Many gardeners choose to cultivate culinary sage primarily for its fragrant leaves, perfect for enhancing the flavors of various dishes. However, sage is a versatile herb with multiple uses, whether as an ornamental plant, interplanted in containers, or as a natural pest deterrent in vegetable gardens. To ward off pests like cabbage loopers and flea beetles, consider growing these 10 companion plants alongside sage.Related: Boost Your Harvests with These 9 Vegetable Companion Planting TipsBrassicas, including cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, and kale, are often targeted by pests such as cabbage moths and loopers. Planting sage near these crops can naturally repel these insects and protect your brassicas from damage.
Sage and lavender thrive in similar conditions of full sun and well-draining soil, making them excellent companions in the garden. Whether in pots, interplanted with flowers, or in a dedicated herb bed, these two herbs complement each other well.
To deter pests and mask the scent of sweet strawberries, consider companion planting sage with your strawberry plants. Growing them together in containers or with strawberries as a groundcover can help protect your crop.
Oregano, another Mediterranean herb, pairs well with sage due to their similar care needs. Planting them together can simplify maintenance, though oregano’s smaller size may require strategic positioning in the garden.
When flea beetles are a concern for your tomatoes, try planting them alongside sage instead of traditional companions like borage or cilantro. The aromatic sage leaves not only repel flea beetles but can also be used to flavor dishes with fresh herbs.
Beans, known for their nitrogen-fixing roots, make excellent companions for sage and can help enhance the growth of both plants. Leaving the bean roots in the soil at the end of the season adds even more nitrogen to benefit your herbs.
Sage is not only effective at repelling pests like flea beetles and cabbage loopers but can also deter carrot flies when planted near carrots. Additionally, the long roots of carrots help aerate the soil, benefiting sage growth in return.
Rosemary, cared for by Edward Gohlich, is a Mediterranean herb that requires similar attention to sage. However, this delicate plant is not as tolerant to cold temperatures as sage, so gardeners in cooler regions may need to bring rosemary indoors during the winter months or replace their rosemary plants each spring. Combining these two herb varieties, known for their pest-repelling properties, can enhance your garden’s natural resistance to pests. Additionally, rosemary plants attract pollinators and beneficial insects when allowed to bloom.
Parsley, tended to by Dean Schoeppner, is a low-maintenance plant that pairs well with most vegetables, herbs, and flowers, particularly sage. These herbs are compact in size, making them suitable for container gardening or larger beds, depending on your available space. Keep in mind that parsley is a biennial plant, meaning it completes its life cycle in two years, requiring you to replant parsley seeds periodically to ensure a continuous harvest.
Roses, cultivated by Matthew Benson, are often targeted by pests like flea beetles that create unsightly holes in rose leaves. By incorporating sage plants into your flower garden, you can naturally safeguard your rose bushes from damage while enjoying the delightful aroma of sage during your rose harvests. Tricolor and purple sage varieties complement roses beautifully, especially when the sage plants are allowed to bloom.
For more information on pest-repelling companion plants for roses, refer to the original article on Better Homes & Gardens.
