Tarragon: The Ultimate Companion Plant Guide

Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is a woody-based, upright perennial herb that is prized for its narrow, lance-shaped leaves and distinctive anise or licorice flavor. It is native to Eastern Europe and Asia, but is now grown in many parts of the world. Tarragon is a popular ingredient in French cuisine, and is used to flavor sauces, marinades, and dressings. It is also used to add flavor to poultry, fish, and egg dishes.

Tarragon is a relatively easy herb to grow, but it does have some specific companion plant requirements. In this blog post, we will discuss the best companion plants for tarragon, as well as some plants that should be avoided. We will also provide some tips on how to plant and care for tarragon in your garden.

Benefits of Companion Planting

Companion planting is a gardening practice that involves planting certain plants together in order to benefit each other. Some plants can help to repel pests, attract beneficial insects, or improve the soil quality for other plants. By planting the right companion plants together, you can create a more productive and pest-free garden.

Tarragon Companion Plants

Tarragon is a good companion plant for many vegetables, including:

• Eggplant: Tarragon helps to repel eggplant pests such as aphids and whiteflies.
• Carrots: Tarragon helps to improve the flavor of carrots.
• Squash: Tarragon helps to repel squash pests such as squash bugs and cucumber beetles.
• Tomatoes: Tarragon helps to improve the flavor of tomatoes and can also help to repel tomato pests such as hornworms and nematodes.
• Beets: Tarragon helps to improve the flavor of beets and can also help to repel beet leafhoppers.

Tarragon also pairs well with many herbs, including:

• Chives: Chives help to repel aphids and other pests from tarragon.
• Lemon balm: Lemon balm helps to improve the flavor of tarragon and can also help to repel mosquitoes.
• Parsley: Parsley helps to improve the growth of tarragon and can also help to repel pests such as spider mites.
• Rosemary: Rosemary helps to improve the flavor of tarragon and can also help to repel pests such as cabbageworms.
• Sage: Sage helps to improve the flavor of tarragon and can also help to repel pests such as whiteflies.

Planting and Care

Tarragon can be grown from seed or from root cuttings. If you are planting from seed, sow the seeds in the spring after the last frost. Tarragon seeds can take several weeks to germinate, so be patient. If you are planting from root cuttings, plant the cuttings in the spring or fall.

Tarragon prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is not tolerant of wet or compacted soil. Tarragon plants should be spaced about 12 inches apart.

Tarragon is a relatively low-maintenance plant. Water it regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Fertilize tarragon plants once a month with a balanced fertilizer.

Tarragon plants can be harvested throughout the growing season. To harvest, simply snip off the leaves as needed. Tarragon leaves can be used fresh or dried.

Conclusion

Tarragon is a versatile and flavorful herb that can be used in a variety of dishes. By planting tarragon with the right companion plants, you can create a more productive and pest-free garden. Tarragon is also a relatively easy herb to grow, making it a great choice for beginner gardeners.

Tarragon is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to sauces to main courses. But did you know that the plants you grow near your tarragon can also have an impact on its flavor and growth?

That's where companion planting comes in. Companion planting is the practice of planting certain plants together to create beneficial relationships. For example, some good companion plants for tarragon include tomatoes, eggplant, and chives. These plants help to repel pests and improve the flavor of the tarragon.

On the other hand, there are also some plants that you should avoid planting near tarragon. These include dill and parsley, as they can compete with tarragon for nutrients and water.

If you're interested in learning more about tarragon companion plants, I recommend visiting Gardenia Inspiration. This website has a comprehensive list of plants that are good and bad for growing near tarragon. They also have a number of other helpful articles on gardening and herb cultivation.

FAQ of tarragon companion plants

1. What are some good companion plants for tarragon?

Tarragon is a good companion plant for most vegetables, particularly eggplant. It also grows well with chives, lemon balm, lemon thyme, parsley, rosemary, and sage. These plants help to repel pests and diseases, and they can also improve the flavor of each other's crops.

2. What vegetables should not be planted near tarragon?

Tarragon should not be planted near beans, cabbage, or tomatoes. These plants can compete with tarragon for nutrients and water.

3. How far apart should tarragon plants be planted?

Tarragon plants should be planted 12-18 inches apart. This gives them enough space to grow and spread without crowding each other.

4. How do I care for tarragon companion plants?

Tarragon companion plants require regular watering and fertilizing. They should also be kept free of weeds and pests.

5. How can I tell if my tarragon companion plants are healthy?

Healthy tarragon companion plants will have bright green leaves and will be free of pests and diseases. They should also be growing well and producing flowers or fruit.

Image of tarragon companion plants

Here are 5 images of tarragon companion plants from Pinterest:

• Image 1: Tarragon and tomatoes. Tarragon is a good companion plant for tomatoes because it helps to repel pests and attract beneficial insects.
• Image 2: Tarragon and eggplant. Tarragon is also a good companion plant for eggplant because it helps to deter pests such as aphids and whiteflies.
• Image 3: Tarragon and beans. Tarragon can be planted near beans to help improve the flavor of the beans and deter pests such as beetles and cucumber beetles.
• Image 4: Tarragon and lettuce. Tarragon can be planted near lettuce to help repel pests such as aphids and whiteflies.
• Image 5: Tarragon and carrots. Tarragon can be planted near carrots to help improve the flavor of the carrots and deter pests such as carrot flies.