Tips on Growing Rosemary
Fragrant, delicious herbs snipped at their height of freshness and added to enhance the flavor of a recipe; this is why many people insist upon growing rosemary and other culinary herbs. While a variety of herbs can be purchased in dried and “fresh” form in grocery stores, there is nothing that can compare to the flavor and texture of just picked freshness.
Of all herbs, there are certain ones that stand out as being superior for culinary expression. Rosemary is just such an herb. Its savory, slightly medicinal flavor is extremely complementary to many foods, and its nutritional properties make it valuable for sustained good health. The herb can be used as a major flavoring ingredient within a recipe, used as a topping or accent or even be used in beverages. There can be little wonder that rosemary is one of the most well known herbs to grow in an herb garden in homes when all of its attributes are considered.
Fresh herbs are always the ideal choice for chefs and cooking enthusiasts. Their flavors are intense, aromatic and clear when they are harvested one minute and added to a recipe the next. It is easy to have this type of delectable availability when growing rosemary and other herbs in your home or garden. Herb gardening has become a very popular activity; not only for the convenience of having freshly snipped herbs for recipes, but because they are also attractive additions to gardens. Growing these herbs is so easy that it can be done even within the comfort of your own home with the proper equipment and sunlight access. Rosemary is especially wonderful to grow due to its versatility; able to be used in recipes including pork, lamb, potatoes and oils, divinely fragrant in sachets and potpourris, soothing and healthful brewed in teas.
Growing rosemary and other similar herbs begins with a container, good rich soil and seeds or seedling plants. Choosing a container can afford a variety of options; a large pot with multiple herb plants strategically placed around, a window box or each herb in its own pot. The most important characteristic of a pot is to ensure good drainage; it should have multiple holes on the bottom and sit within a tray to allow excess fluid to seep out. The general rule of thumb when planting seeds is to cover fine seeds with a fine layer of soil. Keeping the pots moist yet not wet is crucial in the early stages of seed cultivation. In order to experience earlier harvesting of herbs like rosemary, plants can be purchased instead of planting seeds, and replanted into the herb container. Most herbs thrive in moderate sunlight, so it is best to keep the container near a bright window where than can receive at least five hours of sun each day.
The taller of the herbs, such as rosemary and basil, can grow up to 4’ which makes it imperative to allow them the room to grow. Frequent harvesting of the rosemary plant will keep it well trimmed and at a manageable size for indoor growing. Because it is a woody perennial, branching stems should be harvested instead of central stems so as not to inhibit the growth of the plant. If you will be using the herb immediately in a recipe, simply strip the leaves away from the stem using your thumb and index finger; chop fine and proceed with the recipe. The stems can also be dried or frozen for later use.
Growing rosemary enables gardeners to harvest their herb at their height of their freshness, bringing delicious, fragrant appeal to the table or home.