Sasha CampbellHave you ever wondered if you could place other plants next to rosemary in the garden?
The answer is yes. Rosemary is an herb that benefits from the company of many plants and vice versa.
You can help your rosemary thrive and boost your garden’s health by pairing it with good companions.
Good Companion Plants for Rosemary
Rosemary plays well with others in the garden. Some of the best companion plants for rosemary include:
- Marigolds
- Thyme
- Alyssum
- Zinnia
- Sage
- Oregano
- Onions
- Raspberries
- Marjoram
- Carrots
- Strawberries
- Geraniums
- Eggplant
- Chives
- Brassicas
- Beans
- Peppers
- Borage
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Lavender
With the right companions by its side, your rosemary plant will thrive and boost the health and productivity of your entire garden.
What Not to Plant with Rosemary
Rosemary is a hardy herb, but that doesn’t mean it pairs well with every plant in the garden.
Avoid planting it next to the herbs, fruits, and vegetables below. They are bad companions.
- Mint
- Sweet corn
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Watermelon
- Pumpkins
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
How to Grow Rosemary
Start with a healthy plant from your local nursery. Rosemary can be grown from seed but germinates very slowly, so buying an established plant is easier.
Planting
Once you have your rosemary plant, choose a spot in your garden with at least 6 hours of sun daily and well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball, loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole, and place the plant in the hole. Bury the rosemary up to its first set of leaves. Water thoroughly after planting.
Care
Rosemary is drought-tolerant, so only water when the top few inches of soil are dry. Fertilize in early spring before new growth starts.
Also, prune rosemary in early spring before new growth shapes the plant. Remove dead or damaged branches as well.
Never prune more than one-third of the plant at a time. To help retain moisture in the soil and prevent weed growth, mulch around the base of the plant with 2 to 3 inches of compost or pine needles.
Rosemary can live 10 to 15 years or more, so choose a spot in the garden carefully.
This herb rewards you with fragrant, piney leaves when you provide the right soil conditions and care. You can use them fresh or dried for cooking and herbal crafts.
The delicate purple flowers are also edible and make a lovely garnish [1].
Fertilizer Requirements
Rosemary is a hardy herb that benefits from fertilizer during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Fertilize rosemary in early spring, just as new growth starts, and then during the peak growing season every few weeks. As fall approaches and the weather cools, reduce feeding to allow your plant to harden off for winter.
While it continues to grow, rosemary will appreciate a boost from compost or compost tea, fish emulsion, Epsom salt, worm castings, or bone meal.
By feeding your rosemary plant regularly during the growing season and easing up in the fall, you’ll have a healthy, thriving herb for cooking and enjoying!
Garden Pests
Rosemary can attract some common garden pests. Look for aphids, thrips, spider mites, and whiteflies [2].
Look for these common pests regularly. Catching infestations early helps you take action.
This way, you can deal with them before they become a more significant problem.
Plant Diseases
Like any plant, rosemary is susceptible to diseases that affect its health and growth. Two of the most common diseases to watch out for with rosemary are root rot and powdery mildew.
Therefore, regularly inspect your rosemary for signs of these diseases. Prompt treatment or prevention can help keep your plant healthy.
Harvesting
Rosemary is easy to harvest for cooking or preserving. Once your rosemary plant is established, you can begin harvesting sprigs.
To harvest rosemary sprigs, use scissors or pruning shears to cut the sprigs.
Harvest sprigs that have healthy, green foliage. Avoid any sprigs that have started to turn brown.
Also, cut sprigs just above a set of leaves. Doing so will allow new growth to sprout from that point.
How to Store Rosemary
Proper storage is needed to preserve your rosemary harvest. Here are some tips to keep your rosemary fresh for months:
Drying
The easiest way to store rosemary long-term is by drying the sprigs. Rinse the sprigs and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Gather several sprigs together and tie off the stems with twine or string. Hang the bundles upside down in a warm, dry, dark place.
Check periodically to ensure that no moisture is building up. When dry, remove the leaves from the stems and store them in an airtight container.
Dried rosemary lasts 6 to 12 months. You can also strip rosemary sprigs straight from the garden and lay them on a baking sheet to dry completely before storing them.
Freezing
Another option is to freeze sprigs of fresh rosemary. Next, rinse, pat dry, and place whole sprigs in freezer bags, squeezing out excess air before sealing.
Frozen rosemary will last for up to a year.
Where to Buy Seeds
Your local garden center or nursery is one of the best places to find rosemary and other seeds. They will have seeds suitable for growing in your area and climate.
However, shop online if you cannot find what you want locally or if you want a wider selection.
Many reputable seed companies, like SeedsNow, sell high-quality rosemary seeds.
Takeaway
So there you have it—a few of the best companion plants for your rosemary bush. You’ll ensure healthy and happy growth by pairing your rosemary with plants with similar light and water needs.
Now, get out there and start planning your companion garden.
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