The Best Oregano Companion Plants: Expert Tips for Success

Companion planting is an age-old agricultural practice where different plants are grown together for mutual benefit. This method creates a natural and sustainable garden environment without harsh chemicals. Oregano plays a unique role in this garden ecosystem due to its hardy nature and aromatic properties. It serves as a protective neighbor for many vulnerable vegetables.

A healthy garden relies on biodiversity to maintain soil health and productivity. Growing only one type of plant can attract specific pests and deplete the soil. When you mix oregano with other species, you create a complex environment. This complexity makes it harder for pests to find their favorite snacks.

Sustainability is at the heart of this ancient gardening technique.
Mutualism occurs when both the oregano and its neighbor gain something from being close.
Ecological balance helps keep your backyard or farm running like a well-oiled machine.
Productivity increases when plants are happy and stress-free in their environment.

Table of Contents

Primary Benefits of Oregano in the Garden

Attracting Beneficial Insects

Oregano flowers are a massive hit with pollinators like bees and butterflies. These tiny workers are essential for moving pollen around your garden. Without them, many of your fruits and vegetables would never grow. Oregano acts as a magnet that keeps these helpers coming back daily.

Beyond pollinators, oregano also brings in predatory insects. You might see parasitic wasps or ladybugs hanging out near your oregano. These “good bugs” are the natural police force of your garden. They hunt and eat the harmful pests that want to destroy your harvest.

Pollinators like honeybees and solitary bees love the nectar-rich flowers.
Predatory wasps help control the population of caterpillars and beetles.
Ladybugs often settle near oregano to feast on small, soft-bodied pests.
Living sanctuaries are formed when these bugs find food and shelter in one spot.

Natural Pest Repellency

Oregano leaves contain powerful aromatic oils like carvacrol and thymol. These oils give the herb its signature scent, but bugs hate them. The strong smell acts as an organic deterrent for several common garden enemies. You can use this to your advantage by placing oregano strategically.

Specific pests like aphids and spider mites find the scent overwhelming. Cabbage moths also tend to stay away from areas that smell like oregano. By acting as a masking plant, oregano hides the scent of more vulnerable crops. This makes it much harder for pests to locate their target plants.

Aphids are less likely to colonize plants surrounded by aromatic herbs.
Spider mites prefer a less scented environment to build their webs.
Cabbage moths are confused by the strong smell of oregano leaves.
Masking is the process of hiding a plant’s natural scent with a stronger one.

Enhancing Culinary Flavor Profiles

There is a long-standing theory that aromatic herbs grown together can share flavors. While it may be subtle, many gardeners swear their herbs taste better when paired correctly. The robust flavor of oregano is often complemented by its neighbors. This synergy makes your garden a one-stop-shop for fresh seasonings.

Growing these plants together is also a matter of convenience. You can create “culinary guilds” based on the types of food you like to cook. For example, a Mediterranean guild might include oregano, basil, and thyme. Having everything in one spot makes harvesting for a recipe much easier.

Flavor sharing happens when volatile oils from different plants interact.
Synergy in the garden often translates to synergy on the dinner plate.
Convenience is a major benefit of grouping plants by their kitchen use.
Culinary guilds help organize your garden based on your favorite meals.

Optimizing Maintenance and Growing Conditions

Grouping plants with similar needs makes your life as a gardener much easier. Oregano likes specific conditions, and many of its best friends do too. By planting them together, you can streamline your watering and fertilizing chores. You won’t have to worry about different zones for every single plant.

You can also maximize your garden space through clever layering. Oregano can grow as a low ground cover while other plants grow tall. This vertical and horizontal layering ensures no space is wasted. It also helps keep the soil covered, which prevents weeds from popping up.

Shared needs include full sun and soil that drains very quickly.
Streamlining means you spend less time moving the hose around the yard.
Space optimization allows you to grow more food in a smaller footprint.
Weed suppression occurs when oregano fills the gaps between taller plants.

Top Herb Companions for Oregano

Basil

Basil and oregano are basically cousins since they both belong to the mint family. They are some of the most popular oregano companion plants for home gardeners. Both plants thrive when they get plenty of sun and well-drained soil. Since they share identical growth requirements, they are effortless to grow together.

In the kitchen, these two are a legendary duo for Italian and Mediterranean dishes. Having them side-by-side means you can grab a handful of both for your sauce. Basil also does a great job of attracting bees to the herb patch. This extra pollination helps all the plants in the area grow better.

Botanical cousins share similar genetic traits and growth habits.
Full sun is a requirement for both basil and oregano to thrive.
Well-drained soil prevents the roots from getting soggy and rotting.
Genovese basil is a specific variety that pairs perfectly with oregano.

Thyme

Thyme is another fantastic choice for an oregano companion plant because it loves the Mediterranean vibe. Like oregano, thyme is very drought-tolerant and doesn’t mind a little heat. These two herbs are often found growing together in the wild. Their shared love for dry soil makes them perfect bedmates.

Thyme has a low-growing habit that makes it an excellent ground cover. It also brings its own set of beneficial insects to the party. Specifically, thyme is known for attracting parasitic wasps that protect the entire garden. When you plant them near vegetables, they act as a protective barrier.

Drought tolerance means these plants can handle a few missed waterings.
French thyme is a popular culinary variety that grows well with oregano.
Ground cover habits help keep the soil cool and moist underneath.
Parasitic wasps are attracted to thyme and help kill harmful garden pests.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a sturdy herb that stands up well to the intense sun. It thrives in the same well-drained and sunny environments that oregano loves. The upright growth of rosemary provides a nice visual contrast to the spreading oregano. Together, they create a beautiful and functional herb garden.

The most significant benefit of rosemary is its intense, pine-like scent. This aroma is so strong that it acts as a natural shield for the oregano. Many pests that might nibble on oregano will be scared off by the rosemary. It is a great way to add another layer of protection to your garden.

Intense scent from rosemary acts as a powerful natural insect repellent.
Upright growth of varieties like Tuscan Blue provides height to your beds.
Visual contrast makes your herb garden look more professional and designed.
Cooking synergy is high since both are used for roasting meats and poultry.

Sage

Sage is a hardy perennial that shares many of the same soil needs as oregano. They both prefer a neutral to slightly alkaline pH range. Because their growing requirements are so similar, they are highly compatible. They won’t compete for different types of nutrients in the soil.

Sage also brings its own group of beneficial insects to your backyard. This adds to the overall diversity of helpful bugs in your garden space. Both sage and oregano can be used fresh or dried. This makes them a great pair for gardeners who like to preserve their harvest.

Soil pH compatibility ensures that both plants can absorb the nutrients they need.
The diversity of insects is improved when you mix different types of herbs.
Garden sage is the most common variety and a reliable companion.
Preservation is easy because both herbs hold their flavor well when dried.

Best Vegetable Companions for Oregano

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are often the star of the garden, but they are prone to many pests. This is where oregano comes in as a helpful bodyguard. The natural oils in oregano can protect tomato plants from various attacks. It creates a protective barrier that keeps the tomatoes healthy and productive.

Since both plants need similar amounts of water and nutrients, they are easy to manage. Many people call this the “Pizza Garden” or “Spaghetti Garden” concept. You grow everything you need for a great sauce in one single bed. It is efficient for the gardener and great for the plants.

Bodyguard effect happens when oregano repels pests that usually target tomatoes.
Roma tomatoes are a great variety to plant near oregano for sauce making.
Nutrient needs are similar, so you can use the same fertilizer for both.
A spaghetti garden is a fun way to involve kids in growing their own food.

Cabbage and Brassicas

Cabbage, broccoli, and kale are often targeted by the destructive cabbage moth. These moths lay eggs that turn into hungry caterpillars that eat large holes in leaves. Oregano is one of the best oregano companion plants to stop this. Its strong scent masks the smell of the cabbage from the moths.

This pairing also makes great use of the space in your garden bed. Cabbage grows tall and wide, while oregano can spread out underneath it. This keeps the ground covered and prevents the soil from drying out too fast. It is a win-win for both the vegetable and the herb.

Cabbage moths are deterred by the aromatic oils present in oregano.
Masking scent prevents the moths from finding a place to lay their eggs.
Space efficiency is achieved by growing a low herb under a tall vegetable.
Golden Acre cabbage is a reliable variety that benefits from this pairing.

Peppers

Peppers thrive in hot weather and need protection from small pests like aphids. Oregano is a perfect neighbor for peppers because it loves the same heat. The presence of oregano helps keep the aphid population under control. This allows the peppers to focus their energy on growing big, juicy fruits.

Like tomatoes, peppers share similar sunlight and water requirements with oregano. You can plant them in the same sunny spot without any issues. The oregano acts as a living mulch for the pepper plants. This helps regulate the temperature of the soil during the hottest parts of summer.

Aphid control is a primary benefit for peppers growing near oregano.
Heat lovers like peppers and oregano can be grouped in the sunniest spots.
Living mulch keeps the soil from getting too hot or drying out too quickly.
Fruit production is often better when the plant isn’t stressed by pests.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens like spinach, lettuce, and Swiss chard have very different root systems than oregano. This is great because it means they won’t compete for the same nutrients. The greens can grow their shallow roots while oregano grows slightly deeper. They coexist peacefully in the same patch of soil.

Oregano also provides a layer of protection for these tender leaves. Its strong scent can keep away pests that usually love to munch on lettuce. This allows you to grow organic greens without needing any chemical sprays. It makes for a much healthier and tastier salad at the end of the day.

Root systems that differ ensure that every plant gets the food it needs.
Tender leaves of lettuce are protected by the strong aroma of the herb.
Organic growing is much easier when you use companion plants for pest control.
Swiss chard is a hardy green that pairs particularly well with oregano.

Fruit and Tree Companions

Fruit Trees

You might not think of herbs as companions for big trees, but they are. Oregano can be planted around the base of apple and pear trees. Its flowers draw in a huge number of bees and other pollinators. These insects are critical for ensuring your fruit trees actually produce fruit.

Oregano also helps at the ground level of the orchard. Its scent can deter some of the pests that like to crawl up the trunk. It essentially acts as a fragrant guard for the tree’s root zone. This creates a more balanced and healthy environment for your backyard orchard.

Pollination boost helps fruit trees set more fruit during the spring.
Ground-level protection keeps certain crawling insects away from the tree.
Orchard floor management is easier when you have a useful herb growing there.
Apple and pear trees are specifically mentioned as good neighbors for oregano.

Plants to Avoid Planting Near Oregano

High-Water Crops

Cucumbers and watermelons are notorious for needing a lot of water to grow. This makes them terrible neighbors for oregano. Oregano is a Mediterranean herb that prefers to stay on the drier side. If you water it as much as a cucumber, the roots will rot.

Root rot is a death sentence for oregano plants. It happens when the soil stays soggy for too long. Because their moisture needs are so different, they should never be in the same bed. Keep your water-loving melons far away from your drought-tolerant herbs.

Root rot is the biggest danger when planting oregano near high-water crops.
Soggy soil is something oregano absolutely cannot tolerate for long.
Conflicting needs make it impossible to keep both plants happy in one spot.
Cucumbers should be kept in a separate area with their own watering zone.

Invasive Relatives

Mint is a close relative of oregano, but it is much more aggressive. Mint grows through underground runners called rhizomes that spread very fast. If you plant it near oregano, the mint will quickly take over. It will crowd out the oregano and eventually kill it.

Even though they like similar conditions, mint is a garden bully. It will smother the roots of any plant that gets in its way. To keep your oregano safe, always grow mint in its own separate container. This prevents it from spreading its runners into your herb bed.

Aggressive runners allow mint to spread across the garden in no time.
Smothering occurs when mint roots wrap around the roots of other plants.
Separate containers are the only way to safely grow mint near other herbs.
Garden bully is a common nickname for mint because of how it behaves.

Heavy Feeders

Corn is known as a “heavy feeder” because it sucks a lot of nutrients from the soil. If you plant oregano near corn, the herb might starve. The corn will take all the nitrogen and minerals before the oregano can get any. This competition is not good for a healthy herb patch.

Another problem with corn is its incredible height. Corn can grow very tall and cast a wide shadow over the garden. Oregano needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun every day. If it is stuck in the shade of a cornstalk, it will become weak and leggy.

Nutrient depletion happens when heavy feeders like corn are planted nearby.
Shade issues occur when tall plants block the sun from reaching lower herbs.
Leggy growth is a sign that your oregano isn’t getting enough sunlight.
Competition for resources will always leave the smaller plant at a disadvantage.

Acid-Loving Plants

Potatoes prefer a soil that is on the acidic side of the scale. Oregano, on the other hand, likes soil that is neutral to slightly alkaline. If you try to grow them together, one of them will always be unhappy. They simply cannot thrive in the same pH environment.

There is also a risk of disease when planting these two together. Potatoes are very susceptible to a disease called blight. While it might not kill the oregano, the disease can still affect the herb’s health. It is better to keep these two in completely different parts of your garden.

pH conflict means the soil chemistry will only favor one of the plants.
Blight is a serious disease that often affects potato crops.
Cross-contamination of garden diseases is a risk when planting incompatible types.
Neutral soil is what you should aim for when growing a healthy oregano patch.

Strategic Garden Planning and Design

Soil Preparation and Structure

The foundation of a good garden is the soil you put your plants in. Oregano needs soil that lets water pass through it very quickly. You can improve your soil structure by adding organic matter like compost. This helps provide nutrients without making the soil too heavy.

Avoid using soil that has too much clay, as it holds onto water. If your garden has heavy soil, you might want to grow oregano in raised beds. This gives you total control over the drainage and nutrient levels. Happy roots lead to a much more fragrant and healthy herb plant.

Well-drained soil is the number one requirement for any Mediterranean herb.
Organic compost improves the health of the soil and feeds the plants naturally.
Soil structure refers to how the different particles of dirt fit together.
Raised beds are a great solution for gardens with poor or heavy soil.

Proper Spacing and Airflow

It is tempting to pack as many plants as possible into a small space. However, oregano needs room to breathe and grow. You should aim to leave about 18 to 24 inches between your plants. This ensures that they aren’t fighting each other for the same nutrients.

Good airflow is also essential for preventing fungal diseases. If plants are too crowded, moisture gets trapped between the leaves. This can lead to mold or mildew, which can ruin your entire harvest. Proper spacing keeps the air moving and the leaves dry and healthy.

18 to 24 inches is the recommended gap between oregano and its neighbors.
Nutrient competition is reduced when every plant has its own dedicated space.
Fungal issues like powdery mildew are less likely when air can circulate.
Ventilation is key for keeping aromatic herbs from getting diseased.

Sunlight and Positioning

Oregano is a sun-worshipper and needs plenty of light to produce its oils. You should place it in a spot that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of sun. A south-facing location is usually the best choice for these herbs. This ensures they get the most intense light during the day.

Without enough sun, your oregano will lose its strong flavor. The plant will also grow thin and weak as it reaches for the light. Make sure no tall buildings or trees are blocking the sun from your herb bed. Sunlight is the fuel that makes your garden grow and taste great.

6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight is the minimum for a healthy plant.
South-facing spots get the most consistent light throughout the growing season.
Oil production is what gives oregano its flavor, and it requires lots of sun.
Flavor loss occurs when the plant is grown in even partial shade.

Container Gardening with Oregano

If you don’t have a big yard, you can still grow oregano in pots. Many oregano companion plants like basil and thyme do great in containers. Just make sure the pot has plenty of holes in the bottom for drainage. You should use a high-quality potting mix that doesn’t stay too wet.

Be very careful about what you put in the same container. You can mix oregano with thyme and basil because they all like the same things. However, never put mint in a mixed container with other herbs. It will take over the entire pot and kill everything else in just a few weeks.

Mixed containers are a great way to have a mini herb garden on a balcony.
Drainage holes are non-negotiable for keeping oregano alive in a pot.
Potting mix should be lightweight and designed for good water flow.
Container companions like basil and thyme are perfect for small spaces.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

Watering Schedules

The most common way people kill oregano is by giving it too much water. You should always wait until the soil feels dry to the touch before watering. A good rule of thumb is to poke your finger about an inch into the dirt. If it feels moist at all, leave the hose alone for another day.

When you do water, try to keep the moisture off the leaves. Watering the base of the plant is much better for its overall health. Using harvested rainwater is a great way to be more sustainable in your garden. Just remember that oregano is very drought-tolerant once it is established.

Dry to the touch is the signal that it is finally time to water your herbs.
Base watering helps prevent leaf diseases and keeps the plant clean.
Rainwater is often better for plants than treated water from a tap.
Established plants can go for quite a while without needing any extra water.

Fertilizing Best Practices

Oregano doesn’t need a lot of extra food to grow well. In fact, giving it too much fertilizer can actually be a bad thing. Too many nutrients lead to fast growth, but the leaves will have less flavor. You want slow, steady growth to keep those aromatic oils concentrated.

A balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the start of the season is usually enough. This provides a steady stream of nutrients throughout the spring and summer. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that focus only on leaf growth. Your goal is a healthy, balanced plant that tastes as good as it looks.

Slow-release fertilizer is the best way to feed your herbs over a long time.
Concentrated oils are what you want for the best culinary experience.
Balanced nutrients ensure the plant grows strong roots as well as leaves.
The start of the season is the only time you really need to worry about fertilizing.

Pest Monitoring and Organic Control

Even with companion plants, you should still check your garden regularly. Look for tiny holes in leaves or any sticky residue on the stems. Catching a pest problem early makes it much easier to handle. You can often just wash away a small group of bugs with a spray of water.

The best part of companion planting is that it reduces the need for chemicals. You are building a balanced ecosystem where the bugs control each other. This keeps your herbs safe to eat directly from the garden. It also helps protect the birds and other wildlife that visit your backyard.

Regular inspections help you spot problems before they become a disaster.
Sticky residue is often a sign that aphids have moved into your garden.
Water spray is a simple and organic way to knock pests off your plants.
Chemical-free gardening is better for your health and the environment.

Harvesting and Pruning

You can start harvesting oregano as soon as it has enough leaves to keep growing. When you harvest, try to cut back to just above a set of leaves. This encourages the plant to branch out and become bushier. If you just pull off single leaves, the plant will get thin and tall.

Companion herbs like basil and thyme can be harvested in the exact same way. Regular pruning keeps the plants from getting too woody or going to seed. Once you have a big harvest, you can dry the herbs to use all winter. Dried oregano actually has a more intense flavor than the fresh version.

Bushier growth is the result of proper pruning and regular harvesting.
Pruning prevents the plant from getting old and losing its flavor.
Drying herbs is the best way to preserve your summer harvest for the winter.
Harvesting together is easy when your companion herbs are in the same bed.

Conclusion

Companion planting with oregano is more than just an old tradition. It is a smart and sustainable way to build a better garden. By choosing the right neighbors, you create a balanced ecosystem that works for you. Your plants will be healthier, your food will taste better, and you will have fewer pests to worry about. Whether you have a giant farm or just a few pots on a balcony, oregano companion plants are a great addition. Use the tips in this guide to start planning your perfect garden today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What not to plant with oregano?

Avoid water-loving plants like cucumbers or watermelons, as they lead to root rot. Also, keep invasive mint in a separate pot to prevent it from smothering the oregano.

Can I plant oregano and rosemary together?

Yes, they make excellent companions because they share the same love for sun and dry soil. They both attract good bugs and help keep pests away.

Which vegetables benefit most from oregano?

Tomatoes, peppers, and cabbage are the biggest winners. Oregano helps repel the specific pests that usually attack these common vegetables.

Does oregano really repel pests?

It does! The aromatic oils in the leaves are very unappealing to aphids and spider mites. Its scent also confuses cabbage moths looking for a place to land.

Can I grow different herbs in the same container?

Absolutely, as long as they have similar needs. Oregano, thyme, and basil are a perfect team for a single large pot.

Can oregano be grown near lavender?

Yes, lavender is one of the best oregano companion plants because they are both Mediterranean powerhouses. They love the same sandy, well-drained soil and require very little water once established. Planting them together creates a beautiful, aromatic border that thrives in the heat of summer.

Is it safe to plant oregano near a beehive?

It is not just safe; it is highly recommended for any beekeeper. Oregano flowers produce high-quality nectar that bees absolutely crave. Having oregano companion plants near a hive ensures your bees have a steady food source while helping pollinate the rest of your garden.

How does oregano affect the growth of onions?

Oregano and onions are great neighbors in a garden bed. The strong scent of oregano helps hide the onions from onion flies, which are a major pest. Since onions grow mostly underground and oregano spreads on the surface, they do not compete for space.

Can you plant oregano with marigolds?

Marigolds are famous for their pest-repelling abilities, and they work perfectly with oregano companion plants. While oregano handles the aphids and spider mites, marigolds help deter nematodes in the soil. This duo creates a nearly “pest-proof” zone for your vegetables.

What is the effect of oregano on asparagus beds?

Oregano makes a fine addition to the edges of an asparagus bed. Asparagus beetles hate the smell of oregano, so it acts as a natural shield for the tender spears. Just be sure to keep the oregano at the base so it does not interfere with the deep roots of the asparagus.

Does oregano interfere with the flavor of strawberries?

Not at all; in fact, oregano is often used as a protective ground cover for strawberry patches. It helps keep the soil covered and moist while deterring slugs that want to eat your berries. The flavor of the strawberries remains sweet and unaffected by the herb’s proximity.

Can I plant oregano near my rose bushes?

Yes, roses are often attacked by aphids, and oregano companion plants are a great organic solution. The oregano draws in ladybugs and lacewings that eat the aphids before they can damage your blooms. It also acts as a beautiful living mulch around the base of the rose bush.

Is oregano a good companion for beans and peas?

Oregano is a neutral companion for legumes like beans and peas. While it does not provide direct nitrogen-fixing benefits, its ability to repel general garden pests is always a plus. It stays low to the ground, allowing climbing beans to grow up trellises without any competition.

Can oregano be grown alongside borage?

Borage is an excellent companion because it attracts even more pollinators than oregano alone. Both plants are hardy and can handle the same sunny conditions. This combination is particularly great for improving the health and yield of nearby strawberry or tomato plants.

How does oregano interact with nasturtiums?

Nasturtiums are often used as “trap crops” to lure pests away from other plants. When paired with oregano companion plants, you get a double layer of protection. The oregano repels pests with its scent, while the nasturtiums catch any stragglers that make it into the bed.

Can I plant oregano near grapes?

Many vineyard owners plant oregano and other Mediterranean herbs between rows of grapes. The oregano helps keep the soil from eroding and provides a habitat for beneficial insects. It does not compete with the deep roots of the grapevines for water or nutrients.

Does oregano grow well with lemon balm?

You should be careful with this pairing because lemon balm is in the mint family and can be very invasive. If you want to use them together, it is best to keep the lemon balm in a pot. This allows you to enjoy both herbs without the lemon balm smothering your oregano.

Can oregano be used as a companion for peppers?

Peppers love the heat, and oregano companion plants love it too. The herb helps keep the soil temperature consistent and deters aphids that love to suck the sap from pepper leaves. They are a very low-maintenance pair for a summer garden.

Is it okay to plant oregano near sunflowers?

Sunflowers provide a lot of shade, which can be a problem for sun-loving oregano. If you plant them together, make sure the oregano is on the south side of the sunflowers. This ensures the tall stalks do not block the light the oregano needs to produce its flavorful oils.

Can oregano and chives be planted together?

Yes, they have very similar needs and look great together in a herb spiral or a container. Chives add a light onion scent that further confuses pests, while oregano provides the ground cover. Both are perennials, meaning they will come back year after year in your garden.

How does oregano help with pumpkin growth?

Pumpkins take up a lot of room, but planting oregano companion plants around the perimeter can help. The oregano repels squash bugs and vine borers, which are the two biggest threats to a pumpkin patch. It provides a fragrant border that keeps the vines safer.

Can oregano be planted with zinnias or other flowers?

Oregano is a great companion for most annual flowers. Its green, mounding foliage provides a nice backdrop for bright blooms. Plus, it ensures that your flower garden is buzzing with pollinators, which helps the flowers produce more seeds for next year.

Is oregano safe to plant near a compost pile?

Actually, oregano can be a great addition to the area around your compost. It helps mask some of the odors that might attract unwanted scavengers like raccoons. The beneficial insects it attracts also help with the general health of the soil in the area.

Can I grow oregano under my blueberry bushes?

Blueberries prefer very acidic soil, while oregano likes things more neutral. Because of this, they are not the best match for the same hole. However, you can grow oregano in pots nearby to provide pest protection without messing with the soil pH of your blueberries.

Does oregano help repel mosquitoes in the garden?

While not as famous as citronella, the thymol in oregano companion plants does help deter mosquitoes. Planting it near patios or outdoor seating areas can help keep the bug count down. Rubbing the leaves to release the oils makes the effect even stronger for a short time.