As summer heat intensifies and gardens burst into bloom, so do the bugs—some helpful, many harmful. If your vegetables are suddenly looking ragged or your tomatoes are under siege by aphids, it might be time to turn to a time-tested, natural solution: companion planting with herbs. This approach doesn’t just boost garden health—it can help you reduce or even eliminate the need for sprays or powders. And the best part? Many of the most beneficial summer sown herbs can still be started from seed in midsummer and offer long-lasting benefits through the season.
Whether you’re planting basil, dill, or cilantro, choosing the right summer sown herbs can tip the balance in your garden’s favor. Here’s how sowing dill, basil, cilantro, nasturtiums, and other summer-friendly herbs now can help protect your garden, encourage pollinators, and even improve the flavor of your crops.
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What Is Companion Planting?
Companion planting involves pairing crops together in ways that benefit one or both plants. These benefits can include pest control, improved pollination, enhanced flavor, or better overall growth. Herbs, in particular, are powerful allies in this strategy thanks to their strong scents, nectar-rich flowers, and natural pest-repelling properties. Many of these helpful herbs can be added midseason—summer sown herbs like basil, dill, and cilantro not only thrive in the heat but also continue working through late summer to deter pests and attract beneficial insects. Incorporating summer sown herbs into your garden plan can make companion planting even more effective, especially during peak pest pressure.
Why Sow Herbs in Summer?
Many herbs are fast-growing and can be direct-sown well into summer, making them a practical choice for busy gardeners or those planting a little late. Even if your early planting window has passed, there’s still plenty of time to get a crop of aromatic defenders in the ground. Summer sown herbs can grow rapidly, flower before fall, and provide lasting protection to vulnerable vegetables by repelling pests and attracting helpful pollinators. Whether you’re tucking them between tomato plants or lining your squash beds, summer sown herbs bring beauty, fragrance, and functional support to your garden just when it’s needed most.
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Top Summer Sown Herbs for Pest Control & Pollination
Dill
Repels: Aphids, cabbage loopers, squash bugs
Attracts: Lacewings, parasitic wasps, hoverflies
Dill is a magnet for beneficial predatory insects that prey on common garden pests. Its feathery foliage and umbels of yellow flowers draw lacewings and ladybugs like a beacon. As one of the most effective summer sown herbs, dill fits beautifully into your companion planting strategy. Plant it near cabbages, broccoli, squash, and tomatoes to help manage aphids and worms. Bonus: It’s also delicious in pickles and fish dishes!
Tip: Direct sow every 2–3 weeks through mid-summer to enjoy a steady harvest of fresh herbs while keeping pest pressure in check. This simple practice ensures you’ll always have young, vigorous plants ready to step in as older ones fade, maintaining both flavor and garden defense all season long.
Basil
Repels: Thrips, mosquitoes, tomato hornworms, whiteflies
Improves: Tomato growth and flavor
Planting basil alongside tomatoes is one of the oldest companion planting pairings for good reason. As one of the most useful summer sown herbs, basil not only repels damaging insects but may also help tomatoes grow better and taste sweeter. Try interplanting Genovese basil in rows of tomatoes or around the base of pepper plants for a flavorful and functional garden boost.
Tip: Basil thrives in the heat of summer—direct sow it in well-drained soil and water consistently to keep it growing strong. Pinch back the tips regularly to encourage bushy, compact plants that produce plenty of leaves for harvest throughout the season.
Cilantro (Coriander)
Repels: Aphids, spider mites, potato beetles
Attracts: Parasitic wasps, hoverflies
Often overlooked once temperatures rise, cilantro can still be direct sown in summer—especially in partial shade or with frequent watering. As one of the more resilient summer sown herbs, it earns a valuable spot in your companion planting plan. Let it bolt and flower! The umbrella-shaped blooms attract a host of beneficial insects that feast on pests, while the roots help break up compacted soil.
Tip: For continuous pest control and fresh leaves, sow cilantro every 2–3 weeks throughout the season. In hotter climates, give it a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade to help prevent early bolting and keep the plants productive longer.
Nasturtiums
Repels: Whiteflies, cucumber beetles, squash bugs
Traps: Aphids (sacrificial plant)
Attracts: Pollinators
A dual-purpose workhorse, nasturtiums not only brighten the garden with vivid blooms but also serve as decoys for aphids and other pests. As one of the most eye-catching summer sown herbs, they’re a valuable tool in companion planting. Use them as “trap crops” near squash, cucumbers, or beans to lure pests away. They’re also edible—peppery leaves and flowers add spice to summer salads.
Tip: Direct sow nasturtiums now for bright, cheerful blooms in about 6–8 weeks. These fast-growing plants are easy to establish and thrive in warm weather with minimal care. Sprawling or trailing varieties make excellent ground covers beneath taller crops like tomatoes, corn, or trellised beans, helping to shade the soil, suppress weeds, and deter pests. For a neater look, bush-type varieties work well along garden borders or in containers.
Borage
Repels: Tomato hornworms, cabbage worms
Attracts: Bees, parasitic wasps
This fast-growing herb thrives in the heat and bursts with star-shaped blue flowers that bees absolutely love. As one of the most beneficial summer sown herbs, borage deters tomato hornworms and cabbage worms while improving the growth of strawberries, tomatoes, and squash. It plays a valuable role in companion planting by attracting pollinators and repelling pests. Its edible flowers are a bonus in drinks and salads.
Tip: Direct sow borage now—it establishes quickly and handles heat and dry conditions well once mature. The sturdy plants produce clusters of blue flowers that attract pollinators and pair well with tomatoes, squash, and strawberries.
Chamomile (German)
Repels: Aphids, thrips, and whiteflies
Attracts: Hoverflies, parasitic wasps
Chamomile’s sweet-scented flowers aren’t just for tea—they serve a vital role in attracting beneficial insects like hoverflies, ladybugs, and parasitic wasps that help keep pest populations in check. As one of the more delicate yet quietly powerful summer sown herbs, chamomile fits beautifully into any companion planting layout. It’s often planted near brassicas and onions, where it’s believed to enhance growth and resilience through natural plant interactions. Its gentle presence adds both charm and function to the garden, while the daisy-like blooms can be harvested for calming teas or dried for long-term use.
Tip: German chamomile grows well from a summer sowing if the soil is kept consistently moist during germination. It prefers cooler evening temperatures to sprout successfully, so planting during a stretch of mild nights can improve results. Once established, it grows quickly and produces dainty, daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators and can be harvested for tea or dried for later use.
Summer Savory
Repels: Bean beetles
Improves: Growth and flavor of beans and onions
A lesser-known hero in companion planting, summer savory is a quick-growing herb that protects beans from beetles while enhancing their growth and overall vigor. As one of the more underrated yet highly effective summer sown herbs, it also complements onions and garlic by helping to deter pests and improve garden diversity. Its slender, aromatic leaves carry a flavor similar to thyme but with a distinctive peppery bite, making it a favorite for seasoning beans, meats, and vegetables. Easy to grow and low-maintenance, summer savory is a valuable addition to both the kitchen and the garden.
Tip: Direct sow now or transplant starts for a quick-growing, low-maintenance herb that thrives in warm weather. Summer savory germinates easily and matures rapidly, producing slender, aromatic leaves with a peppery flavor. It requires little care once established and performs well in both garden beds and containers, making it a great choice for gardeners of all experience levels.
Sweet Fennel (use cautiously)
Repels: Aphids, slugs, snails
Attracts: Swallowtail butterflies, parasitic wasps
Fennel is a beautiful, aromatic herb with towering flower umbels that attract beneficial insects. Although it’s one of the more striking summer sown herbs, it can inhibit the growth of some vegetables (like beans and tomatoes), so use caution with your companion planting layout. Plant it at the edge of the garden or in containers to keep its benefits while minimizing competition.
Tip: Best grown on its own or in pollinator strips, sweet fennel thrives when direct sown in full sun and well-drained soil. Its tall, feathery foliage and umbrella-shaped blooms make a striking addition to garden edges or dedicated herb zones. Because it can inhibit the growth of certain vegetables, it’s best kept separate from main crop beds.
Lemon Balm
Repels: Mosquitoes, gnats
Attracts: Bees and hoverflies
This lemony member of the mint family is excellent for garden borders, pathways, or partial-shade areas where other herbs may struggle. As one of the more versatile summer sown herbs, lemon balm offers both beauty and function—its tiny white flowers attract a steady stream of beneficial insects, while the fragrant leaves help repel flying pests like mosquitoes and gnats. It’s a smart and soothing choice for companion planting, especially near brassicas and leafy greens. Beyond its garden benefits, lemon balm shines in the kitchen too—ideal for teas, fresh garnishes, and even herbal remedies thanks to its calming properties.
Tip: Sow lemon balm in summer in a spot with partial shade, especially during the hottest part of the day. Keep the soil evenly moist during germination. Once established, it grows quickly and spreads readily, so be sure to thin aggressively to prevent overcrowding and keep it manageable. Regular harvesting also helps control its size and encourages fresh, fragrant growth.
Mint (Spearmint, Peppermint)
Repels: Ants, aphids, flea beetles, cabbage moths
Mint’s strong scent confuses pests and helps deter them from vulnerable crops like brassicas, tomatoes, and beans. As one of the most fragrant and fast-growing summer sown herbs, it plays a powerful role in companion planting, offering both protection and flavor. Its aromatic oils can mask the scent of nearby plants, making it harder for insects to locate their targets. However, mint spreads aggressively through underground runners, so it’s best grown in containers or isolated beds where it can be controlled without overtaking the rest of your garden. Regular harvesting helps manage its size and keeps the leaves tender and fresh.
Tip: Sow mint in a separate space or container, as it spreads aggressively and can easily overtake garden beds. Choose a location with partial shade or full sun, and keep the soil consistently moist during germination and early growth. Water well during establishment to encourage strong roots and bushy, flavorful foliage. Regular trimming will help keep it tidy and productive.
Companion Planting Strategies
- Ring your crops. Plant herbs like basil or dill in a circle or border around tomatoes, peppers, or beans to form a natural pest barrier.
- Interplant rows. Alternate rows of herbs and vegetables to confuse pests and encourage beneficial insect movement throughout the bed.
- Use vertical space. Let herbs like nasturtiums trail from containers or up short trellises near your vegetables.
- Succession sow. Stagger your sowing dates to maintain a steady supply of young herbs and continuous flowering, which keeps the insect population in check.
Herbs for Pollinator Power
Beyond pest control, flowering herbs are some of the most effective pollinator attractors you can grow. Bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects flock to the blooms of dill, cilantro, borage, chamomile, and nasturtiums, creating a vibrant, buzzing ecosystem right in your garden. These blooms don’t just add color and fragrance—they actively improve pollination and fruit set in nearby crops, from squash and cucumbers to melons and beans. By incorporating a variety of summer sown herbs that flower at different times, you can ensure a steady stream of pollinators throughout the season, supporting stronger yields and healthier plants across your entire companion planting layout.
Final Thoughts: Natural Defense, Beautiful Results
By tucking herbs into your garden now, you’re not just fending off pests—you’re building a more resilient, balanced ecosystem that thrives well into late summer. These hardworking plants do triple duty: defending your crops from unwanted insects, drawing in pollinators and other beneficial allies, and bringing bold, fresh flavor to your kitchen.
Whether you’re planting a second round of basil, starting dill for homemade pickles, or weaving nasturtiums into the beds for a splash of color and natural pest control, there’s still time to take advantage of summer sown herbs. Many of these varieties grow quickly, flower before fall, and strengthen your overall companion planting strategy.
Don’t let the season pass you by—shop our selection of heirloom herb seeds today and give your garden the summer boost it deserves—naturally.
What are your thoughts? Drop a comment below!
FAQ:
Can I really start herbs in the middle of summer?
Yes! Many herbs like basil, dill, cilantro, and nasturtiums thrive in summer heat and grow quickly. With consistent watering and sun, you’ll still get good harvests and strong pest control benefits.
How close should I plant herbs to my vegetables for companion planting to work?
You can interplant them in the same bed, alternate rows, or surround your vegetables with herbs as a border. The key is proximity—scent, pollinator attraction, and pest confusion work best when herbs are nearby.
Which herbs are best for deterring aphids?
Dill, cilantro, and nasturtiums are especially effective against aphids. Nasturtiums often serve as a “trap crop,” drawing aphids away from more valuable plants.
Will these herbs grow well in containers?
Absolutely. Most of these herbs—including basil, mint, lemon balm, and nasturtiums—do great in pots. Just make sure they get plenty of sun and water, and that mint has its own container to prevent spreading.
Can I mix all these herbs together in one bed?
Some can be grown together, but others—like fennel and mint—should be isolated. Always check for compatibility; for example, basil and dill shouldn’t be grown close to carrots or each other when mature.
Do I have to let herbs flower to get the pest-control benefits?
In many cases, yes. Herbs like dill, cilantro, chamomile, and borage are most effective at attracting beneficial insects once they flower. For basil, frequent pinching delays flowering but still provides strong scent-based repellent properties.
What’s the best way to water herbs during summer heat?
Water deeply but less frequently to encourage strong roots. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce stress. Most herbs prefer well-drained soil, so avoid soggy conditions.
Are any of these herbs perennial?
Some herbs like mint, lemon balm, and chamomile (in some climates) can come back each year. Others like basil, dill, cilantro, and borage are typically grown as annuals.
Can companion herbs improve vegetable flavor or yield?
Yes—basil is famously said to improve tomato flavor and growth. Summer savory benefits beans, while dill and cilantro help create a healthier, more balanced growing environment that leads to better yields.
Where can I buy seeds for all these herbs?
You can find heirloom, open-pollinated seeds for all these herbs right here in our shop. We carry high-quality varieties suited for home gardens, all ready to sow this season.
