Tips for Growing Rosemary
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Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis, is a hardy evergreen sub shrub. Growing rosemary is an activity that dates back through time. Well-known for its aromatic leaves, which are used for seasoning food. In the past, rosemary oil was used as medicine. 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, and will last for many years with only a small amount of 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 (acetylcholine is a chemical known for its involvement in memory function). It is amazing that centuries ago people were aware of the medicinal properties of growing herbs that science is proving today.
An ideal time for growing rosemary is springtime. Taking cuttings from the herb is usually the best way of propagating. 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.
When growing rosemary in containers, make sure the container has sufficient 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 can excel when placed in well drained, dry soil and only watered occasionally. The plant performs even better, where the soil is alkaline. You can increase the pH level in the earth by adding lime.
Rosemary is not too fussy about soil condition as long as the soil is not waterlogged. Add sandy soil to aid your soil’s drainage system. Growing rosemary in areas that receive little rainfall is advantageous for this drought tolerant scrub.
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 leaves that resemble pine needles. The needles can be finely chopped and used to flavor a variety of dishes. Throw in the whole stem to meats ready for roasting, and remove when serving.
Growing Rosemary tips.
Rosemary can act as a moth repellent! Try growing near cabbages or beans as an effective natural pest deterrent.
Rosemary’s beauitiful flowers will attract bees, butterflies, and birds to your garden.
Medicinal uses for rosemary
Rosemary can be used for pain relief, treatment for nervous conditions, And belly trouble. It contains natural organic compounds, which have been shown to inhibit carcinogens that may lead to cancer.
For the all year round gardener, who want enjoyment from their garden without too much messing around, growing rosemary is ideal. Kind of like a real happy marriage. You’ll definitely be pleased with the results of growing rosemary.
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November 9th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
Your readers with late season herb and vegetable gardens may well find that they will grow more than they can use, preserve or give to friends.
They may want to visit http://www.AmpleHarvest.org - a site that helps diminish hunger by enabling backyard gardeners to share their crops with neighborhood food pantries.
The site is free both for the food pantries and the gardeners using it.
More than 1000 food pantries nationwide are already on it and more are signing up daily.
It includes preferred delivery times, driving instructions to the pantry as well as (in many cases) information about store bought items also needed by the pantry (for after the growing season).
AmpleHarvest.org enables people to help their community by reaching into their back yard instead of their back pocket.
Lastly, if your reader’s community has a food pantry, they should make sure the pantry registers on http://www.AmpleHarvest.org. Its free.