Companion Planting: The Good and Bad for Chamomile

Bad Companion Plants for Chamomile

Growing chamomile in your garden can be a great way to add beauty and fragrance, as well as a natural remedy for various ailments. However, planting chamomile alongside certain other plants can actually take away its benefits or even harm it. Here we will discuss some of the bad companion plants for chamomile.

Mint

Mint is generally considered a bad companion plant for chamomile. This is because mint is known to spread quickly and can easily overtake chamomile. Additionally, mint has a strong scent that can mask chamomile's aroma, which is an essential component of its therapeutic properties.

If you must plant mint near chamomile, make sure to keep it contained in a pot or container to prevent it from spreading too far. Alternatively, consider planting chamomile in a separate area of your garden to avoid any issues.

Sage

Another herb that can negatively impact chamomile growth is sage. Sage contains oils that can inhibit the growth of chamomile and can also interfere with its beneficial properties. For this reason, it's best to keep these two herbs separated in your garden.

Dill

Dill might be a popular herb used in many dishes, but it's not the best companion plant for chamomile. Like mint, dill can grow quickly and compete with chamomile for resources such as water, light, and nutrients. It's best to keep dill and chamomile apart to ensure optimal growth for both plants.

Fennel

Fennel is another plant that can impact the growth and yield of chamomile. This herb produces an oil that can harm other plants, including chamomile. It's best to avoid planting fennel near chamomile or any other sensitive plants.

Tomatoes

While tomatoes are not necessarily harmful to chamomile, they can attract pests and insects that may cause damage to your chamomile plants. If you must plant tomatoes near chamomile, consider using natural pest control methods such as companion planting with beneficial flowers or using organic pesticides.

Good Companion Plants for Chamomile

Now that we've discussed some of the bad companion plants for chamomile let's talk about some plants that work well with it.

Yarrow

Yarrow is a great companion plant for chamomile as it helps repel pests and attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs, hoverflies, and lacewings. Additionally, yarrow has similar soil and water requirements as chamomile, making it easy to grow alongside each other.

Calendula

Calendula is another wonderful companion plant for chamomile. Not only do they look beautiful together, but calendula also helps protect chamomile from pests and diseases while attracting beneficial insects.

Lavender

Lavender is not only a fragrant and attractive plant, but it also has many beneficial properties that can help improve the growth of chamomile. Lavender's strong scent can mask the scent of chamomile, thus preventing pests from being attracted to it. Additionally, lavender attracts pollinators, which can help increase chamomile yields.

Daisies

Daisies are not only a beautiful addition to any garden, but they also work well as a companion plant for chamomile. Daisies attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate your chamomile plants.

Chamomile is a wonderful herb with numerous therapeutic benefits, and it's important to choose the right companion plants to ensure optimal growth and yield. By avoiding bad companion plants such as mint, sage, dill, fennel, and tomatoes, and choosing good ones like yarrow, calendula, lavender, and daisies, you can create a healthy and thriving garden.

FAQs

Q1. Can I plant chamomile near my vegetable garden?

A: Yes, you can plant chamomile near your vegetable garden as long as you avoid planting it near certain vegetables such as onions and garlic.

Q2. Can I grow chamomile indoors?

A: Yes, chamomile can be grown indoors in containers as long as it receives adequate sunlight and proper care.

Q3. Can chamomile be grown alongside other herbs?

A: Yes, chamomile can be grown alongside many other herbs such as thyme, oregano, and rosemary.

Q4. How often should I water my chamomile plants?

A: Chamomile plants prefer moist soil, so it's best to water them regularly, especially during dry periods. However, make sure not to overwater as this can cause root rot.

Q5. What are some common pests that can damage chamomile plants?

A: Some common pests that can damage chamomile plants include aphids, spider mites, and thrips. Using natural pest control methods such as companion planting and organic pesticides can help prevent damage.