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Delve into the fragrant and flourishing world of rosemary, a herb revered not only for its culinary uses but also for its remarkable role in the garden.

This guide unravels the art of companion planting with rosemary, guiding you through effective strategies to enhance your vegetable plots and flower beds.

Discover the best companions for this aromatic herb and learn how to create a garden that's as productive as it is aesthetically pleasing.

Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting out, get ready to explore the symbiotic relationships that rosemary can foster in your garden space.

To learn more about growing rosemary, check out my guide How to Propagate Rosemary: A Step-by-Step Guide.

Benefits of Rosemary Companion Planting

Integrating rosemary into your garden isn't just a treat for the senses; it's a strategic move for healthier, more vibrant plant life.

Here's why rosemary plays such a crucial role in companion planting:

Natural Pest Repellent

Rosemary is a hero when it comes to keeping common garden pests at bay.

Its strong scent is a natural deterrent for many insects that could otherwise harm neighboring plants.

For instance, it's known to repel cabbage moths and carrot flies, making it an excellent neighbor for brassicas and root vegetables.

Attracting Beneficial Insects

While it keeps the bad bugs away, rosemary simultaneously invites the good guys.

Its flowers are a hotspot for beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.

These pollinators are essential for a healthy, fruitful garden, ensuring that your plants reproduce and thrive.

Rosemary is one of many flowering herbs —to learn more about flowering herbs check out my guide Edible Beauty: The 10 Best Flowering Herbs.

Improving Overall Plant Health

Rosemary's aromatic oils can subtly influence the growth of nearby plants.

These oils may enhance flavor profiles in other herbs and vegetables, leading to a more robust and flavorful harvest.

Complementary Growing Conditions

Rosemary thrives in conditions that many popular garden plants prefer – full sun and well-draining soil.

This compatibility makes it easy to integrate rosemary into various garden setups, from herb gardens to vegetable patches, without needing to alter the soil or sunlight conditions drastically.

Soil Protection

Like many Mediterranean herbs, rosemary is drought-tolerant and helps in soil conservation.

Its root system can aid in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion, especially in sloped garden areas.

Aesthetic Value

Rosemary isn't just functional; it's also beautiful. Its evergreen foliage and delicate blue flowers add visual appeal to your garden, creating an attractive and aromatic environment.

By welcoming rosemary into your garden, you're not just planting an herb; you're cultivating an eco-friendly, pest-resistant, and visually pleasing environment that benefits the entire garden ecosystem.

Check out my guide: How to Propagate Rosemary: A Step-by-Step Guide.

rosemary growing in a container with companion plants

Best Rosemary Companion Plants

Choosing the right companions for rosemary can significantly enhance your garden's health and aesthetics.

Here are the best companion plants for rosemary and the reasons why they make such great partners:

Thyme and Oregano

Thyme and Oregano are natural companions for rosemary.

Sharing similar growing requirements like full sun exposure and well-draining soil, they form a Mediterranean trio in your garden.

Their similar water needs make them easy to care for together, and they can help each other in terms of growth and flavor enhancement.

Check out my guides Growing Thyme from Seed and The Undisputed Best Oregano Companion Plants.

Here are the thyme and oregano plants I recommend growing:

Beans and Carrots

Rosemary works wonders in a vegetable garden, especially with beans and carrots.

Its scent helps repel pests like bean beetles and carrot flies, offering a natural form of pest control without resorting to chemicals.

The strong aroma of rosemary may also help in enhancing the flavors of these vegetables.

To learn more about growing beans and carrots, check out my guides Easy Steps to Growing Green Beans in Containers and The Ultimate Guide to Growing Carrots in Containers.

Here are the bean and carrot seeds I recommend growing:

Lavender

For a garden that's a feast for the eyes and nose, pair rosemary with lavender.

Both plants prefer full sun and have similar watering needs.

Lavender's soothing scent complements the pungent aroma of rosemary, and together, they create a haven for pollinators.

To learn more about growing lavender, check out my guides How to Take Lavender Cuttings: A Step-by-step Guide, How to Create a Lavender Hedge, and When Does Lavender Bloom?

Here are the lavender plants I recommend growing:

Sage

Sage is another herb that thrives in the same conditions as rosemary.

Planting them together not only creates a beautiful herb garden but also helps in maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

Both herbs can benefit from the shared soil conditions and sun exposure.

To learn more about growing sage, check out my guide From Garden to Kitchen: The Art of Harvesting Sage.

Here is the sage I recommend planting:

Cabbage Family (Brassicas)

Rosemary is a great companion for cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.

Its strong scent is effective in deterring common pests that prey on these vegetables, such as cabbage moths.

To learn more about growing cabbage and broccoli, check out my guides Growing Cabbages in Containers and A Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Broccoli in Containers.

Here are the cabbage and broccoli seeds I recommend growing:

Strawberries

Surprisingly, rosemary and strawberries can be good companions.

Rosemary's insect-repelling properties can protect strawberries from pests, and its deep root system can help in structuring the soil for the shallow roots of strawberry plants.

To learn more about growing strawberries, check out my guide How to Plant a Strawberry Patch That Continually Produces Fruit.

Here are the strawberries I recommend growing:

Alliums (Onions, Garlic, Chives)

The allium family makes excellent companions for rosemary.

Their strong scents mutually benefit each other in repelling pests and attracting beneficial insects.

To learn more about growing alliums, check out my guides Onion Companion Plants: Creating a Natural Ecosystem, Spring Garlic Planting: From Clove to Harvest, and The Ultimate Guide to Growing Chives in Pots.

Here are the seeds I recommend planting:

Remember, while rosemary is friendly with many plants, it's crucial to consider individual plant needs, especially regarding watering and soil type.

Companion planting with rosemary can lead to a more productive, pest-resistant, and beautiful garden.

Worst Rosemary Companion Plants

While rosemary is a friendly herb in the garden, there are certain plants that it doesn't pair well with.

Understanding these incompatible combinations is crucial for maintaining a healthy garden.

Here's a look at some plants you might want to keep at a distance from rosemary:

Water-Loving Plants

Rosemary thrives in well-draining soil and doesn't require frequent watering.

Plants that need a lot of water, such as cucumbers, melons, or watercress, might not do well next to rosemary.

The disparity in watering needs can lead to overwatering rosemary or underwatering the other plants, which can stress or even kill the plants.

For more watering tips, check out my guide How to Use Watering Globes.

Potatoes

Potatoes and rosemary should be kept apart in the garden. Rosemary's strong scent and essential oils can impede the growth of potatoes.

Additionally, the soil requirements for these two are quite different, with potatoes preferring more moisture than rosemary.

Cucumbers

Similar to potatoes, cucumbers might not fare well when planted near rosemary. Cucumbers require more consistent moisture than what rosemary plants would appreciate.

This difference in watering needs can create a challenging environment for both plants to thrive.

To learn more about growing cucumbers separately, check out my guide A Guide to Growing Perfect Greenhouse Cucumbers.

Tomatoes (with Caution)

While some gardeners have success pairing tomatoes with rosemary, others advise caution.

Tomatoes and rosemary can be compatible due to similar light requirements, but their water needs differ.

If you choose to plant them together, pay close attention to their individual watering needs to ensure both plants remain healthy.

To learn more about growing tomatoes, check out my guides: Grow Tomatoes Anywhere with Grow Bags, Leggy Tomato Seedlings: Causes and Solutions and When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors.

Smaller, Delicate Herbs

Smaller herbs like cilantro or parsley might find it hard to compete with rosemary's robust growth. Rosemary can overshadow these smaller herbs, limiting their access to sunlight and nutrients.

It's important to remember that gardening is often about trial and error, and what works in one garden might not work in another due to differences in climate, soil type, and other environmental factors.

However, understanding these general guidelines can help you make informed decisions about planting companions for rosemary.

rosemary grown with companion plants in the garden

How to Plant Rosemary and Its Companions

Planting rosemary alongside its companions requires a bit of know-how to ensure that all the plants thrive together.

Here are some tips on how to effectively plant rosemary and its companions:

Choose the Right Location

Rosemary loves the sun and needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Select a spot (like a south facing or west facing spot) in your garden that receives ample sunlight. This is also ideal for most of rosemary's companion plants, like thyme, oregano, and lavender.

Soil Preparation

Rosemary thrives in well-draining soil, as it's susceptible to root rot in overly moist conditions.

Enhance your soil with organic matter to improve drainage if necessary.

For companion plants, ensure the soil meets their needs too. For example, adding compost can benefit vegetable companions like beans and carrots.

To add more nutrients to your soil, check out my guide A Simple Recipe for Rich Compost Tea.

Spacing and Planting

Give your rosemary room to grow. Plant rosemary bushes about 2 to 3 feet apart to allow for air circulation and growth.

When planting companions, consider their mature size and space them accordingly to prevent overcrowding and competition for nutrients.

Watering Considerations

While rosemary is drought-tolerant, its companions may have different watering needs.

Water your plants according to their individual needs, being careful not to overwater rosemary.

Using a drip irrigation system or watering at the base of each plant can help manage different watering requirements.

Here is my favorite drip irrigation system for the garden.

Mulching

Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your plants.

This helps retain moisture in the soil, suppresses weeds, and keeps the roots cool.

Be cautious not to let the mulch touch the base of the rosemary plant to prevent moisture build-up.

Here is the mulch I recommend using.

Pruning and Maintenance

Regular pruning is beneficial for rosemary and its companions.

For rosemary, pruning encourages bushy growth and prevents it from becoming leggy.

For flowering companions like lavender, pruning after blooming can promote a second bloom. Here are my favorite pruning shears for the job.

While pruning, consider taking some cuttings in order to propagate your rosemary.

To learn more on how to do this, check out my guide How to Propagate Rosemary: A Step-by-Step Guide.

By following these steps, you can create a harmonious and thriving garden space with rosemary and its companions.

The key is to understand and cater to the specific needs of each plant, ensuring a healthy and productive garden.

blooming rosemary with purple flowerings growing next to companion plants

Rosemary Companion Plants in a Vegetable Garden

Integrating rosemary into a vegetable garden can yield numerous benefits.

Not only does it help in pest control, but it can also enhance the growth and flavor of various vegetables.

Here’s how you can make the most of rosemary in your vegetable patch:

Complementing Leafy Greens

Rosemary can be particularly beneficial when planted near leafy green vegetables like spinach and lettuce.

Its strong aroma helps deter pests that commonly target these greens, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

To learn more about growing lettuce check out my guides Growing Lettuce in Containers: A Beginner's Guide, How to Harvest Lettuce Seeds, and Growing Romaine Lettuce: A Complete Guide.

Enhancing Root Vegetables

Root vegetables like carrots and onions are excellent companions for rosemary.

The herb's scent deters carrot flies and onion flies, common pests for these crops.

Additionally, rosemary's deep rooting system doesn’t compete with the shallow roots of these vegetables, allowing them to coexist harmoniously.

To learn more about growing carrots check out my guide When to Pick Carrots: The Comprehensive Guide.

Boosting Brassicas

Rosemary pairs well with brassicas such as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower.

Its scent is a natural deterrent for pests like cabbage moths, which can be a major nuisance for these plants.

The presence of rosemary helps to protect these vegetables, leading to healthier and more bountiful harvests.

Supporting Legumes

Beans and peas also make good companions for rosemary.

The herb helps in repelling bean beetles and aphids, common pests that afflict these legumes.

Additionally, the varying root depths of rosemary and legumes mean they won’t compete for nutrients, promoting better growth for both.

Creating a Pest-Repellent Barrier

Planting rosemary at the borders of your vegetable garden can act as a natural pest-repellent barrier.

Its strong scent is effective in keeping many garden pests at bay, providing an organic method to protect your entire vegetable garden.

You can also use rosemary to keep cats out of the garden, check out my guide Plants That Deter Cats: A Natural Solution to Keep Cats at Bay.

Considerations for Watering and Space

While planning your vegetable garden, remember that rosemary requires less water compared to many vegetables.

It’s important to arrange your garden layout in a way that allows for different watering zones.

This ensures that each plant, including rosemary, receives the right amount of water without adversely affecting its companions.

By thoughtfully pairing rosemary with these vegetables, you can create a synergistic effect in your garden.

Not only does this herb contribute to the overall health of your vegetables, but it also adds an aromatic dimension to the garden experience.

rosemary with a yellow moth growing in a garden with companion plants

Rosemary Companion Plants in a Flower Garden

Incorporating rosemary into a flower garden not only adds a touch of greenery and fragrance but also brings several benefits to flowering plants.

Here’s how rosemary can play a pivotal role in your flower garden:

Complementing Lavender and Other Aromatic Flowers

Rosemary and lavender are a classic pairing, both hailing from the Mediterranean and sharing similar growing conditions.

They thrive in full sun and well-draining soil.

The combination of their scents creates a delightful aromatic experience in your garden, and together, they attract a host of pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.

Here is the lavender I recommend growing.

Pairing with Ornamental Grasses and Perennials

Rosemary's evergreen appearance makes it a great companion for various ornamental grasses and perennial flowers.

It can provide a striking contrast in texture and color when placed next to softer, feathery grasses or vibrant perennials like Echinacea or Geums.

Here is the Geum I recommend growing with rosemary:

Creating a Pollinator-Friendly Environment

Flowering plants like cosmos, zinnias, and sunflowers, which are known to attract pollinators, can benefit from being planted near rosemary.

The herb's ability to attract bees and butterflies will help in the pollination of these flowers, enhancing their bloom and vigor.

Here are the zinnia seeds I recommend planting with rosemary:

Supporting Fragrant Herb Combinations

Consider planting rosemary alongside other fragrant herbs that also produce flowers, such as sage, thyme, and mint.

This combination not only adds variety to the garden but also creates a haven for beneficial insects and adds to the overall sensory experience.

Here are the mint plants I recommend growing:

Design Considerations

When designing your flower garden, consider the height and spread of rosemary.

It can grow quite tall and wide, so place it where it won't overshadow smaller plants.

Also, think about bloom times and colors to create a visually appealing garden throughout the seasons.

By integrating rosemary into your flower garden, you not only benefit from its pest-repellent properties and pollinator attractions but also contribute to the aesthetic diversity of your garden space.

Additional Tips for Growing Rosemary

While rosemary is relatively easy to grow, there are some additional tips that can help you ensure your rosemary plants are healthy and thriving.

Here's what you should keep in mind:

Choosing the Right Variety

There are several varieties of rosemary, and choosing the right one for your climate and garden space is crucial.

Here is the rosemary I recommend growing:

Planting from Cuttings

Rosemary is often easier to grow from cuttings rather than seeds. Snip a 2-3 inch cutting from an established plant, remove the lower leaves, and plant it in a well-draining soil mix.

This method can ensure a more robust start for your rosemary plant.

To learn how to grow rosemary from cuttings, check out my full guide How to Propagate Rosemary: A Step-by-Step Guide.

Soil pH

Rosemary prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

Testing your soil's pH and adjusting it if necessary can help your rosemary plant thrive. Here is the soil pH tester I use.

Adequate Air Circulation

Good air circulation is crucial for preventing fungal diseases, which rosemary can be prone to in humid conditions.

Ensure there's enough space between your rosemary and other plants, and avoid overcrowding.

Winter Care

In colder climates, rosemary needs protection during winter.

If it's grown in a pot, bring it indoors to a sunny spot.

If it's in the ground, covering it with burlap or a plant cover can help protect it from extreme cold.

This plant cover works really well:

Pruning for Health and Shape

Regular pruning not only helps maintain the shape of your rosemary plant but also encourages new growth.

Prune it in early spring to remove any dead or woody stems and to shape the plant.

Here are the best pruning shears you can get:

Monitoring for Pests

While rosemary is not heavily prone to pests, keep an eye out for aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, especially if grown indoors.

Natural remedies like neem oil or insecticidal soap are effective treatments.

Here is the insecticidal soap I recommend:

Harvesting Tips

For the best flavor, harvest rosemary in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun is at its hottest.

Cut sprigs as needed, but never remove more than one-third of the plant at a time to keep it healthy.

By following these tips, you can ensure your rosemary not only survives but thrives, whether it's in a pot on your patio or in your garden among its companion plants.

FAQ Section

Can rosemary and tomatoes be planted together?

Yes, rosemary and tomatoes can be companions in the garden, but with some considerations.

Both plants enjoy full sun, but rosemary prefers drier soil compared to tomatoes, which require more frequent watering.

If you decide to plant them together, it's essential to balance their watering needs.

Using a drip irrigation system can help you target the water delivery to each plant's root zone, ensuring that rosemary isn’t overwatered while the tomatoes receive adequate moisture.

Here is the drip irrigation system I recommend using.

Is rosemary a perennial herb?

Rosemary is indeed a perennial herb in many climates. It can withstand cooler temperatures but is sensitive to extreme cold and frost.

In regions with harsh winters, it’s best to grow rosemary in containers that can be brought indoors or to provide adequate winter protection if planted in the ground. In milder climates, rosemary can thrive outdoors year-round.

Are there any benefits to planting rosemary in a herb garden?

Planting rosemary in a herb garden has several benefits.

It acts as a natural pest repellent, thanks to its strong scent, which is effective against common garden pests like aphids and carrot flies.

Rosemary also attracts beneficial insects, including pollinators like bees, which can improve the overall health and productivity of your herb garden.

To learn more about herb gardening, check out my guide How to Start a Raised Bed Herb Garden.

Conclusion

The journey of discovering the ideal companions for rosemary in your garden is both rewarding and enlightening.

As we have seen, the key to a thriving garden partnership with rosemary includes choosing plants that share its love for well-draining soil and similar sunlight requirements.

From protecting your veggies to beautifying your flower beds, the benefits of incorporating rosemary are vast and varied.

Remember, the success of your garden doesn't just lie in the plants you choose; it also depends on understanding and catering to their shared needs.

So, embrace the versatility of rosemary, and watch as it transforms your garden into a more resilient, fragrant, and harmonious space.

Want to learn more about companion planting? Check out my guides: