Mint Companion Plants – Evil Mint Has Some Redeeming Qualities

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Mint sometimes gets a bad rap in the garden. Finding mint companion plants can be a good way to make the most of this versatile herb. (A much better way than growing mint willy-nilly in the yard like I did. *facepalm*)

I’ll never make THAT mistake again.

When we first moved to our home, I planted a few sprigs of peppermint from my mom’s garden. Not knowing how invasive mint can be, I thought nothing of it. But the mint literally took over the whole flowerbed. I am STILL dealing with it to this day.  

Effing mint. (:

Anyway, instead of being mad at a plant that just wants to win all the time, I’ll play along. (I mean, how can you be mad at a plant with #goals right?!)

I’ve fallen in love with the smell of spearmint and the idea of chocolate mint, pineapple mint, and others.

So, I’ve discovered some benefits of companion planting with mint and look forward to sharing them with you below!

(Of course, keep in mind your mileage may vary. Some companion planting claims may be purely anecdotal from one gardener to the next – feel free to share your own experiences in our comments below!)

Why is mint a bad companion plant?

If not contained, mint becomes invasive. Left to its own devices, mint grows quickly and can swiftly take over an entire garden bed. Mint’s root systems can grow densely, choking out other plants in the process.

Some gardeners say mint actually attracts the very pest insects you want it to deter. Mint pests often include aphids, cutworms, flea beetles, and spider mites. (Source)

(Take note that some mint companion planting guides out there advise otherwise. It is tough to dig up exact and proven advice. Numerous sources I dug up in my research actually tout mint as a repellent for these very pests!)

Mint doesn’t have to be a poor companion plant, though. Simply grow mint in containers and look for plant companions for mint where you can set the pots nearby.

Why is mint a good companion plant?

Mint has a fresh and minty aroma that some garden pests can’t stand. This includes both wildlife and insect pests. Mint can deter carrot root fly and onion flies, among others. When blooming, mint’s flowers can help to attract pollinators.

What are some good mint companion plants?

Despite mint’s inclination to take over, you can interplant other vegetables, flowers, and herbs with mint. Some good companion plants for mint include: brassicas, carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, squash, oregano, and marigolds, to name a few.

You can find numerous other options for mint plant companions in the garden.

What can you not plant with mint?

Avoid planting lavender, rosemary, sage, oregano, and thyme near mint. Some other bad mint companions include basil, chamomile, and parsley, along with most common herbs. Also, because mint can be invasive, you should not plant mint directly in the ground unless it’s free to roam.

The Best Companion Plants for Mint

Choose the best planting companions for mint to make the best use of your gardening space.

Here are some good companions for your favorite varieties of mint:

Brassicas

Grow brassicas with mint for more of a fighting chance. Allegedly, mint can help to repel the cabbage white moth – a common pest for brassicas. (Source)

Our brassicas always get decimated by the cabbage white butterfly (moth) so I’d love to try companion planting with mint to help defeat this awful pest. (Although, I’m pretty sure we’ll still need insect netting barriers.)

Consider planting mint with:

• Broccoli

• Brussels Sprouts

• Cabbage

• Cauliflower

• Kale

• Kohlrabi

Legumes

Protect your legumes (beans and peas especially) from rodents in the garden. The minty aroma may deter field mice, moles, and voles from stealing your harvest.

• Beans (bush beans and pole beans)

• Peas / Snow Peas

Nightshades

Mint grows well with nightshades, including eggplant, peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes.

Anecdotal evidence suggests mint helps to repel aphids, flea beetles, and spider mites, but information from various cooperative extensions say otherwise. ymmv

• Eggplant – Anecdotal evidence

• Peppers – Anecdotal evidence

• Potatoes – The presence of mint can help to fend off ants, mice, and other rodents near your potato patch. (Source)

• Tomatoes –Companion planting with mint and tomatoes may enhance flavor and improve the health of your plants.

Root Vegetables

Try growing root veggies as a companion plant nearby a container of mint.

• Beets – The rich aroma of mint boldly deters quite a few garden pests that may otherwise feast on your beets.

• Carrots – Mint repels the carrot root fly, giving your carrot crops a better chance.

• Onions – Planted nearby onions, mint can help deter onion fly.

• Radishes – Some believe mint improves the flavor of radishes grown nearby. Pests also tend not to like mint.

Other Plant Companions for Mint

Despite its ability to swiftly take over a garden, mint continues to offer benefits in the garden.

Consider companion planting mint with flowers, vegetables, and herbs. You can plant mint in containers and relocate them as needed to derive the best benefits in the garden.

More Vegetable & Mint Companion Plants

Most common herbs don’t do well planted together with mint. Mint often prefers a moist soil where many herbs like soil on the dry side.

Consider these veggies and herbs when companion planting with mint:

• Lettuce – Since lettuce appreciates the shade, you may find taller mint to be a suitable companion.

• Squash – Anecdotal evidence suggests the scent of mint helps to deter some bad squash pests in the garden.

Companion Flowers for Mint

Growing flowers with mint nearby can be another creative gardening combination!

• Marigolds – Also known for their own benefits in the garden, marigolds can grow in the same environment as mint. (Still, keep in mind mint’s diehard mission to spread, spread, spread!)

• Roses – Anecdotal evidence only

Other flowers that grow well with mint likely also prefer a moist growing environment. Still, some very forgiving flowers may also be a great flower companion for mint. I’ve grown sunflowers and zinnias in the same garden bed as mint.

Also, my peonies are so established in that flower bed that they’ve seen no competition for space despite mint’s spreading all around them.

Companion Planting with Mint – Most Important Tip

When choosing planting companions for mint, the most important thing to remember is that mint can be invasive.

You should really keep mint contained in its own space. Whether that is a specific garden bed or a container is up to you. Even in a container, be extra vigilant. Mint’s roots are vigorous!

As a bonus tip, consider using some of your homegrown mint in fresh cocktails, as garnishes, or even in your fresh-cut flower arrangements!

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Are you growing mint in your backyard garden? Feel free to share any tips or questions about plant companions for mint in our comments below. We love hearing from you!

Happy Gardening!

10.03.22 – Updated to add a new photo and plant selections.