Companion planting for rosemary is an experience-based observation developed over centuries. People have noticed that planting certain plants side by side has a positive effect on each other, increasing the quality and quantity of the harvest.
Companion planting is not set in stone and it is the least you can do for your plants. You can get the right care from the individual plant article. You can see the companion and the enemy plants of rosemary below.
| Companion plants for rosemary | Enemy plants of rosemary |
|---|---|
| Lavender | Mint |
| Thyme | |
| Carrot | |
| Strawberry | |
| Marigold |
Why does companion planting work?
Companion planting works due to several interconnected factors:
Pest Control: Certain plants emit natural chemicals or scents that repel pests, effectively acting as natural pest deterrents for nearby plants. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fosters a more balanced ecosystem.
Attracting Beneficial Insects: Some companion plants attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, which feed on common garden pests. This creates a natural form of pest control and helps maintain ecological balance.
Soil Improvement: Different plants have varying root structures and nutrient requirements. Companion planting can enhance soil health by reducing soil erosion, suppressing weeds, and improving nutrient uptake. For example, leguminous plants fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting neighboring plants that require nitrogen for growth.
Competition Reduction: Companion planting can help reduce competition for resources such as water, sunlight, and nutrients by utilizing plants with complementary growth patterns and root structures. This allows for more efficient resource utilization and healthier plant growth.
Biodiversity and Resilience: Planting diverse species together increases biodiversity in the garden, which can enhance ecosystem resilience. A diverse ecosystem is better equipped to withstand pests, diseases, and environmental stresses compared to monocultures.
Maximizing Space: Companion planting allows gardeners to make the most of limited space by intercropping plants with different growth habits and maturity rates. This maximizes yield per square foot and promotes efficient land use.
Overall, companion planting capitalizes on the natural synergies between plant species, creating a thriving and sustainable garden ecosystem.
What are the companion plants of rosemary?
The following plants have positive effects on the growth of your rosemary. These plants can repel pests that damage your plants. These plants provide increased nutrition to the soil that your plants can use. Therefore, we recommend planting these plants next to your rosemary.
Lavender
Lavender thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, alkaline soil with a pH range between 6.5 and 7.5. Full sunlight and good air circulation nurture its delicate flowers and aromatic foliage. Lavender provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, and promoting relaxation and tranquility in the garden environment. Belonging to the Lamiaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like rosemary and mint, lavender symbolizes the natural elegance and serene beauty found within the garden's sanctuary.
Lavender and rosemary are a match made in garden heaven. With their similar love for sunny spots and dry soil, they grow happily side by side without competing for resources. But lavender brings more than just beauty—it helps attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which can help rosemary thrive. Plus, its strong scent keeps away pesky insects that might bother your rosemary.
Thyme
Thyme grows sandy or loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 8.0. Full sunlight and moderate moisture nurture its flavorful foliage and compact growth. Thyme provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting beneficial insects, and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Thyme and rosemary work like old friends, supporting each other in all the right ways. Thyme acts as a natural mulch, covering the soil to help keep moisture in while keeping weeds out. It also brings in beneficial insects like bees, which help pollinate rosemary’s tiny flowers. Plus, its strong aroma helps confuse pests, keeping rosemary safe from hungry bugs.
Carrot
Carrots thrives in well-drained, loose soil enriched with organic matter. Adequate moisture and sunlight support robust root growth and vibrant foliage. Carrots offer general benefits to neighboring plants by improving soil structure with their deep taproots, enhancing soil aeration, and creating pathways for water and nutrients to reach other plant roots.
Carrots might not seem like an obvious rosemary companion, but they do a great job underground. Their long, thin roots break up the soil, making it easier for rosemary’s roots to spread and soak up nutrients. Carrots also attract helpful insects like predatory wasps, which keep rosemary safe from harmful pests. And since they don’t compete for space or nutrients, they make great neighbors in the garden!
Strawberry
Strawberries grow in loamy soil with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their delicate fruits and lush foliage. Strawberries provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by attracting pollinators, suppressing weed growth with their dense foliage.
Strawberries may seem like an unlikely friend for rosemary, but they bring surprising benefits to the table. Their low-growing leaves help shade the soil, keeping it cool and reducing water evaporation—something rosemary appreciates in hot weather. Strawberries also help attract pollinators, which can improve rosemary’s flower production. With these two together, you get both a fragrant herb and sweet, juicy berries in one space!
Marigold
Marigold flourishes in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture its colorful flowers and aromatic foliage. Marigold provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Marigolds are famous for their ability to keep bad bugs away, and rosemary benefits greatly from their protection. Their strong scent repels aphids, nematodes, and other pests that might target rosemary. Marigolds also help improve soil health by preventing harmful fungi from taking hold. On top of all that, their bright flowers add a cheerful touch to any rosemary patch.
What are the enemy plants of rosemary?
Planting these plants next to rosemary has a huge negative effect on the development of your plant. Growing enemy plants can appeal detrimental insects, change the taste of the grown plant and even consuming all of the nutrients and water from your rosemary. Because of these negative effects, we don’t recomment growing the plants below next to your rosemary.
Mint
Mint thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, moist soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Partial shade and consistent moisture nurture its lush foliage and aromatic leaves. Mint provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting beneficial insects, and promoting a sense of freshness in the garden.
Mint may smell fresh and lovely, but when it comes to growing next to rosemary, it’s more of a troublemaker than a friend. Mint spreads fast and aggressively, taking over the soil and hogging all the space, water, and nutrients. Rosemary, which prefers dry, well-drained conditions, struggles to keep up with mint’s rapid growth. Plus, mint’s creeping roots can crowd out rosemary’s, making it hard for it to thrive.
