Perhaps nothing is more satisfying than gathering fresh herbs from the summer garden. Basil (Ocimum basilicum), in particular, is a versatile herb that can be a must for any gardener and home cook. But if you’re going to plant basil, be sure to also plant some chives (Allium schoenoprasum) next to it. Not only can chives can help deter common pests that often plague basil, but chives can also enhance basil’s flavor.

Like most alliums, chives are great at deterring pests like aphids, carrot flies, and even deer. Since aphids frequently feast on basil, pairing these two plants together can be especially helpful. Pest deterrence is one of the many benefits of companion planting in your garden, but chives can also bring even more to the table when paired with basil. It’s widely accepted that chives help enhance basil’s production of essential oil, which ultimately makes your basil taste better. 

An important thing to keep in mind is that basil needs a lot of water. This means that there are plenty of Mediterranean herbs that won’t pair well with basil in your garden, but you might want to grow your basil near your tomatoes. However, because chives aren’t very picky about their own growing conditions, they get along well with basil. As long as chives have full-sun to partial-shade and well-draining soil, they will more than likely perform well alongside basil’s preferred full-sun and moist, well-draining soil. Simply plant them side by side, with a few inches of space between, and your plants should thrive.

Chives also happen to be hardy in USDA Zones 4-8, so you can probably expect them to come back year after year, and even spread through reseeding if you don’t deadhead them. Basil, on the other hand, is only hardy in Zone 10, so most gardeners will need to replant each year. If you find yourself needing to break up an ever-growing clump of chives, consider re-planting your chives with potatoes or any of the other plants they work well with.