Always plant rosemary by the garden gate

"Always throw spilled salt over your left shoulder. Keep rosemary by your garden gate. Add pepper to your mashed potatoes. Plant roses and lavender, for luck. Fall in love whenever you can.”

—Alice Hoffman, Practical Magic

As summer comes to a close, I'm already prepping to bring my herb pots in from the patio. It inspires me to make pesto, dry lavendar and infuse olive oil with rosemary. Here are a couple of my favorite herb inspired home accessories: 

1. Manchester Glass Set ($128) Anthropologie

I got this for Christmas this past year with the intent of hanging it in my kitchen. I love it so much that I ended up hanging it in my office right next to my desk. I love to keep herbs in it or fresh flowers. When I don't have something fresh, it is great for holding paint brushes.

2. 2014 Herbs and Spices Calendar ($16) Rifle Paper Co. 

I love all things Rifle Paper Co. and am coveting one of their calendars. I love this one and their Secret Gardens calendar ... my birthday is next month. Thanks. 3.The Back in the Day Bakery Cookbook ($24.95) Back in the Day Bakery (I bought mine at Town's End General Store in Downtown Franklin)

I just got this new cookbook and am dying to try lots of the recipes in it including these Lavender Shortbread Cookies (recipe below).

4. Claudia Pearson Herbs Epicurean Tea Towel ($16) Claudia Pearson (I got mine at Hey Rooster General Store in East Nashville)

I couldn't resist this aqua and kelly green tea towel. If you haven't been to Hey Rooster in East Nashville yet ... go! It's beyond adorable!

5. Lemon Sage Candle ($18) Thistle Farms

Thistle Farms is a Nashville-based social enterprise that helps women who have survived prostitution, trafficking and addiction. The women hand-make body care products. Great candles, lotions and lip balms. Great cause.

6. Herbs of Provence ($14.95) Williams-Sonoma

A dried blend of thyme, basil, savory, fennel and lavender from the South of France adds delicious flavor to poultry, meat, sauces and soups.

7. Organic Wheatgrass Seed ($4) AshBlue

Ok so not technically an herb but I'm going to plant these seeds in a oblong glass vase in my kitchen for a pop of color and a detox shot to my morning smoothie. Recipe from The Back in the Day Bakery Cookbook:

Lavender Shortbread Sublime, with floral notes Makes 24 cookies

1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon fleur de sel 1 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons dried lavender About 1/4 cup granulated sugar for dusting Special Equipment: Cookie stamp (optional)

1. Line two cookie sheets with parchment.

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or in a large mixing bowl, using a handheld mixer), beat the butter, vanilla, and fleur de sel on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Turn the speed down to low, add the confectioners’ sugar, and beat until light and fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the flour in thirds, beating until just incorporated. Sprinkle in the lavender and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

3. Transfer the dough to another bowl and finish mixing by hand to make sure no bits of flour or butter are hiding on the bottom of the bowl and the dough is thoroughly mixed. The lavender should be evenly distributed throughout the dough.

4. Use a small ice cream scoop to form the cookies, about 1 rounded tablespoon each, and place on the prepared cookie sheets, leaving 1 inch between the cookies to allow for spreading.

5. Flatten each cookie with a cookie stamp dusted with granulated sugar, or gently flatten each cookie with the palm of your hand and then dust the tops with sugar. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 3 hours, before baking.

6. Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F.

7. Bake the cookies, one sheet at a time, for 8 to 10 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through the baking time, until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.

There are diverse interesting myths surrounding rosemary. But its uses are what captivates the most. Rosemary boasts robust antioxidant properties and is useful in making bodily perfumes. And they’re famous for their medicinal and culinary value.

This herb’s attractiveness sets it apart. But then, what is it about keeping rosemary by the garden gate? If you’re looking for an answer to this question, you’re not alone. 

Excitingly, we have managed to put together the reason having this herbaceous plant by your garden is a wise decision. Please, keep reading to learn more. 

Contents

• 1 Why Do You Need To Plant Rosemary By Your Garden Gate?
• 2 Where Do You Put Rosemary in the Garden?
• 3 Reasons Why Should You Always Plant Rosemary By Your Garden Gate
• 4 Does Rosemary Regrow After Cutting?
• 5 Does Rosemary Need Sun or Shade?
• 6 How Often To Water Rosemary?
• 7 Can Rosemary Grow Indoors?
• 8 Things To Consider When Growing Rosemary Indoors
  • 8.1 1. Tackle challenges with light
  • 8.2 2. Water with care
  • 8.3 3. Avoid humidity
    • 8.3.1 Conclusion:

Why Do You Need To Plant Rosemary By Your Garden Gate?

To most people, the reason to plant rosemary by the garden gate is to beautify the garden entrance. And you can’t fault them for thinking that way. Rosemary is a super attractive plant with a unique color that is easy to spot from any angle. 

So, why do you need to plant rosemary by your garden gate? It is simple – to deter pests! The reason rosemary can deter pests and critters, such as deer and rabbits, is because they produce a powerful aroma. Pests don’t fancy the aroma and would prefer backing off.

Yes, rosemary has the capacity. And it doesn’t have to be all over your garden to be effective. Just place it at the entrance of the gate, and you’ll understand how incredible the herb is.    

Rosemary’s strong aroma can confuse pests heading for plants in a garden. And what’s more, they’re hardy perennial and low maintenance plants, with the capacity to live for 10 to 15 years when provided with adequate care.   

Where Do You Put Rosemary in the Garden?

The fact that rosemary is a breeze to grow makes it a wise choice for herb home gardens. Its pine-like scent and pungent flavor also make it a popular herb across the globe. 

So, where can you put rosemary in the garden? It thrives in areas where it can get full sunlight (At least 6 hours of sunlight). And the soil should be well-draining too. Under both conditions, the herb has a higher chance of thriving. 

This herb doesn’t tolerate getting consistently wet. Waterlogging may cause it to die. So, please, plant your rosemary in sandy, stony soil, and well-drained soil. Otherwise, you’ll be wasting your time. 

Space is another thing to consider when planting rosemary. Ensure the plant is well-spaced as it can grow 4 feet tall and spread to about 4 feet wide. 

What plant can you grow near rosemary? Plant it close to cabbage, beans, sage, and carrot. It does perform well alongside these crops. 

A Handy Tip: Before growing rosemary, one crucial decision is to plant the seedling or cuttings. However, the seeds experience low germination, so planting cuttings from an already established herb would be a wiser option. 

Reasons Why Should You Always Plant Rosemary By Your Garden Gate

Protecting a garden from pests can be a daunting task. You could also lose almost everything if you don’t take proper action. 

Again, pest control can be financially demanding. And that’s why using cheaper means like rosemary to prevent pests, and even predators from feasting on your crops would be pretty appealing to many gardeners. 

Rosemary gives off a strong aroma that helps confuse pests, causing them to desist from attacking plants in a garden. It can repel carrot root flies, and cabbage moths, causing your garden to flourish. And it can repel flies and mosquitoes too. 

Another reason to consider planning rosemary at your garden gate is the herb’s attractiveness. Rosemary can breathe life into your garden. You may start to enjoy visiting your garden. And what’s more, it enhances your landscape. 

Rosemary is also drought tolerant, making it a breeze to maintain. So, having it in your garden won’t take time away from you that other plants may require.

Rosemary’s aroma has been touted to improve mood and relieve stress in individuals suffering chronic stress disorders. It’s a wonderful source of minerals, such as calcium, iron, and vitamins A, C, and B-6. 

So, having rosemary in your garden will give you access to the herb all year round. Thus, you can quickly harvest the leaves to season your food. It is excellent for seasoning soups, salads, stew, and casseroles. 

You can use this herb to season oily fish, game, lamb, pork, and poultry. You may not have to visit the market now and then to purchase fresh rosemary.

A Handy Tip: All rosemary varieties are edible. And you can consume it without cooking it, though simmering before doing so would make sense. Otherwise, it would be difficult to consume when added to cold foods, as it’s chewy and woody.   

Does Rosemary Regrow After Cutting?

Yes, it does, though that would depend on how you cut it. If you cut inappropriately, you won’t get a regrowth. 

So, what’s the best way to cut rosemary? Now, take a closer look at the herb. You’ll figure out that one part is an entirely woody stem, while the other is green steam. 

The green stem grows out from the woody portion. You’ll find them at the uppermost part of the herb. If you want your rosemary to re-grow, cut only from the green steam. You won’t get a regrowth by cutting the woody one. 

When cutting the green steam, cut where the leaves meet and don’t go too far down. 

A Handy Tip: Late winter to early spring is an excellent time to cut the whole rosemary plant if that’s what you want to do. Doing so can help to rejuvenate an older rosemary plant. 

Does Rosemary Need Sun or Shade?

Rosemary fancies sunlight. It thrives in a place with full sunlight and requires 6 to 8 hours of sunlight every day to thrive. So, when planting by your garden gate, consider the availability of sunlight to the area. 

So, rosemary is not the kind of herb that you can grow under light shade. It requires full sunlight. And sometimes, you may even have to supplement the sunlight you’re getting daily with artificial light. 

If shade is the only means you have to grow the herb, ensure you provide light via artificial means. Use HID or LED lights for the best result, though sunlight is still the better option. 

With natural sunlight, you’ll get a balanced wavelength that can cause your herb to blossom. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h2&gt;&lt;span id="How_Often_To_Water_Rosemary"&gt;How Often To Water Rosemary?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p&gt;Rosemary doesn’t thrive in waterlogged soil. Therefore, take proper care when watering your rosemary, as applying excess water can cause issues to the herb. It would even survive much better under drought.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;However,&lt;strong&gt; newly planted rosemary plants need constant watering. You need to water them for one to two weeks to grow and become well-established on the soil. But once they get to this level, excess watering should stop&lt;/strong&gt;.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;So, how can you determine if your rosemary plant needs water? Sincerely, it isn’t easy. The reason is that the herb’s needles don’t wilt the same way broad leaves do.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Just water your rosemary herb once in one or two weeks, depending on the climatic condition at the time and plant size. Let the water dry out completely before watering again&lt;/strong&gt;.&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;div style="clear:both;margin-top:0em;margin-bottom:1em"&gt;&lt;a href="//yardpit.com/do-hot-tubs-attract-mosquitoes/" target="_blank" rel="dofollow" class="u3e774c4ba006cbda9beef9e5cec29d32"&gt;&lt;style&gt; .u3e774c4ba006cbda9beef9e5cec29d32 { padding:0px; margin: 0; padding-top:1em!important; padding-bottom:1em!important; width:100%; display: block; font-weight:bold; background-color:#eaeaea; border:0!important; border-left:4px solid #34495E!important; text-decoration:none; } .u3e774c4ba006cbda9beef9e5cec29d32:active, .u3e774c4ba006cbda9beef9e5cec29d32:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; text-decoration:none; } .u3e774c4ba006cbda9beef9e5cec29d32 { transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; } .u3e774c4ba006cbda9beef9e5cec29d32 .ctaText { font-weight:bold; color:inherit; text-decoration:none; font-size: 16px; } .u3e774c4ba006cbda9beef9e5cec29d32 .postTitle { color:#000000; text-decoration: underline!important; font-size: 16px; } .u3e774c4ba006cbda9beef9e5cec29d32:hover .postTitle { text-decoration: underline!important; } &lt;/style&gt;&lt;div style="padding-left:1em;padding-right:1em"&gt;&lt;span class="ctaText"&gt;See also&lt;/span&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;span class="postTitle"&gt;Do Hot Tubs Attract Mosquitoes? (And 6 Ways To Keep Them Away)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span id="Can_Rosemary_Grow_Indoors"&gt;Can Rosemary Grow Indoors?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Yes, you can grow rosemary indoors. It does thrive in soil-based and peat-free composts. Just ensure to add rocks to the bottom to improve drainage&lt;/strong&gt;.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;It is also essential to water the herb during dry spells&lt;/strong&gt;. And during the growing season, endeavor to use a general fertilizer.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h2&gt;&lt;span id="Things_To_Consider_When_Growing_Rosemary_Indoors"&gt;Things To Consider When Growing Rosemary Indoors&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-111" class="ezoic-adpicker-ad"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class="ezoic-ad ezoic-at-0 leader-1 leader-1111 adtester-container adtester-container-111" data-ez-name="yardpit_com-leader-1"&gt;&lt;span id="div-gpt-ad-yardpit_com-leader-1-0" ezaw="300" ezah="250" style="position:relative;z-index:0;display:inline-block;padding:0;min-height:250px;min-width:300px" class="ezoic-ad"&gt;&lt;script data-ezscrex="false" data-cfasync="false" type="text/javascript" style="display:none"&gt;if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'yardpit_com-leader-1','ezslot_16',111,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-yardpit_com-leader-1-0');The simplest way you can grow rosemary indoors is to grow it in a container. But that doesn’t mean all rosemary plants will thrive indoors. If you don’t do the right thing, it would be difficult for the herb to survive indoors.&nbsp;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Rosemary requires full sunlight. So, moving it indoors is even challenging to the plant, as you would be depriving it of getting natural light&lt;/strong&gt;.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;However, you can help by acclimatizing the plant to the latest condition you want it to grow in. How can you do this? &lt;strong&gt;Move the potted plant to the shadier portion of the garden. Over time, the plant will get used to not getting enough sunlight, which it would face indoors.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Now, here are things to consider when growing rosemary indoors.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;&lt;span id="1_Tackle_challenges_with_light"&gt;1. Tackle challenges with light&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;Let the plant be by the window. Please endeavor to use the brightest window you have around. You can supplement by introducing fluorescence light if you think the plant is struggling under this circumstance.&amp;nbsp;&lt;span id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-119" class="ezoic-adpicker-ad"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class="ezoic-ad ezoic-at-0 large-mobile-banner-1 large-mobile-banner-1119 adtester-container adtester-container-119 ezoic-ad-adaptive" data-ez-name="yardpit_com-large-mobile-banner-1"&gt;&lt;span class="ezoic-ad large-mobile-banner-1 large-mobile-banner-1-multi-119 adtester-container adtester-container-119" data-ez-name="yardpit_com-large-mobile-banner-1"&gt;&lt;span id="div-gpt-ad-yardpit_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0" ezaw="290" ezah="250" style="position:relative;z-index:0;display:inline-block;padding:0;min-height:250px;min-width:290px" class="ezoic-ad"&gt;&lt;script data-ezscrex="false" data-cfasync="false" type="text/javascript" style="display:none"&gt;if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'yardpit_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_6',119,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-yardpit_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');<span class="ezoic-ad large-mobile-banner-1 large-mobile-banner-1-multi-119 adtester-container adtester-container-119" data-ez-name="yardpit_com-large-mobile-banner-1"><span id="div-gpt-ad-yardpit_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0_1" ezaw="290" ezah="250" style="position:relative;z-index:0;display:inline-block;padding:0;min-height:250px;min-width:290px" class="ezoic-ad"><script data-ezscrex="false" data-cfasync="false" type="text/javascript" style="display:none">if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'yardpit_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_7',119,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-yardpit_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0_1');

2. Water with care

Rosemary needs water, but not as much as they require sunlight. So, water with caution. Underwatering, rosemary can be an issue. This drought-tolerant herb is prone to root rot when you overwater them.

Consider the top inch of the soil before watering. If it seems dry, water, but if it’s wet, don’t. During winter periods, rosemary’s growing process slows down. And consequently, they won’t require much water. 

3. Avoid humidity

Ensure your rosemary is never in a humid environment. Why? It makes the herb susceptible to powdery mildew. Use a fan on the plant for a few hours to generate a breeze. 

Conclusion:

Should I Keep Rosemary By The Garden Gate? Why not? Please do. If you have a garden loaded with herbs, planting rosemary by the gate could be beneficial. It can deter or confuse pests, helping your garden to stay pest-free. 

Rosemary also boasts an encouraging medicinal and nutritional value. Thus, it would make sense to have it on hand.    

Where should I plant rosemary in my garden?

What herb do you plant at your garden gate?

What should not be planted near rosemary?

Is rosemary a good border plant?