Rosemary

Rosemary leaves can be picked all year round.

Rosemary thrives in a sunny, sheltered position in well-drained soil. You can grow your rosemary in 30-60cm containers filled with soil-based or multi-purpose compost. You are best growing rosemary from a ready-grown plant which you can purchase in your local garden centre, and planting your rosemary in Spring.

Water regularly during dry summers, especially if growing in a container! Feed plants in containers with a balanced fertiliser after they have finished flowering. Remove shoots carefully as required.

Top tips

– Protect your plants in hard winters and cold areas. For container-grown plants, raise them onto pot feet. For plants in the ground, apply a thick mulch around the plant and cover the branches with sheets of horticultural fleece.

– Cut back stems after blooms start to fade.

– Beware of the rosemary beetle! Check your plants regularly and pick off by hand.

– Leaves can be used fresh or dried.

Key timings