Rosemary

What you'll need:

Rosemary seeds or a small rosemary plant (beginners might find it easier to start with a plant)

A pot (at least 12 inches deep with drainage holes) or a sunny spot in your garden

Well-draining soil (rosemary doesn’t like soggy feet!)

Some sand or perlite (to mix into the soil for better drainage)

Basic gardening tools (a trowel, watering can, etc.)

When to start:

Rosemary loves warmth and sunshine. If you're planting outdoors, wait until all danger of frost has passed—typically late spring or early summer. Indoors? You can start anytime as long as you have a bright, sunny spot.

Finding a good spot:

Rosemary thrives in full sun. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. If you’re growing it indoors, place it near a south-facing window where it can soak up plenty of light. If natural light is limited, consider using a grow light.

Preparing the soil:

Rosemary prefers sandy, well-draining soil. If your soil feels too heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or perlite to help it drain better. The key here is to avoid waterlogged soil, which can cause root rot.

If you have seeds:

1. Fill a small pot with a mix of soil and sand (about 2 parts soil to 1 part sand).
2. Sprinkle the rosemary seeds on top of the soil, then lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil or sand—don't bury them too deep.
3. Water gently, keeping the soil moist but not soaking wet.
4. Place the pot in a warm, sunny spot. Be patient—it can take up to 3 weeks for seeds to germinate!
5. Once the seedlings are about 3 inches tall, you can transplant them into larger pots or directly into the garden.

If you have a young plant:

1. Dig a hole in your garden or pot that’s slightly larger than the plant’s root ball.
2. Gently remove the plant from its nursery container and loosen the roots if they’re tightly bound.
3. Place the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
4. Backfill with soil, gently pressing down to remove air pockets.
5. Water thoroughly after planting.

Spacing:

If you’re planting multiple rosemary plants, give them plenty of room to breathe—about 2 to 3 feet apart. Rosemary can grow into a bushy plant, so it needs space to spread out.

Watering:

• Rosemary doesn’t need much water. In fact, it prefers to dry out between waterings. Check the soil—if the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.
• Water deeply but infrequently. Overwatering is the most common mistake with rosemary, so err on the side of caution.
• If you’re growing rosemary indoors, make sure the pot has good drainage to prevent water from pooling at the bottom.

Sunlight:

• As mentioned earlier, rosemary loves the sun. Whether indoors or outdoors, ensure it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• If you notice the plant looking leggy or pale, it might not be getting enough light. Consider moving it to a brighter location or adding a grow light.

Pruning:

• Regular pruning helps rosemary stay bushy and healthy. You can start trimming once the plant is about 6 inches tall.
• Simply snip off the tips of the branches. This encourages the plant to grow more stems and become fuller.
• Don’t cut more than one-third of the plant at a time, though—rosemary needs its leaves to photosynthesize!

Fertilizing:

• Rosemary doesn’t need much fertilizer. In fact, too much can harm the plant by encouraging leaf growth at the expense of flavor.
• If you feel the need to fertilize, use a diluted liquid fertilizer once or twice during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid overdoing it!

Winter care (for outdoor plants):

• Rosemary is hardy in warmer climates, but if you live in a colder area, consider bringing potted rosemary indoors during winter.
• If planted in the ground, mulch around the base of the plant to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.

When to harvest:

• You can start harvesting rosemary as soon as the plant is established and has plenty of leaves—usually after a few months of growth.
• The best time to pick rosemary is in the morning when the oils are most concentrated, giving you the strongest flavor.

How to harvest:

• Use clean scissors or your fingers to snip off sprigs of rosemary. Cut just above a leaf joint to encourage new growth.
• You don’t need to harvest the entire plant at once—just take what you need. Rosemary is quite forgiving and will keep producing new growth.

Storing rosemary:

• Fresh rosemary can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Wrap the sprigs in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag.
• For longer storage, you can dry or freeze rosemary:
  • To dry, hang the sprigs upside down in a cool, dry place. Once dried, strip the leaves and store them in an airtight container.
  • To freeze, chop the leaves and place them in ice cube trays with a little water or oil.

Using rosemary:

• Fresh or dried rosemary is perfect for seasoning meats, soups, and roasted vegetables. You can also use it to infuse oils or vinegars for cooking!

Q: Why are my rosemary leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves usually mean overwatering. Rosemary likes dry conditions, so let the soil dry out completely before watering again. Also, check that your pot or soil is draining properly.

Q: Can I grow rosemary indoors?

A: Yes, but it needs plenty of sunlight—ideally 6+ hours of direct sun daily. If you don’t have a sunny window, consider using a grow light. Also, ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot.

Q: How do I stop my rosemary from getting too woody?

A: Regular pruning is key! Trim the tips of the plant often to encourage bushier growth. If your rosemary is already woody, you can try cutting it back by about one-third to stimulate new growth, but don’t cut into old, bare wood.

Q: My rosemary plant is dying in winter. What should I do?

A: Rosemary is sensitive to cold and frost. If you live in a colder climate, bring potted rosemary indoors during winter. For outdoor plants, mulch heavily around the base to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.

Q: Does rosemary attract pests?

A: Generally, rosemary is pest-resistant, thanks to its strong aroma. However, indoor plants may occasionally attract spider mites or aphids. If this happens, rinse the plant with water or use insecticidal soap to get rid of them.