Tomatoes and rosemary often clash in the garden for several reasons:
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Tomatoes need regular watering and rich, moist soil.
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Rosemary can suffer from too much moisture and prefers well-drained, lean soil.
Overwatering to keep tomatoes happy could easily rot rosemary’s roots. Plus, tomatoes attract hornworms and whiteflies—pests rosemary doesn’t want anywhere nearby.
🚫 5. Cucumbers
Much like pumpkins and tomatoes, cucumbers love water and rich soil. Rosemary? Not so much.
If you plant rosemary too close to cucumbers:
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It may get waterlogged.
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The shade from cucumber vines can stress it.
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Both plants can compete for space and air circulation, increasing the risk of fungal issues.
Bottom line: give these two their own zones.
🚫 6. Chives (and Other Alliums)
Chives and their allium cousins (onions, garlic, leeks) can stunt rosemary’s growth. Why?
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Alliums release compounds into the soil that can interfere with nearby plant roots.
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Rosemary has shallow roots and doesn’t handle aggressive neighbors well.
If you want a healthy, robust rosemary bush, keep it far from that row of chives or garlic bulbs.
Better Companions for Rosemary
Now that you know who not to plant with rosemary, here are some great companions instead:
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Sage – Similar water and sun needs.
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Thyme – A drought-tolerant herb that grows well with rosemary.
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Lavender – Also loves dry soil and full sun.
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Marjoram and Oregano – Mediterranean herbs that thrive under the same conditions.
These plants won’t crowd rosemary and may even help deter unwanted insects.
Final Thoughts
Rosemary is a tough herb, but even the toughest garden stars need good neighbors. To help your rosemary thrive—and avoid issues with stunted growth, pest problems, or root rot—keep it away from water-hungry or aggressive plants like basil, mint, and tomatoes.
Instead, pair it with like-minded herbs and let it shine in the sunny, dry spot it loves most.
Want more garden pairing tips? Stick around—we’ve got plenty more plant wisdom coming your way!
