Growing Rosemary: A Simple Beginner's Guide to Planting, Caring for, and Using this Aromatic Herb
Hey there! Today, we're talking about rosemary—a hardy, fragrant herb that’s a must-have in any garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, rosemary is a fantastic addition to your green space. Let's look at the varieties, planting tips, care instructions, and some delicious ways to use rosemary in your kitchen.
Varieties of Rosemary
There are several varieties of rosemary to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are a few popular ones:
Tuscan Blue: Known for its tall, upright growth and vibrant blue flowers, Tuscan Blue is perfect for hedges and borders.
Prostrate Rosemary: This variety has a creeping habit, making it ideal for ground cover or cascading over walls and containers.
Arp: Arp is one of the hardiest varieties, with a strong lemon scent and blue flowers. It is great for cooler climates.
Blue Boy: A compact variety that’s perfect for small spaces and container gardening. It has delicate blue flowers and dense foliage.
Tips for Beginners
Start with a Healthy Plant: To get started, purchase a healthy rosemary plant from a nursery. Look for vibrant green leaves and sturdy stems.
Choose the Right Spot: Rosemary loves the sun, so pick a sunny spot in your garden or a bright location on your balcony.
Well-Draining Soil: Rosemary dislikes sitting in wet soil. Ensure your planting spot has well-draining soil or use a pot with drainage holes.
When to Plant Rosemary
The best time to plant rosemary is in the spring after the last frost has passed. If you live in a warmer climate, you can also plant in the fall. Rosemary is a perennial in zones 8-10, meaning it will return year after year. In colder climates, consider growing rosemary in pots to bring it indoors during the winter.
Planting Rosemary
What You’ll Need:
Rosemary plant or seeds
Well-draining soil for in-ground planting or potting mix for containers. Rosemary is not that particular about soil quality. In the past, I’ve planted in rock-hard clay soil, and my upright rosemary thrived.
You will need a sunny spot, preferably full sun.
Watering can or water hose for the few times you will need to water.
Directions:
Prepare the Soil: If planting in the garden, loosen the soil and mix in some compost. For pots, use a well-draining potting mix.
Planting:
Seeds: Sow seeds on the surface of the soil and lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist until germination, which can take 2-3 weeks.
Transplants: Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of your rosemary plant. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, gently pressing down to remove air pockets.
Watering: Water the plant thoroughly after planting. Rosemary is drought-tolerant, so water sparingly once established. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Caring for Your Rosemary
Sunlight: Ensure your rosemary gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Watering: Rosemary prefers to be on the dry side. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Pruning: Regular pruning helps maintain the shape of the plant and encourages new growth. Trim back about one-third of the plant in early spring.
Fertilizing: Rosemary is not a heavy feeder. A light application of compost or a balanced fertilizer in the spring is sufficient.
Using Rosemary in Recipes
Rosemary's piney, citrusy flavor makes it a versatile herb in the kitchen. Here are a few ways to use your homegrown rosemary:
Roasted Vegetables: Toss your favorite veggies with olive oil, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. Roast until tender and caramelized.
Herb Butter: Mix softened butter with finely chopped rosemary, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Spread on bread or use to top grilled meats.
Infused Oil: Add a sprig of rosemary to a bottle of olive oil for a flavorful infusion. Drizzle over salads, pasta, or use for dipping bread.
Baked Goods: Incorporate rosemary into bread dough or biscuit batter for a savory twist.
Teas and Cocktails: Steep rosemary in hot water for a soothing tea, or use it to garnish and flavor cocktails.
Easy Lemon Rosemary Chicken
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
An easy lemon rosemary chicken recipe that requires just 10 simple ingredients! The chicken is seasoned with lemon pepper seasoning, seared and then cooked in a simple lemon rosemary butter sauce.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1¼ pound total)
1 ¼ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
3 tablespoons EACH: butter AND lemon juice
5 cloves garlic minced
⅓ cup chicken broth
1 ¼ teaspoon EACH: freshly chopped rosemary AND parsley
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (more/less to taste)
2 teaspoons honey (or maple syrup)
additional lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
PREP: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 425ºF.
SAUCE: In a 1-cup measuring cup, combine 2 tablespoons of butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, chicken broth, freshly chopped rosemary, parsley, red pepper, and honey and microwave in 30-second increments until the butter melts. Keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t boil over!
CHICKEN: Season the chicken breasts with lemon pepper seasoning on both sides and a big pinch of salt. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to an ovenproof skillet placed over medium-high heat and when it's hot, sear the chicken breasts. Do not overcrowd the pan or your chicken won’t brown. You may want to do this in two batches. Cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side. If you don’t have an ovenproof skillet, transfer the chicken to a 9x13 baking dish sprayed with cooking spray.
BAKE: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken. Bake for 13-17 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165ºF. Feel for firmness on the thickest part of the breast if you don’t have a thermometer. Spoon the sauce over the chicken breasts a couple of times during the baking process to keep the chicken moist! The amount of time required for the chicken to bake just depends on the thickness.
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 296Total Fat: 13gCarbohydrates: 5gSugar: 3gProtein: 38g
Growing rosemary is a rewarding and delicious way to enhance your garden and your meals. With its hardy nature and delightful flavor, rosemary is a fantastic herb for any gardener. Happy planting and happy cooking!
With Love & Gratitude,
Janet & Jennifer
Some products mentioned in our blogs have affiliate links, meaning we get paid a small amount when you make a purchase through our link. We only recommend products we have personally tried and found useful.
