Herb Garden Design Mistakes

There is a little more to planning an herb garden design that just picking what you love and placing them all in one space. 

Many herbs are known for their companion plant qualities.They help improve the soil, the environment and of course, the beauty of their neighboring plants.

This is not a given for all herbs, however. Some herbs actually harm the growth and vigor of certain neighbors. Take a look at 10 herbs that need special care when planted in the garden.

1.  Anise

Anise, although wonderful for many things, does not make a good companion for carrots. Do not plant this naturally sweet herb anywhere near your carrot patch, and you will be safe.

If you want to believe this or not is up to you, but it may be the piece of the puzzle if your carrots are not growing.

Wondering what to do with your anise? Check out these ideas:

• Anise Tea
• Anise Wheat Rolls
• Anise Champagne Cocktail

2.  Chives

You may not think that chives do much of anything, other than provide plenty of light onion flavor to dishes, and bloom with their fluffy, purple tops. The truth is, chives grows well with just about anything. Anything but beans and peas, that is. Avoid planting chives near either of these crops.

If you are wondering just what to use your chives for, check out some of these ideas!

• Chive Deviled Eggs
• Garlic Chive Butter
• Cheese and Chives Potato Casserole

3.  Coriander

Coriander grows so well, if you blink, it might go to seed and start taking over the garden. Try to keep it contained, and not grow it near fennel, however.

• Mint Coriander Chutney
• Carrot, Ginger, Coriander Soup
• Chai Whole Fish With Coriander-Chili Sauce

4.  Dill

Dill is another herb that is easy to grow and certainly is showy. If you grow dill for any reason, try to keep from planting it next to carrots and tomatoes. Dill is said to affect both of these crops.

If you need some ideas for using your dill, here are some recipes to get you started.

• Roasted Salmon With Lemon Dill Sauce
• Sweet Dill Mustard Sauce

5.  Fennel

Fennel is a must have for any culinary and butterfly garden. The huge, feathery fronds, make a lovely backdrop or even a focal point in the garden landscape. When growing fennel, avoid planting next to beans and peppers.

• Roasted Fennel
• Moroccan Tagine of Chicken With Fennel
• Fennel Salad With Meyer Lemon

6.  Rue

In the modern herb garden, rue is used as an herb for the ornamental garden. It makes a lovely accent planting, and it does have a rich history in folk medicine. Do not plant rue near basil or sage, to avoid inhibiting growth of both. Otherwise, plant away!

7.  Sage

Sage is so worthy of your space in the herb garden. It is delicious and easy to grow. Sage works well with many herbs, but avoid planting next to onions.

Here are some ideas for using all the sage you can grow.

• Pork Roast With Apples and Sage
• Hand Rubbed Sage
• Lemon Sage Chicken

8.  Tansy

Tansy is a must have for the ornamental herb garden. The bright, button flowers, are an eye-catching addition to your landscape. Just do not plant Tansy next to your delicious collard greens, or you will be disappointed. More »

9.  Wormwood

Wormwood may no longer be used as a natural wormer, but it still holds a place in my heart as an ornamental bedding plant. Because it contains a large amount of absinthin, it is toxic to other plants. When it rains, the water will wash this substance into the soil and inhibit the growth of anything growing nearby.

Enjoy wormwood in a location that will otherwise not be planted. More »

10.  Garlic

So much good comes from a delicious garlic plant, that we may overlook that it doesn't grow well next to everything.

When planting your garlic, avoid planting next to beans or peas. Garlic will inhibit the growth of both of these crops.

In my opinion, one can never have too many recipes for garlic. Check out some of these delicious ideas.

• Gilroy Garlic Ice Cream
• Garlic Salt
• Chinese Garlic Chicken