Lemongrass Companion Plants

If you’re growing lemongrass, you know its wonderful citrus scent and culinary uses. Choosing the right lemongrass companion plants is the secret to a healthier, more productive garden bed.

Companion planting is like creating a supportive neighborhood for your vegetables and herbs. It helps with pest control, improves soil health, and can even make your plants taste better. When you get the combinations right, your entire garden thrives with less work from you.

This guide will show you the best companions for lemongrass and explain exactly why they work so well together.

This list focuses on plants that share lemongrass’s love for sun, warmth, and well-drained soil. They also offer mutual benefits in the garden.

Top Herbs to Plant With Lemongrass

Herbs are fantastic companions. They often have strong scents that confuse pests, and they attract beneficial insects.

Cilantro and Dill: These herbs attract hoverflies and parasitic wasps. These insects prey on aphids and caterpillars that might bother your lemongrass.
Basil: A classic companion for many plants, basil can help repel mosquitoes and flies. Its strong aroma masks the scent of nearby plants from pests.
Mint (In a Container): Mint is a vigorous repellent for ants, aphids, and even cabbage moths. Always plant mint in a pot sunk into the soil, as its roots are invasive and will take over.
Thyme and Oregano: These low-growing, spreading herbs make excellent living mulch. They help suppress weeds around the base of your tall lemongrass clumps.

Excellent Vegetable Companions

Many vegetables benefit from being near lemongrass’s pest-repelling properties.

Tomatoes and Peppers: Lemongrass helps deter aphids and whiteflies, common problems for solanaceous plants. The tall grass can also provide a light windbreak for young plants.
Leafy Greens (Lettuce, Spinach, Kale): The partial shade cast by lemongrass in the hot afternoon can prevent cool-season greens from bolting too quickly. The pest protection is a major bonus.
Root Vegetables (Carrots, Radishes): There’s little competition for resources. Lemongrass roots are deep, while these veggies are shallow. The lemongrass may help mask the scent of carrots from the carrot fly.
Beans and Peas: These legumes fix nitrogen in the soil, which is a gentle nutrient boost for the hungry lemongrass. It’s a great trade.

Flowers That Help Your Lemongrass

Never underestimate the power of flowers in the vegetable garden. They are beautiful functional.

Marigolds: Perhaps the most famous companion plant. Their roots release a substance that suppresses nematodes in the soil. French marigolds are particularly effective.
Nasturtiums: These act as a “trap crop,” attracting aphids away from your more valuable plants. They’re also edible, with a peppery flavor.
Lavender: Like lemongrass, lavender loves full sun and good drainage. It attracts a huge number of pollinators and repels moths and fleas.
Bee Balm and Echinacea: These sturdy perennials attract bees and butterflies from great distances, improving pollination for any fruiting plants in your bed.

Plants to Avoid Near Lemongrass

Not all plants get along. Avoid these combinations to prevent problems.

Other Heavy Feeders: Plants like corn or squash compete intensely for the same nutrients and water as lemongrass, potentially stunting both.
Shade-Loving Plants: Lemongrass needs full sun. Planting it near something that requires shade, or something that will grow tall and shade it out (like mature sunflowers), is a mistake.
Plants Requiring Wet Feet: Lemongrass needs moist but well-drained soil. Avoid pairing it with plants that need constantly soggy soil, as this can lead to root rot for the lemongrass.

How to Design Your Companion Planting Bed

Planning is key to success. Follow these steps for a thriving garden layout.

Step 1: Assess Your Space and Sunlight

Watch your garden for a full day. Note which areas get at least 6-8 hours of direct sun. This is where your lemongrass and its sun-loving companions must go.

Step 2: Sketch a Simple Layout

Draw your bed on paper. Place lemongrass clumps in the north or center of the bed so they won’t shade out shorter sun-lovers as they grow tall.

Step 3: Apply the “Right Plant, Right Place” Rule

Group plants with similar needs. Put all the Mediterranean herbs (lemongrass, lavender, thyme, oregano) together. Group leafy greens on the slightly shadier side of the lemongrass.

Step 4: Consider Plant Height and Spread

Place tall plants behind shorter ones. Use medium-height plants like peppers in the middle, and low-growing creepers like thyme at the edges as a living border.

Step 5: Implement Succession Planting

Plan for time as well as space. After harvesting early radishes, you might plant basil in that spot. This keeps the bed productive and the soil covered.

Caring for Your Mixed Planting Bed

A diverse bed has slightly different care needs than a monoculture.

Watering Strategies

Water deeply at the base of plants to encourage deep roots. Drip irrigation or a soaker hose is ideal, as it keeps foliage dry and prevents disease. Early morning is the best time to water.

Check soil moisture by sticking your finger in an inch deep. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. Your lemongrass will need more frequent watering than, say, your lavender until it’s fully established.

Feeding and Mulching

Use a balanced, organic fertilizer or well-rotted compost at the start of the season. A top-dressing of compost mid-season can benefit heavy feeders like tomatoes without overwhelming the herbs.

Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (straw, wood chips) around plants. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature. Keep mulch a few inches away from plant stems to prevent rot.

Natural Pest Monitoring

Companion planting reduces pests, but doesn’t eliminate them. Inspect your plants regularly, especially the undersides of leaves.

If you see aphids, a strong blast of water from the hose often knocks them off. Hand-pick larger pests like caterpillars. The beneficial insects attracted by your companion flowers will handle much of the rest.

Common Problems and Simple Solutions

Even with good companions, issues can arise. Here’s how to fix them.

Lemongrass Tips Turning Brown: This is usually a sign of underwatering or, less commonly, overwatering. Check your soil moisture and adjust your schedule. It could also indicate a need for more humidity, which a nearby water source can help with.

Yellowing Leaves: Often a sign of nutrient deficiency, particularly nitrogen. A side-dressing of compost or a light application of fish emulsion can help green things up.

Poor Growth or Sparse Stalks: Lemongrass needs heat and sun. If it’s in a cool or shady spot, it will struggle. It may also be too crowded; ensure clumps have at least 3 feet between them to reach their full size.

Pests Persisting: If a particular pest is bad, add more of its specific repellent. For example, a major aphid problem means planting more nasturtiums (trap crop) or cilantro (beneficial insect attractor) next season.

Harvesting From Your Companion Garden

Harvesting correctly keeps plants productive and healthy.

For Lemongrass: Harvest stalks once they are at least 1/2 inch thick at the base. Cut or twist them off at ground level, or peel away the outer stalk from the clump. Regular harvesting encourages new growth.
For Herbs: Regularly pinch back herbs like basil and mint to encourage bushy growth. Harvest cilantro and dill before they bolt (flower) for the best flavor.
For Vegetables: Harvest tomatoes and peppers when they are fully colored. Pick leafy greens from the outer leaves to allow the center to keep growing.

Always use clean, sharp scissors or pruners to make clean cuts that heal quickly.

FAQ: Lemongrass Companion Planting

What are the best companion plants for lemongrass in pots?

In containers, stick to herbs with similar needs. Basil, thyme, and oregano work very well. Ensure the pot is large enough (at least 15 gallons for a lemongrass clump with companions) and has excellent drainage.

Can I plant lemongrass with other grasses?

It’s generally not recommended. Ornamental grasses often have similar pest and disease profiles, increasing risk. They also compete fiercely for the same resources in the soil.

Does lemongrass repel mosquitoes in the garden?

The plant itself has some repellent properties, but it’s mild. For real mosquito control, you need to crush the leaves to release the citronella oil. Planting it around seating areas can offer a slight benefit, but it’s not a complete solution.

What should I not plant next to lemongrass?

Avoid plants that need shade, constant wet soil, or are very heavy feeders. Specific examples include most ferns, mint (unless potted), and heavy feeders like corn or squash.

How far apart should I space lemongrass from its companions?

Give lemongrass clumps plenty of room—about 3 feet apart from each other. Plant smaller companions like herbs and flowers about 12-18 inches from the base of the lemongrass. This allows for good air circulation and root growth.

Using lemongrass companion plants is a smart, natural way to build a resilient garden. By creating these plant partnerships, you reduce your workload and create a beautiful, buzzing ecosystem right in your backyard. Start with a few combinations from this list, observe what happens, and adjust your plan each season. Your garden will become more lively and productive every year.