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Herbs do far more than fill your kitchen with fresh flavors. In a permaculture garden, they can help build healthier soil, attract pollinators and beneficial insects, and create a more balanced growing environment.
Many herbs are surprisingly hardworking plants. Some draw bees and butterflies into the garden, while others help keep unwanted pests in check. Certain varieties improve soil conditions over time, and many thrive with very little attention once established.
They’re also some of the easiest plants to fit into almost any garden space. Whether tucked between vegetables, planted along pathways, or grown in dedicated herb beds, they can provide benefits well beyond their harvest.
Here are 18 herbs that can help support soil health, encourage biodiversity, and make your permaculture garden stronger and more productive.
1. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
Comfrey is, hands down, my favorite permaculture herb because it can vastly improve soil quality and fertility. This plant has long, deep tap roots that bring up essential nutrients, enabling it to grow an abundance of leaves that can be used for mulch or to make compost tea.
Comfrey thrives in poor soil but can spread quickly; confine it to a small area before it becomes too invasive.
2. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
Nasturtium is a gorgeous annual flower that attracts pollinators and is a natural pest deterrent. It can also be used as a trap crop, drawing harmful insects like caterpillars away from your vegetable plot.
In addition to being excellent companion plants and weed-suppressing ground covers, the leaves and flowers of
3. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula is a powerful tool in pest control, attracting pollinators and beneficial insects while deterring garden pests. It’s low-growing, and its spreading growth habit helps suppress weed growth and improve soil health.
4. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
If you want ladybugs in your garden, grow
5. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
There is nothing more relaxing than the smell of
6. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
If you take a close look at thyme when it is flowering, you’ll see that it is covered in tiny insects – these are a vital part of the ecosystem and will keep populations of aphids and other pests under control.
Thyme is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance and should be planted in various locations for maximum impact. And, of course, thyme is a highly fragrant and delicious culinary herb.
7. Borage (Borago officinalis)
Borage is another must-have in any permaculture garden. It boosts biodiversity by attracting pollinators and acting as a natural pest deterrent.
However, borage has another superpower—it adds trace minerals to the soil, boosting fertility and plant growth. The vibrant blue flowers of borage are edible and can be used to garnish salads and drinks.
8. Plantain (Plantago major)
Plantain’s wide leaves can be used as natural mulch, boosting organic matter levels and adding essential nutrients. It thrives in a variety of conditions and, when in flower, attracts beneficial insects to the garden.
9. Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
Bergamot is a favorite food source for bees and butterflies, making it an essential part of any biodiversity-focused garden. It thrives in full sun, and the fragrant flowers can be used in teas and herbal remedies.
10. Angelica (Angelica archangelica)
The deep roots of angelica help to break up compacted soil, while the tall stems provide shade, wind protection, and support for more delicate plants. Angelica thrives in moist, well-drained soils, and the leaves and stems can be used to make medicinal teas.
11. Mint (Mentha spp.)
The strong aroma of mint repels pests such as ants, aphids, and cabbage worms, making it a great companion plant for many vegetables and herbs. Remember that mint can spread quickly, so plant it in containers to control its growth.
12. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
Echinacea is a powerhouse plant in the permaculture garden, helping to improve soil health whilst attracting pollinating insects. Its beautiful purple flowers add color and diversity to any garden, making it both a functional and ornamental herb.
13. St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
St. John’s Wort helps suppress weeds by creating a dense ground cover. It can boost biodiversity in the garden by attracting a wide variety of insect life. St John’s Wort can be grown in a variety of soil types and is famous for its medicinal mood-boosting properties and for being an ingredient in homemade products.
