Rosemary and lavender are two of the most commonly cultivated herbs. Their enchanting fragrance, distinct flavor, and breathtaking appearance make them stand out.
But did you know that planting these herbs next to each other is a great way to use the potential of both species?
Here’s why rosemary and lavender belong together in the garden!
Why Plant Rosemary And Lavender Together?
The first reason why rosemary and lavender make great companions is their similar growing requirements. They both thrive in porous, free-draining, and slightly alkaline soil types.
These plants aren’t hard to maintain, so you can have a thriving raised bed with minimal care.
Another reason to plant lavender and rosemary together is because of their captivating appearance. The needle-like leaves of rosemary and purple blossoms of lavender will add a special touch of beauty to your outdoor space.
Your garden will look amazing and smell fantastic, and that’s the biggest dream of every gardener.
But the story doesn’t end there. Both species are renowned for their pest-repelling abilities. For instance, mosquitoes despise the scent of both rosemary and lavender, which means you can spend your summer not worrying about these annoying critters.
By including rosemary and lavender, you’ll decrease the number of pests and protect various plants grown in your garden.
How To Plant
The first step when planting your lavender and rosemary is to select a suitable spot. Remember that both plants flourish in sunny locations.
Now it’s time to prepare the growing medium. As mentioned, the soil must be fast-draining, so if you have compact soil, amend it with perlite or similar ingredients to enhance drainage.
Well-rotted compost will also improve soil drainage and promote airflow, but also boost the nutrient levels needed for healthy rosemary and lavender growth.
Additionally, make sure the soil is slightly alkaline; I recommend performing a soil test before planting these herbs.
The next step is to ensure enough space for both species; make sure there’s about 1-3 feet between each plant to prevent fungal growth.
Pay attention to lavender spacing and ensure approximately 18 inches between each plant.
Now water your lavender and rosemary and loosen the soil with a garden fork. When digging holes for these herbs, make sure they’re larger than their root balls.
Carefully take your rosemary and lavender out of their current containers. Put them in the holes, ensuring they are at the same depth as they were in their containers.
Add more soil around the rootball to close the air pockets and pack everything well. Irrigate your newly planted rosemary and lavender to help the soil settle well.
How To Care For Rosemary And Lavender
I highly recommend adding a layer of organic mulch to the base of your freshly planted herbs. Wood chips and straw are some of the best materials for this purpose.
Mulch will help the soil of your herbs to retain water, inhibit weed growth, and aid in soil temperature regulation.
Pay attention to the watering schedule of your rosemary and lavender; make sure the soil is dry before watering because both plants are prone to root rot disease.
Don’t feed these herbs too often; they’re used to poor soils in their natural environment.
Pay Attention To The Following
You can use rosemary and lavender in many different ways and planting them near each other can help them reach their full potential.
But there are some things to consider if you decide on planting these two next to each other.
Lavender and rosemary may not respond the same to some conditions. For instance, rosemary plants aren’t tolerant to cool temperatures so they may struggle to grow in harsh climates.
You can prevent frost damage in your rosemary by applying a layer of mulch around the plant base.
The next thing to consider is the size of both plants. Rosemary develops into an upright shrub, unlike lavender which has a bushy growth habit and won’t grow as tall.
Overcrowding is extremely dangerous because your lavender and rosemary can start competing for sunlight, nutrients, and space.
Simply ensure the recommended spacing and you’ll have healthy and thriving rosemary and lavender! The only thing left to do is enjoy your aromatic and visually appealing garden!