbs create a living mulch at ground level, helping to keep soil moisture even and suppress weeds.
Sage: Another Mediterranean herb that thrives in poor, dry soil. Its tall, bushy form can offer a slight windbreak for younger tarragon plants.

Excellent Vegetable Partners

Many vegetables benefit from being near tarragon. Tarragon is known to enhance the growth and flavor of some popular garden crops.

Eggplant: Tarragon may help repel pests that bother eggplants, like aphids. It’s a classic pairing in the garden and the kitchen.
Artichokes: Both are perennial plants with deep roots. They have compatible growth habits and water requirements once established.
Peppers: Both enjoy warm, sunny spots. Tarragon’s presence can help create a healthier microclimate around pepper plants.
Leafy Greens (like Lettuce): Tarragon can provide light, dappled shade for greens that might bolt in the hottest part of summer.

What to Plant at Tarragon’s Base

The area around the base of your tarragon plant can be used wisely. Low-growing plants that don’t compete heavily for nutrients are ideal here.

Nasturtiums: These act as a fantastic trap crop, luring aphids away from your tarragon. Their edible flowers add color.
Creeping Thyme: It forms a dense mat that prevents weeds and looks beautiful. It requires similar dry conditions.
Lettuce or Spinach: As quick-growing crops, they can be harvested before the tarragon gets to large, making efficient use of space.

Plants to Keep Away from Tarragon

Just as important as good companions are the bad ones. Some plants will compete to aggressively or have conflicting needs.

Most Mint Family Herbs (except Rosemary/Sage): Herbs like peppermint or spearmint are too invasive. Their vigorous roots will overwhelm tarragon’s rhizomes quickly.
Parsley and Cilantro: These herbs prefer much more consistent moisture than tarragon. Watering for them can cause tarragon’s roots to rot.
Root Vegetables (Carrots, Parsnips): Harvesting these disturbs the soil deeply and can damage tarragon’s delicate root system.
Rue: This herb is often reported to inhibit the growth of many plants, including tarragon, so its best to keep them seperate.

How to Plant Tarragon with Companions: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to integrate tarragon successfully into your mixed garden bed.

Choose the Right Spot: Select a location with full sun (at least 6-8 hours) and excellent drainage. Raised beds or hills are ideal if your soil is heavy.
Prepare the Soil: Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure for fertility, but add some coarse sand or grit to ensure it drains well. Tarragon hates soggy soil.
Plant Your Tarragon: Plant tarragon transplants or divisions, spacing them about 18-24 inches apart. This gives them room to spread and allows space for companions.
Add Companion Plants: Plant your chosen companions around the tarragon, keeping their mature sizes in mind. Place taller plants (like rosemary) to the north so they don’t cast shade.
Mulch Lightly: Apply a thin layer of gravel, pebbles, or very light organic mulch. This helps with drainage and weed control without holding to much moisture.
Water Wisely: Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Your companion plants should have similar drought tolerance.

Using Tarragon as a Companion Plant Itself

Tarragon isn’t just a recipient of benefits; it’s a great companion too. Its aromatic foliage is believed to repel many common pests. Gardeners often use it to protect other plants.

Planting tarragon near fruit trees or roses may help deter pests. Some even say it improves the flavor of vegetables grown nearby, though this is based on gardener experience more than strict science. Its certainly worth trying in your own garden to see the results.

Common Problems and Companion Solutions

Even with good companions, issues can arise. Here’s how companion planting can help solve them.

Powdery Mildew: Improve air circulation by not overcrowding plants. Good spacing with companions like lavender helps.
Aphids: Plant nasturtiums or flowering herbs like dill to attract ladybugs and lacewings, which eat aphids.
Poor Growth: Ensure tarragon isn’t being outcompeted. If a companion is to vigorous, you may need to move it. Also, avoid heavy feeders like corn nearby.
Root Rot: This is usually a watering or soil issue. Ensure all plants in the grouping prefer dry conditions. Adding a gritty companion like thyme at the base can signal the correct conditions.

FAQ About Tarragon Companions

Can I plant tarragon with basil?

It’s not ideal. Basil likes rich, consistently moist soil, while tarragon prefers it drier. Their different water needs make them challenging companions.

What is the best companion for tarragon in a container?

In a pot, try pairing tarragon with rosemary or creeping thyme. They share the same need for excellent drainage and infrequent watering. Make sure the container is large enough.

Does tarragon grow well with tomatoes?

They can be grown together, but it’s not a top pairing. Tomatoes are heavy feeders and need lots of water, which might be to much for tarragon. If you try it, plant them on opposite sides of a large bed.

What flowers grow well with tarragon?

Marigolds, nasturtiums, and lavender are excellent flower choices. They deter pests, attract beneficials, and thrive in similar sunny, well-drained spots.

Should I plant French or Russian tarragon for companion planting?

Always choose French tarragon for flavor and garden benefit. Russian tarragon is more vigorous but less flavorful, and its companion planting benefits are considered weaker by most gardeners.

Planning your garden with tarragon companion plants in mind sets you up for a healthier, more productive space. By grouping plants with similar needs and complementary traits, you work with nature, not against it. Start with one or two proven pairs, like tarragon and lavender, and observe how they perform in your unique garden. You’ll likely find that this thoughtful approach leads to a more resilient and bountiful herb garden for seasons to come.