10 herbs you should NEVER plant near rosemary

Rosemary is a beloved herb known for its aromatic leaves and culinary versatility. It’s a staple in many gardens, thriving in well-drained soil and full sunlight. However, not all herbs make good neighbors for rosemary. Planting the wrong companions can lead to competition for resources, stunted growth, or even plant failure.

In this article, we’ll explore ten herbs that should never be planted near rosemary. Understanding the reasons behind these poor pairings will help you cultivate a thriving herb garden and ensure your rosemary remains healthy and productive.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a Mediterranean herb that thrives in warm, sunny environments. It prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 and requires at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. Rosemary is drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.

Proper spacing is crucial for rosemary, as it can grow up to 4 feet tall and wide. Allowing adequate air circulation helps prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew. When planting rosemary, it’s essential to consider its need for space, sunlight, and dry conditions, which can be at odds with the requirements of other herbs.

Certain herbs have conflicting needs or growth habits that make them unsuitable companions for rosemary. These herbs may require more water, different soil conditions, or compete for nutrients and space. Additionally, some herbs release chemicals that can inhibit the growth of nearby plants, a phenomenon known as allelopathy.

Understanding these interactions is key to successful companion planting. By avoiding incompatible pairings, you can prevent competition and ensure that all your plants have the resources they need to thrive.

Mint is a vigorous grower that can quickly overtake garden space with its spreading roots. It thrives in moist soil, which contrasts sharply with rosemary’s preference for dry conditions. Planting mint near rosemary can lead to competition for space and water, ultimately stunting rosemary’s growth.

To keep both herbs healthy, it’s best to plant mint in a separate container or a different part of the garden where it can spread without interfering with other plants.

Basil is a sun-loving herb that, like rosemary, requires full sunlight. However, basil prefers more moisture and richer soil than rosemary. When planted together, basil’s need for frequent watering can create overly damp conditions for rosemary, increasing the risk of root rot and fungal diseases.

Additionally, basil can grow quite large and bushy, overshadowing rosemary and competing for sunlight. To avoid these issues, consider planting basil in a separate area where its watering needs can be met without affecting rosemary.