Looking for the best companion plants for mint to help keep pests away naturally? You’re in the right place. Mint is a fantastic herb, but it can attract some unwanted insects. The good news is, that by choosing the right neighbors, you can create a healthier, more resilient garden.
Companion planting is a smart way to work with nature. It uses the natural properties of plants to support each other. Some plants repel pests, others attract beneficial insects, and some even improve the soil. For a vigorous grower like mint, picking the right companions is extra important.
Companion Plants For Mint – Naturally Pest-Repellent
This list focuses on plants that mint gets along with and that help with pest control. Remember, mint spreads quickly. It’s often best to plant it in a container, even when you’re planting it in the ground. Just sink the pot to keep the roots contained.
Top Pest-Repelling Companions for Mint
These plants are known to deter common pests, making them perfect partners for your mint.
- Rosemary: The strong scent of rosemary confuses and repels many pests. It’s particularly good against carrot flies and cabbage moths. Both mint and rosemary enjoy similar well-drained soil conditions.
- Garlic and Onions (Alliums): These are powerhouse pest deterrents. Their sulfur compounds repel aphids, spider mites, and even some beetles. Planting them near mint can create a protective barrier.
- Marigolds: A classic choice for pest control. Marigolds release a substance from their roots that repels nematodes. Their smell also deters whiteflies and aphids. They’re a bright, cheerful addition too.
- Nasturtiums: These are a brilliant trap crop. Aphids love nasturtiums more than mint. They’ll swarm the nasturtiums, leaving your mint alone. You can then just remove the affected nasturtium leaves.
- Lavender: Like mint, lavender has a strong fragrance that moths, fleas, and flies dislike. It also attracts pollinators, which is great for the hole garden. Both plants like lots of sun.
- Chrysanthemums: These flowers contain pyrethrin, a natural insecticide. They help repel root-knot nematodes, ants, and leafhoppers. Plant them as a border near your mint patch.
Companions That Attract Beneficial Insects
Bringing in the “good bugs” is just as important as repelling the bad ones. These plants help with that.
- Dill, Fennel, and Parsley (Umbellifers): Their umbrella-shaped flowers are magnets for ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps. These insects feast on aphids and other mint pests.
- Yarrow: This hardy perennial attracts hoverflies and ladybugs. It’s a great plant for boosting the overall health of your garden ecosystem and it can tolerate mint’s aggressive growth.
- Calendula: Also called pot marigold, it attracts syrphid flies whose larvae eat aphids. It’s easy to grow from seed and will bloom for a long time.
What to Avoid Planting Near Mint
Not all plants make good friends. Mint can be a bully because it grows so fast. It’s also allelopathic to some plants, meaning it releases chemicals that can inhibit their growth.
- Parsley: While it attracts good bugs, parsley often struggles to compete with mint’s dense roots. It’s usually best to keep them seperate.
- Chamomile: This delicate herb can be easily overwhelmed by mint. Mint will often out-compete it for water and nutrients.
- Common Sage: These two strong-scented herbs seem to stunt each others growth when planted to closely. Give them their own space.
How to Plant Mint with Companions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to set up your mint companion planting for success.
- Contain Your Mint: This is the most crucial step. Plant your mint in a 12-inch pot or a bottomless container sunk into the soil. This prevents its runners from taking over the entire bed.
- Choose Your Location: Pick a spot with full sun to partial shade. Most of the companion plants listed prefer similar conditions.
- Prepare the Soil: Mint likes moist, rich soil. Work in some compost before planting to give all the plants a good start.
- Plant Your Mint Container: Sink the potted mint into the ground so the rim is just above the soil level. This helps contain it.
- Arrange Companion Plants: Plant your chosen companions around the contained mint. Place taller plants, like rosemary, behind it. Place trap crops like nasturtiums at the edges.
- Water and Mulch: Water everything well after planting. Apply a layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Managing Pests with Your Mint Companion Garden
Even with companions, keep an eye out for problems. The goal is balance, not perfection.
- Check your plants regularly for signs of aphids or spider mites. A strong spray of water from the hose can dislodge many pests.
- If you see a lot of pests on a trap crop like nasturtium, sometimes you just need to remove that plant to break the pest cycle.
- Let some of your companion plants, like dill, go to flower. The blooms are what attract the beneficial insects you want.
Common Mint Pests and How Companions Help
Understanding the pests helps you choose the right companions.
- Aphids: These small green or black bugs suck sap. Nasturtiums lure them away, while dill and yarrow attract ladybugs that eat them.
- Spider Mites: Tiny mites that cause stippling on leaves. Garlic and onions help repel them.
- Cabbage Moths: Their caterpillars can eat leaves. Rosemary and lavender mask the scent of plants they target.
- Flea Beetles: They chew small holes in leaves. Marigolds and catnip (a mint relative) can deter them.
FAQ About Mint and Companion Planting
What grows well next to mint?
Plants that grow well with mint include rosemary, garlic, marigolds, nasturtiums, and lavender. These are generally robust and pest-repellent.
Does mint keep pests away?
Yes, mint’s strong scent can deter some pests like ants and mice. However, mint itself can attract aphids and spider mites, which is why companion planting is so useful.
Should mint be planted alone?
It’s often recommended because it’s invasive. But using a container allows you to safetly plant it with companions without it taking over.
What are the worst companion plants for mint?
Avoid planting parsley, chamomile, and common sage directly next to mint. They can struggle due to mint’s aggressive growth and chemical emissions.
Can I plant mint with tomatoes?
It’s not ideal. Mint can compete to aggressively with tomatoes for resources. Some gardeners find it helps with pests, but the tomato usually suffers.
Using companion plants for mint is a simple, natural strategy for a healthier garden. By pairing your mint with the right pest-repelling partners, you’ll spend less time fighting bugs and more time enjoying your garden’s bounty. Remember, the key is always to contain your mint first. With that done, you can experiment with these plant partnerships to see which ones work best in your own space.