Ever wondered if you could place other plants next to rosemary instead of having it sit there by itself in the garden?
It turns out that rosemary is an herb that benefits from the company of certain plants, and vice versa. You can help your rosemary thrive and boost your whole 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 it germinates very slowly, so buying an established plant is easier.
Planting
Once you have your rosemary plant, choose a spot in your garden that gets at least 6 hours of sun per day and has 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
This herb 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 starts to shape the plant and remove dead or damaged branches.
Never prune more than one-third of the plant at a time. Mulch around the base of the plant with 2 to 3 inches of compost or pine needles to help retain moisture in the soil and prevent weed growth.
Rosemary can live 10 to 15 years or more, so choose a spot in the garden carefully.
With the proper light, soil conditions, and care, this herb will reward you with its aromatic, piney leaves that can be used 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, but it still benefits from fertilizer during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, such as 10-10-10.
Fertilize rosemary in early spring, just as new growth starts, and then every few weeks during the peak growing season. 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. Keep an eye out for aphids, thrips, spider mites, and whiteflies [2].
By regularly scouting for these common pests, you can catch infestations early and take appropriate steps to get rid of them before they become a bigger problem.
Plant Diseases
Rosemary, like any plant, can be 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 from it.
To harvest rosemary sprigs, use scissors or pruning shears and cut sprigs that are 6 to 8 inches in length.
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. This will allow new growth to sprout from that point.
How to Store Rosemary
To preserve your rosemary harvest, proper storage is key. 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, and dark place.
Check periodically to ensure there is no moisture building up. When dry, remove the leaves from the stems and store them in an airtight container.
Dried rosemary will last 6 to 12 months. You can also strip the 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 up to a year.
Where to Buy Seeds
One of the best places to find rosemary and other seeds is your local garden center or nursery. They will have seeds that are suitable for growing in your area and climate.
However, if you can’t find what you’re looking for locally or want a wider selection, shop online. There are many reputable seed companies that sell high-quality rosemary seeds, like SeedsNow.
Takeaway
So there you have it—a few of the best companion plants for your rosemary bush. By pairing your rosemary with plants that have similar light and water needs, you’ll ensure healthy and happy growth for all.
Now get out there and start planning your companion garden.
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