Rosemary is one of the most beloved herbs in gardens, known for its fragrant aroma and versatility in cooking. But did you know that not every plant is a good neighbor to rosemary?
Some vegetables and herbs simply don’t get along with it, and planting them too close could harm both your rosemary and your harvest. The last thing you want is for your garden to become a battlefield where your rosemary loses out.
But don’t worry – I’m here to help you avoid those garden drama moments. Let’s take a look at seven herbs and veggies that should never be planted next to your rosemary!
#1 Mint: The Invader You Don’t Need Near Rosemary
You might think mint would make a great companion for rosemary with its fresh, fragrant leaves, but this dynamic duo just doesn’t work.
As mint spreads through its invasive underground runners, it can easily crowd out rosemary, leaving it with little space to grow strong.
Rosemary prefers dry, well-drained soil, but mint thrives in moist, fertile ground. This combination is a recipe for disaster, with both plants competing for resources. The result? Rosemary, the “underdog,” becomes stressed and vulnerable to disease.
#2 Basil And Rosemary Don’t Mix, And Here’s Why
Basil and rosemary might make an amazing pair in your pasta, but when it comes to growing them together, it’s a different story. Rosemary’s woody structure and strong scent can overpower basil, while basil’s delicate, soft leaves are no match for rosemary’s tough nature.
But that’s just the beginning of their issues. Watering is another big reason why you can’t plant these two together.
Basil loves consistently moist soil, while rosemary thrives in dry, well-draining conditions. Planting them close together creates a tug-of-war for water, with basil soaking up moisture and rosemary’s roots drying out.
Over time, this water imbalance will stress both plants, preventing them from thriving. So, if you don’t want to be left without these two amazing herbs to harvest, plant them separately! That’s when they’ll grow the happiest!
#3 Cabbage And Rosemary Won’t Be Friendly Neighbors
When it comes to growing rosemary, cabbage is a garden plant you should avoid planting nearby. Cabbage, like other brassicas, requires a lot of nutrients from the soil to produce its large heads, which can quickly outcompete rosemary for these important resources.
Rosemary, on the other hand, prefers sparse, nutrient-poor soil that helps it grow strong and aromatic. To avoid any conflicts, plant cabbage and rosemary in different areas of your garden. Give cabbage the nutrients it craves, and let rosemary enjoy the sunlight and space it needs.
#4 Beans Can Fix Nitrogen, But That Won’t Help Rosemary
Beans might be great at fixing nitrogen in the soil, but unfortunately, that doesn’t do any favors for rosemary. Rosemary actually prefers lean, nutrient-poor soil. So, the extra nitrogen provided by beans can encourage the kind of lush, leafy growth that rosemary doesn’t need!
Too much nitrogen can make rosemary’s foliage weak and less flavorful, leaving you with a plant that’s more focused on growth than its aromatic qualities.
Planting them together creates a battle for resources! Beans will soak up the water that rosemary prefers to keep dry, and the excess nitrogen will only encourage excessive growth that rosemary can’t handle
#5 Tomatoes Are Too Thirsty For Rosemary
While tomatoes are a garden favorite, they aren’t the best companion for rosemary. You might be wondering why these two can’t thrive together. Well, the main issue is water.
Tomatoes require a lot of moisture to grow and produce fruit, while rosemary prefers to dry out between waterings. If you plant them too close together, the tomatoes will soak up all the moisture in the soil, leaving rosemary with the short end of the stick.
Not only do tomatoes need a lot of water, but they’re also heavy feeders that drain the soil of nutrients. That’s why planting them next to each other simply won’t work!
#6 Rosemary Needs Dry, Thyme Loves Wet, Making Them A Bad Combo
Even though rosemary and thyme are both hardy, aromatic herbs, they don’t make great neighbors in the garden. Their water needs are drastically different!
Rosemary needs dry, well-drained soil and doesn’t like being overwatered, while thyme can tolerate a bit more moisture. If you plant them too close, thyme’s tendency to retain more moisture will leave rosemary soggy, which can stunt its growth or even lead to root rot.
#7 Fennel And Rosemary Might Be A Tough Match For Your Garden
Fennel is one of those herbs that demands attention. With its feathery, fern-like leaves and tall, dramatic blooms, it’s impossible to ignore. But fennel’s beauty hides a secret: it’s not always friendly with its neighbors.
Plant fennel too close to rosemary, and it’s like putting the brakes on its growth. Fennel releases chemicals into the soil that put a stop to rosemary’s potential, leaving it weaker and less fragrant.
So, there you have it! Keep these plants apart from your rosemary, and you’ll be rewarded with a thriving garden full of flavor and fragrance.