Growing Rosemary With ASC Magazine

Growing Rosemary Written By Tammy Adkins

ASC Magazine Edition 2 

(Rosmarinus officinalis) the culinary type of herb plant can be grown just about anywhere. Whether you are a new gardener or a seasoned one, rosemary is one of the easiest herb plants to grow.  It can handle high heat conditions and survives through most winter seasons.  It will also thrive well growing in a pot indoors.  Only one thing can prevent this beautiful herb from growing.  This plant will need full sun for its highest potential.  Too little sun and it will become spindly.

Rosemary prefers a light, alkaline soil and to be kept slightly moist until its roots are established.  Then, it prefers to be kept on the dry side, with only the roots needing to be slightly moist.  It can tolerate drought conditions very well and is wonderful to plant with other drought tolerant plants, such as thyme, sages, borage and sunflowers.  A rosemary plant that is suffering will enjoy an annual feeding of liquid fish emulsion and/or a kelp solution.  

Rosemary is evergreen and can be harvested year round.  You can pick 3 to 6 inches off a branch to help keep the plant bushy.   Then just hang your rosemary twigs to dry.  Once thoroughly dried, the leaves of the rosemary will be easily removed by back stripping it with your hands.  Rosemary can then be stored in a storage container for later use in your culinary dishes. Keep the dried rosemary away from light and heat, for the longest storage.

Rosemary may also be used fresh as a wonderful addition to flavor a pitcher of water, brewed in a tea or used in a natural flower arrangement, for added beauty.

The rosemary plant blossoms from early spring in to summer and sometimes again, in early fall.  The blooms range from dark lavender to light blue and some varieties include pink and white blossoms.

Cooking With Rosemary

Rosemary is a wonderful addition to many foods including soups, sauces and bouillons.  It can be minced and added as a savory to salads.  It can be added to meat dishes, such as lamb, chicken and pork.  Adding rosemary and garlic to potatoes is one of my favorite dishes.  Adding a sprig of rosemary into your roasted vegetables is a great addition to flavor the dish.  You can also make flavored oils and vinegars with rosemary which can be used for marinades. These will make wonderful culinary gifts.  Rosemary is a wonderful addition to savory breads such as foccacia.  

Rosemary is such a wonderful compliment to a variety of dishes and serves to help break down fats in the digestion process. 

Aromatherapy Effects of Rosemary: Invigorating, Refreshing, Stimulating, Uplifting  

Tammy grows her own herbs in the Smoky Mountains 

and she also makes essential oils from her homegrown herbs. 

If you would like to read more regarding this article you can Purchase Back Issues of the ASC Magazine Here: http://aquaponics-how-to-guide.info/magazine_back_issues/