Are you looking for a new plant to grow?
Rosemary is an herb that can be used in cooking, as well as to make your home smell wonderful. It’s easy to grow and maintain indoors or outdoors. Once it has taken root, this perennial shrub will thrive for years.
You can use rosemary in many recipes, including soups and stews, meats like chicken and lamb, vegetables like potatoes and carrots, breads like focaccia, or flatbreads with herbs baked into them. Rosemary also makes a great addition to homemade cleaning products because of its antibacterial properties. And don’t forget about the beautiful flowers! They are edible too! The blooms look lovely on salads or desserts such as cakes or pies. There are so many ways you can enjoy growing rosemary at home!
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
When is the Best Time of the Year to Plant Rosemary
The best time of the year to plant rosemary is during the fall season. Rosemary plants are very hardy and can withstand cold winters, so you don’t have to worry about them dying during the winter months. The next best time to plant roses would be in the spring or summer; however, that leaves them at risk for heat damage if planted in July or August.
Where in the Garden Should You Plant Rosemary
Find an area of the garden where there are at least 6 hours of sun per day. Dig up about 1 square foot and prepare the soil by mixing in manure and compost (1:1). Plant your sprigs 8-10 inches apart. Space them 12 inches away from other plants and shrubs, and be sure to point the stems upright. Water them thoroughly and then mulch around plants with organic matter such as grass clippings or compost. If you’re growing rosemary in a container, choose a standard variety of potting soil designed to retain moisture. Water it whenever the top 1-2 inches dry out.
Don’t plant rosemary where tomatoes or strawberries have grown recently because they are closely related and may succumb to fungal diseases that could infect your plants as well. It is also a good idea to avoid planting near lavender because the two plants can cross-pollinate and produce offspring with very low yields.
If you live in a hot, dry climate, consider growing rosemary in a pot on the patio. This will help keep the plant from wilting during periods of extreme heat. In general, container-grown plants will require more watering than those grown in the ground.
How Often Should I Watering Rosemary
It is best to water rosemary every other day. However, if the weather is hot and dry, you may need to water it every day. Make sure the soil is moist, but not wet. Too much water can cause the roots to rot.
If your rosemary plant is in a pot, make sure to water it whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. When you water, water until the soil is moist, but not wet. Make sure that the pot has drainage holes at the bottom, or place a saucer underneath it to allow excess water to drain out of the container.
If you live in an area where humidity is usually high (75 percent or more), your rosemary will not need to be watered as often. In fact, if the humidity is too high, the leaves may start to turn yellow.
The soil for rosemary should be slightly acidic with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0. If your soil is not acidic, you can add sulfur to the soil to bring down the pH.
Although rosemary is very drought-resistant, it needs some water in order for the roots to remain healthy. If you do not water enough (or if you are over-water), then you may prune off or stunt new shoots, which can cause your plant to become leggy. If you live in a hot, dry climate, then you may need to water your rosemary plant once a week.
If you are going on vacation and will not be able to water your rosemary plant for an extended period of time, you can either: (1) take the plant with you, or (2) place your plant outside during the day and bring it back inside at night. Make sure to not leave your rosemary plant out in the cold.
When and How to Harvest Rosemary
The best time to harvest rosemary is right before the plant blooms. You can tell that it’s time to harvest when the leaves are a deep green and have a rich fragrance. Harvest the leaves by cutting them off at the stem with a sharp knife.
You can harvest rosemary at any time during the growing season, but the leaves will be less potent if you harvest them late in the season. It’s best to harvest rosemary early in the morning when the essential oils are at their peak.
To harvest rosemary, you can either harvest individual branches with multiple stems or cut the whole plant down about 2 inches above the ground. You can also harvest rosemary by pinching off the new growth on your plants.
Different Ways to Store Rosemary
There are several ways to store your rosemary leaves. One is to crush up the leaves and put them in an airtight container or sealable baggie with olive oil for about two months. Another option is to dry the leaves by pulling off the stems, then stripping away the leaves, and putting them on low heat in a pan for five-ten minutes or until crispy. You can also freeze your rosemary by slicing it into thin strips, tossing it in olive oil, and placing it in a freezer-friendly container. Finally, if you have access to vacuum sealers you can mix your rosemary with olive oil and seal it with the machine for six months.
Here are some things that you should know about storing rosemary:
Make sure to put your rosemary away in the correct environment. Rosemary likes warm, dry climates so you should keep it somewhere where there is no dampness or cold air.
Picking leaves off the stem will allow you to store your rosemary for about twice as long as if you had left them on!
Fresh rosemary is best used within two weeks of purchase, but if you dry it or freeze it, it can last up to six months.
When using vacuum sealers, make sure that the leaves are completely coated in olive oil to prevent them from drying out.
Other Things of Interest About Rosemary
- The name of the plant comes from Latin Rosmarinus, meaning “dew of the sea.”
- It’s often said that rosemary was used to crown victorious Roman generals in ancient times.
- Rosemary has long been associated with remembrance and love because it bestows beauty and fragrance upon the mind, heart, and body.
- It is a very versatile herb and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
- Rosemary tea is thought to be beneficial for the brain, circulation, and digestion. Source
- The essential oil of rosemary is used in aromatherapy to improve concentration and memory, among other things. Source
- Rosemary can also serve as an insect repellant, which is why it should be close by when you’re barbecuing.
- The leaves can be dried and used in potpourris or as a natural moth repellant.
Conclusion: Now you have a better idea of how to grow Rosemary, so you can enjoy its many benefits. Whether you’re looking to cook with it, or just want a nice-smelling home, Rosemary is a great choice for any gardener.