When my kids were little, I would send them off to bed with a cup of chamomile tea. The steam and healing properties would clear up stuffy noses and congestion; its anti-inflammatory properties would soothe sore throats and body aches, and its tranquilizing properties would help them sleep without being groggy and cranky the next day. Chamomile tea is an age-old remedy for many problems in gardens as well. Companion planting with chamomile is an even easier way to heal the garden.
What to Plant with Chamomile
Chamomile tea is used to spray on seedlings to prevent damping-off, a fungal infection that kills many young plants. By companion planting with chamomile, its natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties can help plants prone to fungus, mildew, mold, blight, and other common plant ailments.
Annuals susceptible to fungal problems, such as zinnias, petunias, snapdragons, and verbena, as well as blight prone vegetables, like tomatoes and potatoes, can all benefit by having chamomile as their neighbor. Plant chamomile as a companion to perennials like:
Roses, lilacs, ninebarks, and dogwood are a few shrubs/trees that also benefit from companion planting with chamomile.
Additional Chamomile Plant Companions
Besides its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal benefits, chamomile improves the growth and flavor of many plants. Farmers have long used chamomile as a companion plant to apple and other fruit trees. Vegetable companions include:
In the herb garden, chamomile pairs well with mint and basil, and is said to improve their taste and scent. Chamomile should be kept trimmed back so it stays full and healthy and does not get leggy and scraggly. While, of course, you’ll want to save some of these chamomile clippings for your own relaxing chamomile tea, also leave some in the garden as a calcium, magnesium, and potassium boost for chamomile plant companions and to sow more chamomile seed.
You can also spread clippings around any struggling plant to restore its vitality. Chamomile plant companions can also benefit from the aphid and mite eating hoverflies, ladybugs, and other beneficial insects that chamomile attracts; and you will benefit from its mosquito deterring scent.
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