Top 17 Complementary Herbs to Plant Together in One Container for a Complete Kitchen Garden - Goh Ling Yong
Picture this: you're in the middle of cooking a delicious meal, and the recipe calls for a sprig of fresh thyme. Instead of rummaging through your fridge for a plastic-wrapped bundle that’s seen better days, you step onto your balcony, patio, or even just over to a sunny windowsill. You snip a fragrant cutting from your very own thriving herb container, its vibrant aroma instantly elevating your culinary creation. This isn't a scene from a fancy cooking show; it's a reality you can easily create, even with limited space.
The secret lies in a smart gardening technique called companion planting. By choosing herbs that not only tolerate but actively help each other, you can create a miniature, self-sustaining ecosystem right in a single pot. This isn't just about saving space; it's about creating a harmonious environment where plants share resources, deter pests, and even enhance each other's flavor. Here at the Goh Ling Yong blog, we believe that a lack of a sprawling backyard should never be a barrier to the joy of growing your own food.
Ready to build your complete kitchen garden in one container? We’ve curated a list of 17 fantastic herbs that play well together. We'll explore their individual needs and, most importantly, which friends they love to share their soil with. Let's get our hands dirty and start planting!
1. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
The undisputed king of summer herbs, Basil brings the taste of Italy and Southeast Asia right to your kitchen. Its sweet, slightly peppery leaves are essential for pesto, Caprese salads, and pho. Basil is a sun-worshipper, demanding at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. It also prefers consistently moist, well-draining, and rich soil—it’s a bit of a heavy feeder compared to its woody cousins.
Basil gets along famously with herbs that share its love for moisture and sun. Plant it alongside parsley and chives for a classic culinary trio. It also makes a great companion for cilantro, as long as you provide enough space for both to flourish. Avoid planting it directly next to very dry-loving herbs like rosemary or sage, as their conflicting water needs will make it difficult to keep both happy in the same pot.
Pro-Tip: Pinch off the top sets of leaves regularly, right above a leaf node. This encourages the plant to become bushy and full rather than tall and leggy. It also prevents it from flowering (bolting), which can make the leaves bitter.
2. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
More than just a forgotten garnish, parsley is a nutritional powerhouse packed with flavor. Whether you prefer the robust, flat-leaf Italian variety or the decorative curly kind, this herb is a versatile addition to any kitchen garden. Parsley enjoys full sun but will also tolerate partial shade, especially in scorching hot climates. Like basil, it appreciates rich soil and consistent moisture.
Parsley is a friendly neighbor to most other herbs. It thrives when planted with moisture-loving companions like basil and chives. Its deep taproot helps to loosen the soil, which can benefit shallower-rooted plants nearby. Its presence is also thought to attract beneficial insects like hoverflies, which prey on common garden pests.
Pro-Tip: Parsley can be slow to germinate from seed. For a head start, consider buying a starter plant from a nursery. To harvest, snip the outer stems first, allowing the inner stems to continue growing.
3. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Step into the world of Mediterranean herbs with the wonderfully aromatic Thyme. This hardy, low-growing herb is a culinary workhorse, perfect for seasoning everything from roasted chicken to vegetable stews. Thyme is the quintessential sun-lover and is incredibly drought-tolerant once established. It absolutely requires well-draining, slightly sandy soil and hates having "wet feet."
Thyme is the ultimate team player in a Mediterranean-themed container. It creates a beautiful, sprawling ground cover when planted with rosemary, oregano, sage, and marjoram. These herbs all share the same love for sun and dry conditions, making them a perfect, low-maintenance grouping. The aromatic oils in thyme can also help to deter pests like cabbage worms.
Pro-Tip: There are many varieties! English thyme is a classic all-purpose choice, while lemon thyme adds a fantastic citrusy twist to fish and tea.
4. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
No herb garden is complete without the piney, robust fragrance of rosemary. This woody perennial is perfect for infusing oils, seasoning roasted meats, and even garnishing cocktails. Rosemary is a true child of the Mediterranean sun; it needs at least 6 hours of direct light and thrives in dry, well-draining soil. Overwatering is the number one killer of rosemary plants.
Rosemary is the perfect "thriller" or tall centerpiece in a container filled with its sun-loving friends. Plant it with thyme, oregano, and sage for a classic, drought-tolerant arrangement. The strong scent of rosemary is known to repel many pests, including the carrot rust fly and cabbage moth, offering a protective benefit to its neighbors.
Pro-Tip: Rosemary can be tricky to grow from seed. Propagating from a cutting is a much faster and more reliable method. Simply snip a 4-inch piece from a healthy plant, strip the lower leaves, and place it in water or moist soil until roots form.
5. Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
The soul of Greek and Italian cuisine, Oregano brings a bold, peppery flavor that's essential for pizza, pasta sauces, and marinades. Like its Mediterranean relatives, oregano loves basking in full sun and requires soil that drains exceptionally well. It's a hardy and forgiving plant that actually develops a more intense flavor in less fertile soil.
Oregano is a fantastic companion for rosemary, thyme, and sage. Its trailing habit makes it a great "spiller" in a container arrangement, softening the edges of the pot as it grows. Because it shares the same cultural requirements, you can water and care for this entire group in exactly the same way, making your gardening life much easier.
Pro-Tip: Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare hirtum) is generally considered the most flavorful for cooking. Harvest leaves before the plant flowers for the best taste.
6. Mint (Mentha)
Ah, mint. Wonderfully fragrant, incredibly useful for teas, mojitos, and desserts, but also famously aggressive. Mint is an incredibly vigorous grower that will quickly take over any space it's given. It’s not picky, tolerating a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade, and it prefers moist soil.
Here's the most crucial advice for mint: never plant it directly in a container with other herbs. Its runner roots will strangle everything in their path. Instead, use the "pot-in-pot" method. Plant your mint in its own small plastic pot, and then sink that pot into the larger container with your other herbs. This contains its roots while still allowing it to be part of the arrangement. It can share a large container with other tough, moisture-loving herbs as long as it's contained.
Pro-Tip: With dozens of varieties available, from spearmint and peppermint to chocolate mint and apple mint, you can choose a flavor profile that perfectly suits your tastes.
7. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
The mildest member of the onion family, chives provide a delicate oniony-garlicky flavor that's perfect for eggs, potatoes, and salads. They are incredibly easy to grow, thriving in full sun and rich, moist soil. Their grass-like clumps are beautiful, and their edible purple pom-pom flowers are a lovely bonus.
Chives are a fantastic neighbor. They grow well with parsley and basil, as they share similar water and soil preferences. The strong scent of chives is also a natural deterrent for aphids and other common pests, making them a protective companion for more vulnerable herbs. This makes them a must-have for a complete and healthy kitchen garden.
Pro-Tip: To harvest, use scissors and snip the leaves about an inch from the base. This encourages rapid regrowth. Don't be shy; the more you cut, the more they'll grow.
8. Sage (Salvia officinalis)
With its beautiful, silvery-green, velvety leaves and earthy, slightly peppery flavor, sage is a staple for holiday stuffings, rich pasta sauces, and roasted poultry. A true Mediterranean native, sage demands full sun and excellent drainage. It's highly drought-tolerant and prone to root rot if overwatered.
Sage is a cornerstone of the "drought-tolerant" herb container. Plant it alongside rosemary, thyme, and oregano for a foolproof combination that thrives on a bit of neglect. The strong aroma of sage is said to repel cabbage moths and carrot rust flies, adding another layer of pest protection to your container garden.
Pro-Tip: "Garden Sage" is the most common culinary variety. Avoid pruning it back too hard late in the season, as this can damage the plant before winter.
9. Cilantro/Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
Love it or hate it, cilantro is essential for Mexican, Indian, and Southeast Asian cuisines. The fresh leaves (cilantro) and the dried seeds (coriander) come from the same plant. Cilantro prefers cooler weather and can be quick to "bolt" (go to seed) in intense summer heat. It likes full sun but appreciates some afternoon shade in hot climates, along with moist, well-drained soil.
Cilantro is a good companion for other moisture-loving, fast-growing herbs like dill and parsley. Since it has a relatively short life cycle before bolting, planting it next to longer-lasting herbs like parsley ensures the pot stays full. Its delicate flowers attract beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that prey on pests.
Pro-Tip: To extend your harvest, practice succession planting. Sow a new batch of seeds every 2-3 weeks. This ensures you'll have a continuous supply of fresh leaves throughout the growing season.
10. Dill (Anethum graveolens)
With its feathery fronds and a unique, slightly anise-like flavor, dill is the perfect partner for fish, potatoes, and pickling. Dill can grow quite tall, so it's best placed at the back of a container where it won't shade its shorter neighbors. It loves full sun and well-drained, rich soil.
Dill is a great companion for cilantro and parsley, which have similar needs. However, keep it away from fennel, as they can cross-pollinate and produce oddly-flavored seeds. Dill is also a host plant for the caterpillars of the beautiful Black Swallowtail butterfly, so be prepared to share some of your harvest with nature!
Pro-Tip: Both the leaves (dill weed) and the seeds are edible. Let some of the plants flower and go to seed at the end of the season to collect your own dill seeds for cooking and future planting.
11. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
A member of the mint family, Lemon Balm has a delightful, citrusy scent and flavor, perfect for teas, infused water, and fish dishes. And just like its minty cousin, it is an extremely vigorous and invasive grower. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist soil.
Just like mint, Lemon Balm should be planted using the "pot-in-pot" method to prevent its roots from taking over the entire container. Its cheerful scent is a wonderful addition to any herb garden, and it's known to repel mosquitoes and gnats, making your patio a more pleasant place to be.
Pro-Tip: Crush a fresh leaf between your fingers to release a burst of lemon fragrance. It's a wonderful, calming scent that's a joy to have in the garden.
12. Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)
A sophisticated herb with a subtle, bittersweet flavor reminiscent of anise, Tarragon is a classic in French cuisine, especially in béarnaise sauce and with chicken or fish. French tarragon (the culinary variety) prefers full sun and needs very well-drained, sandy soil. It despises wet conditions, which can easily lead to root rot.
Tarragon can be a bit fussier than other herbs, but it can coexist with Mediterranean plants like thyme and sage as long as the drainage is absolutely perfect. Because of its upright growth habit, it pairs well structurally with lower-growing herbs. It is generally a good neighbor that doesn't compete aggressively.
Pro-Tip: Be sure to buy French Tarragon, as Russian Tarragon is much less flavorful. French Tarragon rarely flowers and doesn't produce viable seed, so it must be purchased as a plant or propagated from cuttings or root division.
13. Marjoram (Origanum majorana)
Often mistaken for oregano, Marjoram is a close relative but with a sweeter, more delicate, and floral flavor profile. It's wonderful in lighter dishes, salads, and with poultry. Marjoram shares the same love for sun and well-draining soil as oregano and the other Mediterranean herbs.
Marjoram is a natural companion for oregano, thyme, rosemary, and sage. It fits seamlessly into a sun-loving, low-water container. In folklore, it's known as a "happy" herb that brings joy, and its presence is said to enhance the growth of the plants surrounding it.
Pro-Tip: Sweet Marjoram is the most common variety. Add it toward the end of cooking to preserve its delicate flavor, which can be lost with prolonged heat.
14. Summer Savory (Satureja hortensis)
An under-appreciated gem, Summer Savory has a peppery flavor that's like a cross between thyme and mint. It's famously known as the "bean herb" because it not only complements the flavor of all types of beans but is also thought to aid in their digestion. It's an annual that loves full sun and well-drained soil.
Plant Summer Savory with other sun-lovers like thyme and marjoram. Its upright, bushy growth habit fills in space nicely in a mixed container. Its aromatic presence can also help to deter bean beetles, making it a functional and flavorful addition.
Pro-Tip: Don't confuse it with Winter Savory, which is a perennial with a more pungent, piney flavor. Summer Savory is more tender and has a more refined taste for cooking.
15. Lavender (Lavandula)
While often grown for its beautiful purple spikes and calming aroma, Lavender is also a fantastic culinary herb. It adds a floral, slightly sweet note to baked goods, lemonades, and even savory dishes. Lavender is a Mediterranean native that demands full sun and gritty, alkaline, extremely well-draining soil.
Lavender is the perfect dramatic centerpiece for a drought-tolerant container. Pair it with rosemary, sage, and thyme for a stunningly beautiful and fragrant combination that requires minimal watering. The scent is also a powerful deterrent for moths, fleas, and mosquitoes.
Pro-Tip: English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) varieties like 'Munstead' and 'Hidcote' are the best choice for culinary use. Prune the plant after it flowers to maintain a compact shape.
16. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Known for its delicate, apple-scented, daisy-like flowers, German Chamomile is the star ingredient in calming herbal teas. It's an easy-going annual that enjoys full sun but can tolerate some light shade. It prefers well-drained soil but isn't overly fussy.
Chamomile is considered a "physician plant" in the gardening world. It's believed to improve the health and vigor of many plants growing near it. It gets along well with most herbs but is a particularly good companion for basil and mint (in its own pot, of course!), as it is thought to improve their flavor and oil production.
Pro-Tip: Harvest the flowers on a sunny morning when they are fully open. Simply pinch them off the stem and let them air dry on a screen or paper towel before storing them in an airtight jar for tea.
17. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum)
While technically a flower, Nasturtium is a true culinary herb. Both its lily-pad-like leaves and its vibrant flowers have a wonderfully peppery taste, similar to watercress. They are incredibly easy to grow, thriving in full sun and surprisingly, in poor soil. Rich soil will give you lots of leaves but very few flowers.
Nasturtiums are fantastic companions in a container garden. They can be used as a "trap crop" for aphids, luring the pests to themselves and away from your other prized herbs. Their trailing habit makes them a beautiful "spiller" that can cascade over the edge of the pot. They share space well with taller, upright herbs like rosemary or chives.
Pro-Tip: The entire plant is edible! Toss the leaves and flowers into salads for a pop of color and a zesty bite. The young seed pods can also be pickled and used as a substitute for capers.
Your Thriving Container Garden Awaits
Creating a complete, one-container kitchen garden is a deeply rewarding project that brings fresh flavors right to your fingertips. The key to success is simple: group your herbs by their needs. Create a sun-drenched, low-water Mediterranean pot with rosemary, thyme, sage, and lavender. Plant a moisture-loving container with basil, parsley, and chives. And always, always give mint and its relatives their own confined space.
By understanding how these 17 amazing herbs can complement each other, you're not just planting—you're curating a miniature, living pantry. As Goh Ling Yong always reminds us, the best garden is the one you start today, no matter how small. So grab a pot, some soil, a few of your favorite herbs, and start growing.
What are your favorite herb combinations for containers? Do you have any companion planting success stories or questions? Share them in the comments below – we'd love to learn from your experience
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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