Rosemary
December 2021
Rosemary is an evergreen herb originally from the Mediterranean. It is deer resistant, drought resistant, and delicious all year.
Read below for more about the planting, maintenance, and uses of rosemary.
Rosemary Growing Tips:
- Start from Cuttings:
- Clip stems 4-6 inches from the top of the plant.
- Remove the lower leaves.
- Place the stems in a jar of water on a windowsill.
- Wait 4-8 weeks for the roots to grow.
- Plant in a potting soil/sand mixture.
- Transplant outdoors once you see new growth and after the last spring frost.
- Where to plant:
- Full sun – Rosemary thrives in 6+ hours of sunlight a day.
- Well-draining soil – Plant uphill or on a mounded area if possible. Avoid heavy clay and low-lying areas where water pools.
- Plenty of space – Rosemary can grow to a 4 foot tall 4 foot wide shrub.
- Harvesting/Pruning:
- Rosemary can be harvested at all times of the year, but is best after new growth in the spring.
- For ideal flavor, harvest from the tips just before flowering when the oils peak. Harvesting in the morning after the dew dries but before midday heat also enhances flavor.
- Feel free to prune (cut back) severely after the blooms fade. This will encourage dense growth and allow you to shape the shrub.
- When pruning, always leave at least one third of the plant for photosynthesis purposes.
The Many Uses of Rosemary:
Nutritional Benefits of Rosemary:
Rosemary is high in antioxidants and can help boost the immune system. Even smelling rosemary can help reduce stress!
Storage:
- Store fresh rosemary in a glass of water or loosely wrapped in a damp paper towel in the refrigerator.
- Dry rosemary by hanging several sprigs upside down in a cool, dry place with adequate airflow for several days. Once rosemary has dried, store in an airtight container for later use.
Recipe:
- Rosemary compliments most meats and poultry, along with roasted vegetables and stews. It pairs well with garlic and oregano.
- Rosemary can be used dried or fresh in many recipes thanks to its bright but earthy flavor.
- Tip: Make rosemary-infused olive oil by adding a sprig of rosemary to a jar of olive oil.
- Try rosemary with this recipe for Chicken, Sweet Potato and Butternut Squash Hash.
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