Garden Tips & Resources

Rosemary, a durable evergreen ’sub shrub’, is also known as Rosmarinus officinalis. Growing rosemary has been a past time for ages. Rosemary is characterized by its delicious aroma, usually used for the seasoning of food. Rosemary oil can also be used for medicinal purposes. The foliage is dark and shiny on the leaf face and white and woolly underneath. The plants can grow up to six foot high and live for years if protected from extreme winter conditions.

The name of this famous herb, ‘rosemary’ traces back to the original meaning of “dew of the sea”. Rosemary is very aesthetically pleasing, and kind to the eye. At springtime, the herb blooms beautiful flowers in pasted to dark blue. An appealing part of growing rosemary is the longevity of the plant. This perennial will last for decades with only minimal care.

Records from ancient history shows it was believed to contain powers to strengthen memory. Even recent scientific studies have shown that rosemary contains ingredients that slow down or stop the break down of acetylcholine levels within the brain. This is a brain chemical, which is involved in memory function. It is amazing that centuries ago people were aware of the medicinal properties of growing herbs that science is proving today.

Springtime is the best planting season for growing rosemary. The best method of propagating rosemary is by taking cuttings. Take six-inch stem cuttings and strip the leaves bare a couple of inches from the bottom. Push the stems into a compost mix. Cover the rosemary with a clear plastic bag to keep in heat. A temperature of 60°F to 70°F is needed for the cuttings to root.

After the rosemary has routed, it can then be re-planted in the garden. (usually around eight weeks).The rosemary should be planted in direct sunlight, but is ok with slight shade.

If growing rosemary in plant pots, be certain the pot has proper drainage. Line the container to ensure the drain holes do not become plugged.

The ideal space for growing rosemary is to place the plants twenty four inch apart. Rosemary prefers dry, well-drained soil, and grows extremely well with only occasional watering. The plant performs even better, where the soil is alkaline. You can increase the pH level in the soil by adding lime.

Rosemary is not too fussy about soil condition as long as it is not waterlogged. Add sandy soil to aid your soil’s drainage system. Areas with a small amount of rainfall per year is actually beneficial for this type of herb.

Be sure to only water when the soil is totally dried out, and use liquid fertilizer once a month from spring thru Autumn. When growing rosemary, you catch a break from the usual thirsty plants in the garden. To harvest Rosemary simply cut the stems with a sharp knife.

Growing Rosemary for cooking

Rosemary has short, pointy leaves a lot like pine needles. The needles can be finely chopped and used to flavor a variety of dishes. Sprigs or whole stems can be added to meats in the roasting pan.

Tips for Growing Rosemary.

Rosemary can act as a moth repellent! Try growing near cabbages or beans as an effective natural pest deterrent.

Rosemary’s fragrant flowers will attract bees, butterflies, and birds to your garden.

Rosemary medical uses

Rosemary is well known as a pain reliever, medicine for nervous disorders, and stomach ailments. The organic compounds contained within the herb may even prevent cancer, by inhibiting toxic carcinogens.

Growing rosemary is for the savvy gardener who wants year round delight from the garden without a lot of fuss. Kind of like a real happy marriage. You’ll definitely be pleased with the results of growing rosemary.

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