If you’ve read any of my other articles about growing rosemary, then you’ll see that I talk a lot about where to plant rosemary. What you haven’t heard from me is whether it’s a good idea to plant your rosemary by your garden gate. Is this a good idea? Many gardeners have heard that planting rosemary by their garden gate is a good way of warding off pests. But is this true, or is it just a myth? So today I’m going to cover the answers as to why you shoul plant rosemary by your garden gate. And I’ll separate the myths from the realities. I’ll cover if it makes any difference, and the best spots to plant rosemary.
Rosemary is a beneficial herb that you can grow either indoors or outdoors. Depending on which variety you choose, your rosemary can grow up to 2 meters tall and wide. Rosemary can be grown in pots, or directly in the soil in your garden. Rosemary, is I think, a beautiful plant with rich green needle-like leaves. In the spring, subtly-coloured flowers bloom. I love brushing past the Rosemary plants in the garden, rubbing the pine-like needles between my fingers and inhaling.
The Rosemary plant is native to the Mediterranean regions of southern Europe and parts of Asia. It prefers warmer temperatures, moderate humidity, and soil that drains easily. Many people love to grow rosemary because it looks beautiful, is great for cooking, and can (allegedly) help with minor aches and pains.
Rosemary is a classic herb that has been grown in gardens for centuries. Its piney, refreshing scent and flavor make it a staple in many culinary dishes. An old gardening tradition says that planting rosemary by your garden gate can help protect your garden from pests and bless your home. But is this just folklore, or is there any truth to the benefits of placing rosemary by your gate?
What is Rosemary?
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a woody, perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region. It has thin, needle-like leaves and a pungent aroma reminiscent of pine and lemon. Tiny light blue or white flowers bloom on rosemary plants in spring.
Rosemary is extremely hardy and drought-tolerant. Once established it requires little care beyond occasional watering and pruning. It can be grown as a shrub, hedge or container plant. Culinary varieties can reach 5-6 feet tall and wide, while more compact ornamental cultivars max out around 3 feet tall.
In cooking, rosemary adds a distinct flavor to meat, vegetable, and bread dishes. Its leaves and essential oil have been used medicinally for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. Rosemary also has a long history of use in spiritual rituals, weddings, and funerals.
The History Behind Rosemary by the Garden Gate
The tradition of planting rosemary by the garden gate stems from European folklore and superstition. In the Middle Ages rosemary was revered for its purported mystical qualities. People believed it could ward off witches, demons and nightmares if planted outside the home.
Wreaths of rosemary were hung on doors to deter evil spirits and prevent them from entering. The belief was that a thriving rosemary plant meant the woman of the house ruled the domain. As it grew and spread, she gained power over her home and family.
Over time, this evolved into the tradition of planting rosemary directly by the entryways to homes and gardens. It was thought keeping rosemary close would protect the entire property and bless all who dwelled there.
Does Rosemary Really Deter Pests and Improve Crop Yields?
The strongest rationale behind placing rosemary by garden gates relates to pest control and pollination. Rosemary contains compounds like camphor, borneol, and cineole that produce its pungent, piney fragrance. Many common garden pests dislike this scent. The aroma can deter or confuse them, preventing infestation of nearby plants.
Multiple studies have shown extracts and essential oils from rosemary repel aphids, whiteflies, cabbage loopers, mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and other unwanted bugs. Interplanting rosemary with vegetables like beans, carrots, parsnips, and onions may help reduce pest damage. Its low-growing varieties can also serve as fragrant ground cover to suppress weeds.
While rosemary doesn’t attract as many pollinators as plants like lavender and thyme, its flowers still draw bees, wasps, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Positioning rosemary at garden entrances allows these beneficial insects easy access to aid pollination. This can potentially increase yields for fruiting plants and herbs.
So in terms of pest control and plant productivity, there appears to be some merit to keeping rosemary stationed by garden gates. However, results will vary based on your climate, garden layout, and pest pressures. Strategically planting rosemary throughout the garden may be more effective than just one specimen by the main gate.
Other Benefits of Growing Rosemary at Garden Entrances
Aside from possible pest protection, here are a few other advantages of placing rosemary by garden gates and entryways:
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Acts as an attractive, fragrant ornamental shrub to greet visitors
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Serves as a focal point when not much else is in bloom
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Releases its scent when brushed against, allowing you to enjoy as you pass through
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Reminds you of its culinary uses each time you enter or leave
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Easy to harvest for cooking without wandering through the entire garden
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Adds evergreen structure during winter when most plants have died back
What Are the Downsides to Growing Rosemary by the Gate?
Although the benefits are promising, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider:
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Limited pest protection if the garden is unfenced or open to access from all sides.
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May grow too large and obstruct pathways, gates, or access points after several years. Requires pruning to keep in bounds.
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Not all insects and animals dislike or avoid the scent of rosemary. Results will vary by species.
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Can harbor diseases like powdery mildew in poor air circulation. Avoid planting too close to gates or fences.
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Requires full sun (at least 6 hours daily) which may not be available right by garden entrances.
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Can struggle with excess moisture from irrigation runoff near gates and walkways. Ensure excellent drainage.
Where Should You Plant Rosemary In Your Garden?
While placing rosemary by gates offers some potential benefits, the most important factor is planting it where it will thrive. Here are some ideal locations:
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In well-draining, sandy or loamy soil rich in organic matter. Avoid heavy, wet, or compacted soil.
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Where it will receive full sun – at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. Morning sun is preferable.
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In sheltered spots away from harsh winds, which can damage leaves and flowers.
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Near vegetables and herbs it may help protect, like carrots, beans, onions, sage, and lavender. Keep away from tomatoes and potatoes which don’t pair well.
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Surrounded by low-growing herbs and flowers. Allow at least 2-3 feet space between large rosemary shrubs.
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Against walls, fences, or structures that can provide warmth, shelter, and support. Avoid planting under roof overhangs.
The tradition of growing rosemary by entryways stems from folklore and superstition, but it may have some science to back it up. Rosemary can potentially help deter garden pests while attracting pollinators. However, its effectiveness will depend on your specific conditions. While locating rosemary by a garden gate offers some benefits, focus first on meeting the plant’s sun, soil, and climate preferences. With proper care, rosemary will add beauty and fragrance to gardens whether by the gate or anywhere else.
Why plant Rosemary at your Garden Gate
So, is it really a good idea to plant rosemary by your garden gate, or is it a myth?
It’s true! It is a good idea.
But for what reason? Why do you plant rosemary by your garden gate?
Plant Rosemary at the Garden Gate to deter pests
The first reason to plant rosemary at the garden gate is that doing so will help protect your other plants.
Rosemary has a very strong aroma that can confuse pests and will deter them from eating other plants in your garden. There are two ways this works.
Because the aroma of the Rosemary plant is so strong and unappealing to pests, pests are deterred from going after your other plants. The aroma can also confuse the pests. They smell the strong scent of rosemary and don’t realize that there are other plants in the area, as the smell of rosemary overpowers the smell of other plants.
Rosemary’s pest-deterring abilities are one reason why people like to use rosemary as hedge shrubs. It creates a protective “fence” around the garden, deterring pests from entering.
How to Grow Rosemary – 7 Tips for Success
FAQ
Why are you supposed to plant rosemary by your garden gate?
It even repels mosquitos if you rub the leaves on yourself. You can even plant rosemary near plants that are prone to pests to mask their scent with this stronger-smelling herb. That’s why there’s the old garden wisdom to plant rosemary at your garden gate.
What does rosemary by the garden gate mean?
According to folklore, if rosemary grows vigorously in your garden, it means the land is well-loved and protected—and some say it even wards off garden pests and unwanted energies alike. ✨ Garden witches often planted rosemary near the garden gate or perimeter as a natural guardian of both plants and spirit.
What should rosemary not be planted near?
While tomatoes thrive in nutrient-rich soil with regular watering, rosemary prefers drier, leaner conditions, leading to incompatibility. Cabbage Family (eg, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Kale) Why Avoid? Rosemary releases compounds that can inhibit the growth of cabbage family crops, making them poor companions.
Where should you plant rosemary in your garden?
Rosemary is very easy to grow and needs little maintenance once established in a warm sunny spot with free-draining soil.
Should you plant Rosemary by your garden gate?
For this reason, it makes sense that you would want it at the forefront of your garden. Another practical reason to plant rosemary by your garden gate is that it will be more accessible to you. You can run out and harvest rosemary sprigs as you need them without walking through the entire garden.
How do you plant a Rosemary plant in a garden?
When planting rosemary herb plants in the garden, be sure to choose a spot that receives enough sunlight for a minimum of 6 hours. Before planting, you can enrich the soil with some organic or chemical fertilizers to ensure the healthy growth of the plants. Consider planting a herb plant with a root growth system from a nursery rather than seeds.
Should you grow Rosemary in your garden?
There are three main benefits of growing rosemary in your garden. Not to mention that it is just an overall good companion plant. It will happily grow alongside all your other flowers, veggies, and fresh herbs. And it is a very low-maintenance plant. Just put it in a place that has well-drained soil that is full of organic matter.
How do you grow Rosemary in a container?
Rosemary grows well in large pots or containers. To grow it in a pot, fill the pot with a mixture of 20% sharp sand or grit and 80% standard potting compost. Make a hole in the compost and place one rooted cutting in the middle of the pot.
What is Rosemary a symbol of?
Rosemary was a popular herb to use at weddings. It was said that a rosemary branch decorated with silk ribbons of all colours would be given to wedding guests as a symbol of love and loyalty. The bride would also wear a wreath that had rosemary in it. Oddly enough, rosemary was also used a lot for funerals as a symbol of remembrance.