You’ve probably heard about companion planting, the practice of grouping different plant species together for their mutual benefit. One herb that is often recommended as a companion plant is thyme. Not only does thyme have the power to repel pests, but it also offers a range of other benefits in the garden. So, if you’re wondering which plants go well with thyme, keep reading to discover the best companion plants for thyme.
Companion Planting with Thyme
Thyme is not only a great companion plant but also has numerous advantages in the garden. Its tiny flowers attract honey bees, predatory wasps, and other pollinators, making it an excellent addition to any garden. Moreover, thyme is low maintenance and thrives in rocky and arid areas, making it perfect for controlling soil erosion. It’s hardy and can withstand drought and freezing temperatures. As a companion plant, thyme repels pests while attracting beneficial insects. Additionally, it enhances the flavor of shallots and potatoes.
While companion planting has been practiced for centuries, scientific studies have only recently started exploring its benefits. Therefore, as you pair up your thyme, it’s important to remember that some plants will reap more benefits than others.
What to Plant with Thyme
Thyme is known to repel cabbage loopers, maggots, corn earworms, tomato hornworms, and whiteflies. It makes an excellent companion for eggplants as it attracts beneficial insects that help control pests while improving the flavor of the eggplants. Thyme also pairs well with nightshade plants like tomatoes and brassicas such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and kohlrabi. When planted alongside cabbage family plants, thyme acts as an insect repellent and encourages ladybugs, which can devour over 50 aphids per day.
Thyme also proves beneficial when planted between strawberry plants, as it helps smother weeds that would otherwise compete for nutrients and water. Additionally, thyme is a great companion for potatoes, as it repels Colorado potato beetles. Alongside chamomile and basil, thyme supposedly improves the taste of your spuds. While it’s challenging to find suitable companions for blueberries due to their specific soil requirements, thyme, with its tolerance for a wide pH range, attracts honey bees and can serve as a great companion plant. Lastly, roses can benefit from the proximity of thyme, as it repels blackflies and aphids.
What NOT to Plant with Thyme
Although herbs like oregano, lavender, and sage have the same growing requirements as thyme and are excellent companions, it’s important not to pair thyme with plants that have dissimilar growing needs. Avoid planting thyme near species that require lots of water and consistently moist soil. Mint, cilantro, basil, and chives fall into this category as they need more frequent watering. Garden peppers and cucumbers are also not ideal companions for thyme.
For the most part, thyme is a beneficial companion plant, particularly creeping thyme. Its low profile and excellent ground coverage make it suitable to grow alongside almost any plant species in the garden.
Keep in mind that companion planting is not an exact science, but thyme is a fairly benign option. It’s not toxic like black walnut and is unlikely to cause any major issues. Plus, the honeybees love it!
About Thyme
Thyme, a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), is a woody perennial herb. There are approximately 300 varieties of thyme, ranging from lemon-scented to creeping. With its strong pungent aroma, thyme helps boost defenses and promotes growth in certain companion plants.
Interestingly, while thyme pairs well with various garden species, it’s not always compatible with certain other herbs. Thyme thrives in hot temperatures, is drought-tolerant, and requires minimal maintenance. This makes it an unsuitable companion for herbs like basil, cilantro, chives, parsley, or tarragon, which prefer moister soil.
