Chamomile, known for its calming properties and use in herbal tea, also plays a beneficial role in the garden through companion planting. This technique involves strategically placing different plant species near each other to foster mutual growth and enhance garden health.
Why Chamomile Makes an Excellent Companion
Chamomile offers several advantages when integrated into a garden. Its fragrant blooms attract beneficial insects, including pollinators like bees and predatory insects such as hoverflies, ladybugs, and parasitic wasps. These insects aid in pollination and naturally control pest populations, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
The plant also possesses natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, which protect nearby plants from common ailments like powdery mildew and other fungal infections. Some gardeners consider chamomile a “tonic” or “nurse” plant, believing it releases compounds that stimulate growth and improve the flavor of neighboring vegetation. Chamomile also contributes to soil health by accumulating minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are released back into the soil as plant material decomposes.
Chamomile’s Best Companion Plants
Chamomile is a versatile companion, benefiting a wide array of plants. Members of the Brassica family, including cabbage, broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts, thrive near chamomile. Its strong scent helps deter pests like cabbage worms and moths, and its beneficial insects prey on them.
Tomatoes and squash plants also benefit from chamomile’s presence. It attracts predatory insects that feed on pests like aphids and squash beetles, and may improve the flavor and health of tomato fruits. For fruit trees like apples, chamomile helps prevent fungal infections due to its antibacterial and antifungal qualities, and its flowers attract crucial pollinators for fruit set.
In the herb garden, chamomile pairs well with basil and mint, believed to enhance their essential oil production for more aromatic and flavorful yields. Onions and garlic also make good companions; chamomile’s pest-repelling properties offer additional protection against common allium pests, and some suggest it boosts their flavor.
Chamomile can also be planted alongside strawberries to improve fruit quality and yield by attracting beneficial insects that manage pests. Peas experience more vigorous growth and bloom production when planted near chamomile. Ornamental flowering plants like zinnias, petunias, snapdragons, delphiniums, phlox, and roses also benefit from chamomile’s pest-deterring and beneficial insect-attracting qualities.
Plants to Avoid Near Chamomile
While chamomile is largely a friendly garden resident, certain plants may not thrive in its immediate vicinity. Fennel is generally not a good companion for most plants, including chamomile. It releases allelopathic compounds that can inhibit the growth of nearby vegetation, stunting chamomile due to chemical interference and competition for resources.
Mint, while sometimes listed as a good companion for flavor enhancement, can be highly invasive and may outcompete chamomile for space and nutrients if not managed properly. Potatoes can also be problematic companions because they compete for similar root space and can attract pests and diseases that might spread to chamomile. Dill, despite its own benefits, might compete with chamomile for nutrients and cast too much shade due to its taller growth habit.
Tips for Effective Chamomile Companion Planting
Successful chamomile companion planting involves considering the environmental needs of all plants. Chamomile generally prefers full sun, though it can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates, to prevent legginess and bolting. Ensuring proper sunlight for both chamomile and its companions is important for their health.
Chamomile thrives in well-drained soil and does not require heavy fertilization; too much nitrogen can lead to more foliage and fewer flowers. Maintaining consistent, but not excessive, soil moisture around chamomile and its neighbors is also beneficial. Proper spacing between plants allows for adequate air circulation and root development, preventing overcrowding and competition for resources. If chamomile becomes leggy, pruning it back can encourage bushier growth and more blooms, maximizing its companion planting benefits.