A Ripple Spring 2022 article
From garden to table, our new series, we look at herbs and veggies you can grow in your garden or in pots if you don’t have the space. What are the best growing conditions are, everyday uses, and interesting recipes. Taking your lovingly cared for produce from your garden to your plate.
Few things are as rewarding as enjoying the produce of your very own garden!
Rosemary
This ancient herb is a staple amongst herbs and is easy to grow and incredibly versatile. What is a garden or a Sunday lunch without rosemary?
Ideal growing conditions
One of the great benefits of growing rosemary is that it is very happy in a pot.
Hailing from the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, rosemary does best in warm areas with fair humidity, where it can grow into a shrub several feet in height. In fact, rosemary grows so vigorously in ideal conditions that it can become a bit of a burden if not managed properly!
Plant in full sun for the best results. The planting site should have well-draining soil; rosemary won’t tolerate being consistently wet. Ideally, the soil should be relatively fertile (mix in compost prior to planting to increase nutrient levels), slightly acidic in pH (6.0 to 7.0), and have a loamy consistency.
Rosemary is a hardy evergreen plant that grows in temperate climates and performs best in temperatures of between 18°C and 26°C. It is also tolerant of frost.
How to grow rosemary
Rosemary can be grown from seed, but germination rates are generally quite low, and seedlings are slow to grow. Therefore, it’s strongly recommended to start new rosemary plants from cuttings taken from established plants. Cuttings grow quickly in good conditions and should be ready for outdoor planting in about 8 weeks.
Pruning and harvesting
Prune regularly so that plants won’t get lanky.
Harvest up to a third of the rosemary at any one time, allowing the plant to replace its growth before taking more.
Everyday uses of rosemary
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]1.Rosemary for linen & clothing
Place a small bunch of rosemary wrapped in twine in each drawer. This beautiful herb will give your clothes an earthy pine scent, and is also known to naturally repel moths.
2. Rosemary for relaxation
Add a dash of rosemary oil in to your evening bath for a relaxing and rejuvenating soak. You can also place a drop or two on your pillows to help you unwind and fall into a blissful sleep.
3. Rosemary for beautiful hair
Massage rosemary infused oil gently into your hair and your scalp. Leave the oil to condition for an hour or so, then wash out as you usually would. Rosemary is known to help boost circulation in the scalp and is a nourishing hair and scalp tonic. It is especially good for dark hair.
4. Rosemary for love
Bouquets, wreaths and table decorations look lovely with the addition of fresh rosemary, beautiful for any type of gathering or celebration. Legend says that tapping a rosemary sprig against the finger of a loved one assured their affection.
Make your own rosemary infused oil at home
- To begin, you will need a sterilised bottle or jar. Rinse recycled jars thoroughly first in hot soapy water, then boil in a large saucepan for 20 minutes.
- Put as much fresh rosemary as you can into the jar or bottle.
- Pour olive oil over the rosemary, filling right to the top. As a rough rule of thumb, use two cups of oil to one cup of herbs, although this may change slightly depending on the vessel used.
- Secure the jar or bottle tightly with a lid and place it in a warm spot. This could be a sunny place on the veranda or windowsill, or in a warm cupboard. Leave the oil to infuse for 2-3 weeks, or until the rosemary begins to brown. Take the cap off and smell its beautiful aroma. If it is not strong enough for you, strain the liquid, fill the jar with fresh plant material, and pour the oil back over it. Leave for another week or so. You can repeat this step until the oil is as aromatic as you desire.
- When the oil is ready, strain thoroughly and pour into a clean bottle. You can store your aromatic oil in a cool place, for up to 6 months.
Recipes
