Weeds are the bane of every gardener’s existence, competing with cultivated plants for essential resources and potentially reducing crop yields.1 But what if you could fight weeds with plants that are not only beneficial but also delicious? Enter perennial herbs.
These aromatic powerhouses not only add flavor to your culinary creations but also serve as natural weed suppressors. By utilizing their robust growth habits, dense foliage, and in some cases, allelopathic properties, these herbs can effectively outcompete unwanted invaders.
Here are 12 perennial herbs that can transform your garden into a weed-resistant oasis while providing a bountiful harvest year after year.
1. Mint
Mint is a vigorous grower that quickly spreads to form dense mats, effectively smothering weeds in its path. Its aromatic leaves and rapid growth make it a popular choice for both culinary use and weed suppression.
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However, mint’s aggressive nature means it should be planted with caution.
Planting tips:
- Plant in containers or use barriers to prevent spreading
- Prefers partial shade to full sun
- Thrives in moist, well-draining soil
- Space plants 18-24 inches apart
2. Oregano
This Mediterranean herb forms low-growing, spreading mounds that effectively crowd out weeds. Oregano’s drought-tolerant nature and ability to thrive in poor soil make it an excellent choice for challenging garden spots. Its flavorful leaves are a staple in many cuisines.
Planting tips:
- Plant in full sun
- Requires well-draining soil
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart
- Trim regularly to maintain shape and prevent woody growth
3. Thyme
Thyme is a versatile herb that forms dense, low-growing mats perfect for suppressing weeds. Its tiny, fragrant leaves and delicate flowers add beauty to the garden while serving as an effective ground cover.
Thyme comes in several varieties, each with unique flavors and growth habits.
Planting tips:
- Plant in full sun
- Prefers well-draining, slightly alkaline soil
- Space plants 6-12 inches apart
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
4. Comfrey
Comfrey is a robust perennial herb known for its large, hairy leaves and bell-shaped flowers. Its deep taproot and fast-growing nature make it an excellent weed suppressor.
Comfrey’s ability to accumulate nutrients in its leaves makes it valuable as a “chop-and-drop” mulch or compost activator.
Planting tips:
- Plant in full sun to partial shade
- Thrives in most soil types, preferring moist, rich soil
- Space plants 2-3 feet apart
- Use root barriers to control spreading if desired
5. Sage
Sage is a hardy perennial that forms dense, woody shrubs that compete well with weeds. Its aromatic leaves and beautiful flowers make it both ornamental and useful in the kitchen. Sage’s drought-tolerant nature makes it ideal for low-maintenance gardens.
Planting tips:
- Plant in full sun
- Requires well-draining soil
- Space plants 18-24 inches apart
- Prune in spring to encourage bushy growth
6. Chives
Chives form clumps of grass-like leaves that effectively crowd out weeds. Their edible flowers and mild onion flavor make them a versatile herb in the garden and kitchen. Chives are also known to repel certain pests, adding to their usefulness.
Planting tips:
- Plant in full sun to partial shade
- Prefers rich, moist soil
- Space plants 6-12 inches apart
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
7. Rosemary
This aromatic herb forms dense, woody shrubs that leave little room for weeds to establish. Rosemary’s needle-like leaves and drought-tolerance make it an excellent choice for Mediterranean-style gardens. Its culinary and medicinal uses add to its appeal.
Planting tips:
- Plant in full sun
- Requires well-draining, slightly alkaline soil
- Space plants 2-3 feet apart
- Prune regularly to maintain shape and prevent woody growth
8. Lavender
Lavender’s compact growth habit and aromatic foliage make it an effective weed suppressor. Its beautiful flowers attract pollinators while repelling pests. This versatile herb is prized for its fragrance, culinary uses, and ornamental value.
Planting tips:
- Plant in full sun
- Requires well-draining, alkaline soil
- Space plants 2-3 feet apart
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and promote bushiness
9. Fennel
Fennel’s tall, feathery foliage and extensive root system help crowd out weeds. This herb’s anise-like flavor makes it popular in cooking, while its flowers attract beneficial insects. Fennel’s statuesque growth adds vertical interest to the garden.
Planting tips:
- Plant in full sun
- Prefers rich, well-draining soil
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart
- Allow self-seeding for continuous growth
10. Tarragon
French tarragon forms bushy clumps that effectively suppress weeds. Its aromatic leaves are prized in French cuisine and add a unique flavor to dishes. Tarragon’s low-maintenance nature makes it an excellent choice for busy gardeners.
Planting tips:
- Plant in full sun to partial shade
- Requires well-draining soil
- Space plants 18-24 inches apart
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
11. Chamomile
Chamomile’s low-growing, mat-forming habit makes it an excellent ground cover for suppressing weeds. Its daisy-like flowers and apple-scented foliage add charm to the garden. This herb is known for its calming properties and makes a soothing tea.
Planting tips:
- Plant in full sun to partial shade
- Prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil
- Space plants 6-12 inches apart
- Allow self-seeding for a continuous carpet of growth
12. Lemon Verbena
Lemon verbena’s tall, bushy growth helps shade out weeds. Its intensely fragrant leaves are prized for their strong lemon scent and flavor. This herb adds a tropical touch to gardens and is excellent for making teas and flavoring dishes.
Planting tips:
- Plant in full sun
- Requires well-draining soil
- Space plants 3-4 feet apart
- Prune in spring to encourage bushy growth
By incorporating these 12 perennial herbs into your garden, you’ll not only create a flavorful and aromatic oasis but also establish a natural defense against pesky weeds. These dual-purpose plants offer a sustainable and low-maintenance approach to gardening, allowing you to spend less time weeding and more time enjoying your bountiful herb harvest.
Source:
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.