Growing Rosemary

​
Hardiness zones 8 – 10
Soil Ph 6.5-7.0
Prefers light, sandy, well-drained soil 
Full sun

Rosemary does best when grow from cuttings. Starting from seed takes a long time and the plants are less vigorous. Cut a twig off a mature plant and strip off the leaves 2/3 from the bottom. Place the cutting in some water until the roots grow to be 1/3 of an inch. Plant the rooted twig in well, drained, sandy soil.
 
Once all chance of frost has passed, plant the rosemary in your garden. Each plant should be spaced between 2 to 3 feet apart. In the Square Foot Garden, I have spaced mine four feet apart. This provides plenty of space for much growth over the years. 
 
Rosemary grows well in the South and is considered an evergreen. If temps don't dip much below 30 degrees F, rosemary does fine. I did loose some of my well-established rosemary bushes during our infamous Texas "Snowmageddon" February 2021. But not all were damaged. 

In the North, rosemary is considered a tender perineal. Grow rosemary in pots and bring them inside if weather drops below freezing.  
 
Harvest rosemary often when leaves are lush. For the best flavor, harvest just before the plants bloom. This is when the leaves' oil content is at its highest. 

Use fresh leaves in cooking, or dry and use in tea, seasoning, or medicinal products.