Companion Plants for Lemon Balm: The Ultimate Guide

Table of Contents

Lemon Balm: A Brief

Lemon balm, also known as Melissa officinalis, is a fragrant herb that belongs to the mint family. It is native to Europe, but now grows all over the world. Lemon balm has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, and it is also a popular culinary herb.

One of the great things about lemon balm is that it attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden. However, like many plants, it can also attract pests. That's where companion planting comes in. By planting certain plants alongside lemon balm, you can help deter pests and promote healthy growth.

In this guide, we'll take a look at some of the best companion plants for lemon balm, so you can get the most out of your garden.

1. Basil

Basil is a great companion plant for lemon balm because it helps repel pests like flies and mosquitoes. Plus, the two herbs complement each other well in recipes. Basil prefers well-draining soil, so make sure to plant it in a location that drains well.

How to Grow Basil

Basil is an easy herb to grow, and it can be grown from seeds or transplants. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Make sure to water it regularly, but don't overwater it, as basil doesn't like to sit in water.

Tip:

Try planting basil in a container alongside your lemon balm. This will make it easier to move the plants around if necessary, and it will also help keep the basil contained.

2. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a beautiful and edible flower that make a great companion plant for lemon balm. They attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which can help keep pests at bay.

How to Grow Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are easy to grow from seeds or transplants. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Make sure to water them regularly, but don't overwater them.

Tip:

Try planting nasturtiums in a container alongside your lemon balm. This will make it easier to move the plants around if necessary, and it will also help keep the nasturtiums contained.

3. Chives

Chives are a great companion plant for lemon balm because they repel pests like aphids and spider mites. Plus, they add a nice oniony flavor to dishes when paired with lemon balm.

How to Grow Chives

Chives are easy to grow from seeds or transplants. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Make sure to water them regularly, but don't overwater them.

Tip:

Try planting chives in a container alongside your lemon balm. This will make it easier to move the plants around if necessary, and it will also help keep the chives contained.

4. Marigolds

Marigolds are a great companion plant for lemon balm because they repel pests like aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes. Plus, they add a pop of color to your garden.

How to Grow Marigolds

Marigolds are easy to grow from seeds or transplants. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil. Make sure to water them regularly, but don't overwater them.

Tip:

Try planting marigolds in a container alongside your lemon balm. This will make it easier to move the plants around if necessary, and it will also help keep the marigolds contained.

5. Rosemary

Rosemary is a great companion plant for lemon balm because it repels pests like mosquitoes and flies. Plus, it complements lemon balm nicely in recipes.

How to Grow Rosemary

Rosemary is an easy herb to grow, and it can be grown from seeds or transplants. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Make sure to water it regularly, but don't overwater it.

Tip:

Try planting rosemary in a container alongside your lemon balm. This will make it easier to move the plants around if necessary, and it will also help keep the rosemary contained.

6. Thyme

Thyme is a great companion plant for lemon balm because it repels pests like cabbage worms and corn earworms. Plus, it adds a nice herby flavor to dishes when paired with lemon balm.

How to Grow Thyme

Thyme is an easy herb to grow, and it can be grown from seeds or transplants. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Make sure to water it regularly, but don't overwater it.

Tip:

Try planting thyme in a container alongside your lemon balm. This will make it easier to move the plants around if necessary, and it will also help keep the thyme contained.

7. Sage

Sage is a great companion plant for lemon balm because it repels pests like cabbage moths and carrot flies. Plus, it complements lemon balm nicely in recipes.

How to Grow Sage

Sage is an easy herb to grow, and it can be grown from seeds or transplants. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Make sure to water it regularly, but don't overwater it.

Tip:

Try planting sage in a container alongside your lemon balm. This will make it easier to move the plants around if necessary, and it will also help keep the sage contained.

8. Garlic

Garlic is a great companion plant for lemon balm because it repels pests like aphids and spider mites. Plus, it adds a nice garlicky flavor to dishes when paired with lemon balm.

How to Grow Garlic

Garlic is easy to grow from bulbs. Plant the cloves in well-draining soil, and make sure they are spaced about 6 inches apart. Garlic prefers full sun to partial shade.

Tip:

Try planting garlic in a container alongside your lemon balm. This will make it easier to move the plants around if necessary, and it will also help keep the garlic contained.

9. Oregano

Oregano is a great companion plant for lemon balm because it repels pests like cabbage moths and carrot flies. Plus, it adds a nice herby flavor to dishes when paired with lemon balm.

How to Grow Oregano

Oregano is an easy herb to grow, and it can be grown from seeds or transplants. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Make sure to water it regularly, but don't overwater it.

Tip:

Try planting oregano in a container alongside your lemon balm. This will make it easier to move the plants around if necessary, and it will also help keep the oregano contained.

10. Chamomile

Chamomile is a great companion plant for lemon balm because it attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. Plus, it has a calming effect and can be used to make tea.

How to Grow Chamomile

Chamomile is easy to grow from seeds or transplants. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Make sure to water it regularly, but don't overwater it.

Tip:

Try planting chamomile in a container alongside your lemon balm. This will make it easier to move the plants around if necessary, and it will also help keep the chamomile contained.

11. Dill

Dill is a great companion plant for lemon balm because it repels pests like aphids and spider mites. Plus, it adds a nice herby flavor to dishes when paired with lemon balm.

How to Grow Dill

Dill is an easy herb to grow, and it can be grown from seeds or transplants. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Make sure to water it regularly, but don't overwater it.

Tip:

Try planting dill in a container alongside your lemon balm. This will make it easier to move the plants around if necessary, and it will also help keep the dill contained.

12. Catnip

Catnip is a great companion plant for lemon balm because it attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. Plus, it can be used to make tea or as a natural insect repellent.

How to Grow Catnip

Catnip is easy to grow from seeds or transplants. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Make sure to water it regularly, but don't overwater it.

Tip:

Try planting catnip in a container alongside your lemon balm. This will make it easier to move the plants around if necessary, and it will also help keep the catnip contained.

13. Lavender

Lavender is a great companion plant for lemon balm because it repels pests like moths and mosquitoes. Plus, it adds a nice floral flavor to dishes when paired with lemon balm.

How to Grow Lavender

Lavender is easy to grow from seeds or transplants. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Make sure to water it regularly, but don't overwater it.

Tip:

Try planting lavender in a container alongside your lemon balm. This will make it easier to move the plants around if necessary, and it will also help keep the lavender contained.

14. Fennel

Fennel is a great companion plant for lemon balm because it attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings. Plus, it adds a nice anise flavor to dishes when paired with lemon balm.

How to Grow Fennel

Fennel is easy to grow from seeds or transplants. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Make sure to water it regularly, but don't overwater it.

Tip:

Try planting fennel in a container alongside your lemon balm. This will make it easier to move the plants around if necessary, and it will also help keep the fennel contained.

15. Mint

Mint is a great companion plant for lemon balm because it repels pests like ants and aphids. Plus, it complements lemon balm nicely in recipes.

How to Grow Mint

Mint is an easy herb to grow, and it can be grown from seeds or transplants. It prefers partial shade and moist soil. Make sure to water it regularly, but don't overwater it.

Tip:

Try planting mint in a container alongside your lemon balm. This will make it easier to move the plants around if necessary, and it will also help keep the mint contained.

Companion planting is a great way to promote healthy growth in your garden and deter pests. By planting certain plants alongside your lemon balm, you can create a thriving ecosystem that benefits all of your plants.

FAQs

1. Can I plant lemon balm with other herbs?

Absolutely! Lemon balm pairs well with many other herbs, including basil, chives, rosemary, thyme, and oregano.

2. How often should I water my lemon balm?

Lemon balm prefers moist soil, so make sure to water it regularly. However, be careful not to overwater it, as this can lead to root rot.

3. What are some common pests that affect lemon balm?

Common pests that affect lemon balm include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.

4. Can I grow lemon balm indoors?

Yes! Lemon balm can be grown indoors in a sunny window or under grow lights.

5. What are some culinary uses for lemon balm?

Lemon balm can be used to flavor teas, desserts, and savory dishes. It pairs well with fish, chicken, and vegetables.

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