Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis, is a hardy evergreen sub shrub. Growing rosemary is an activity that dates back through time. Well-known for its aromatic leaves, which are used for seasoning food. Rosemary oil can also be used for medicinal purposes. The herb has a dark and glossy feel to the leaf, with a white, woolly underside. The plants can grow up to six foot high and live for years if protected from extreme winter conditions.

The name of this famous herb, ‘rosemary’ traces back to the original meaning of “dew of the sea”. In an herb beauty contest, Rosemary would come in 1st place, hands down. In the spring, the plant puts on a display of delicate blooms in colors from pale to dark blue. Rosemary is known for its longevity, and will last for many years with only a small amount of care.

Records from ancient history shows it was believed to contain powers to strengthen memory. Recent studies have found that rosemary contains blockers that prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain. This is a brain chemical, which is involved in memory function. Amazingly, this knowledge was known amongst humans so far back in time, when it is only in the present that this claim has been proven.

Springtime is the best planting season for growing rosemary. Taking cuttings from the herb is usually the best way of propagating. Take six-inch stem cuttings and strip the leaves bare a couple of inches from the bottom. Stick these stems into a mixture of compost. Then cover up the rosemary with clear polythene, or carrier bag to keep the heat in. A temperature of 60°F to 70°F is needed for the cuttings to root.

The rosemary can be transplanted in the garden when it has rooted. in approximately eight weeks.The rosemary should be planted in direct sunlight, but is ok with slight shade.

When growing rosemary in containers, be certain the pot has proper drainage. Place lining inside the container to prevent soil clogging up the drainage holes.

An ideal placement for growing rosemary is around 2 feet from each other. Rosemary prefers dry, well-drained soil, and grows extremely well with only occasional watering, especially if the soil is alkaline. If you need to increase the pH level, try adding lime.

Rosemary is not too fussy about soil condition as long as it is not waterlogged. Add sandy soil to aid your soil’s drainage system. Areas with a small amount of rainfall per year is actually beneficial for this type of herb.

Water only when the compost is completely dried out and feed once a month with liquid fertilizer from spring until fall. When growing rosemary, you catch a break from the usual thirsty plants in the garden. To harvest Rosemary simply cut the stems with a sharp knife.

Growing Rosemary and cooking

Rosemary has short, pointy leaves a lot like pine needles. The needles can be finely chopped and used to flavor a variety of dishes. Sprigs or whole stems can be added to meats in the roasting pan.

Tips for Growing Rosemary.

Rosemary can act as a moth repellent! Try growing near cabbages or beans as an effective natural pest deterrent.

The aroma from rosemary tends to attract all sorts of nature to the garden, like bees, butterflies and birds.

Medicinal uses for rosemary

Rosemary can be used for pain relief, medicine for nervous disorders, and stomach ailments. It contains natural organic compounds, which have been shown to inhibit carcinogens that may lead to cancer.

For the all year round gardener, who want enjoyment from their garden without too much fussing around, growing rosemary is ideal. reminiscent of a real happy marriage. You’ll definitely be pleased with the results of growing rosemary.

An herb garden with cilantro is an herb garden with many uses. Cilantro is one of the more popular herbs in use today. Cilantro which may not be one of the more familiar herbs, is a hardy herb that was used in many native European dishes and still used in Asian and Mexican foods. Today, it is used in Europe in international dishes and in Portugal in a traditional dish. Learn how to grow a home herb garden.

Many used to consider this herb as an acquired taste. The herb has a smell and tast that can be soapy, but many say other factors may contribute to this. Cilantro’s odor and taste are very strong in any case. A smell similar to it is lemon, ginger and sage. Find out about other great herb garden plants.

A Cilantro herb garden probably won’t be a good idea for you if you want more common herbs. If you want unusual flavor and a bite to your dishes however, Cilantro is the herb you can depend on. Though people consider this heb an acquired taste it is popular, showing the kind of appeal this herb has. Find a great herb garden how to guide for more tips like this.

Remember that last spring or early fall is the best time to plant a cilantro herb garden since it is during the cooler months. The growth of this herb is affected by temperature, so if you do not have space for an indoor garden or you live in a hot location, this isn’t an herb for you to grow.

Cilantro isn’t frost tolerant, however, so do bring these herbs inside your home during winder time. To prevent them from overheating, place them in the shady in the heat during the summer. Cold weather can be avoided for cilantro by planting them together if you are planting indoors and in a pot with another cilantro.

A pot that is 6 inches deep and twelve inches around (two feet wort of space) is best for growing Cilantro. Right after the frost you can plant the deeps in the planters. It isn’t so warm this way nor is it extremely cold.

Partial exposure to natural sunlight is perfect for Cilantro, is it is perfect for indoor growing. Growing cilantro in an indoor garden in practical since it is only 20 inches in size. Cilantro is an outstanding herb to grow if you don’t have space for an actual garden.

One of the reasons why a herb garden cilantro is handy and practical is because practically every part of the herb can be eaten and used, from the leaves to the seed. The leaves are used as is for condiments and ingredients, usually included in the dish right after cooking and before serving, since it can easily lose its flavor. Curries is a spice taken from Cilantro seeds and is used in Indian dishes.

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If you have ever wanted to get into herb gardening, you should know that herbs are some of the easiest plants to grow. Even if you don’t think of yourself as having a green thumb, you can be a successful gardener if you grow the following easy herbs that can be used fresh or dried.

Parsley - Parsley is easy to grow and has many uses. While it is a popular garnish found in many dishes, it is also excellent for curing bad breath. You can grow curly leaf and flat leaf parsley easily, and they grow wonderfully without you having to give them a whole lot of care. They do well in light shade and full sun, and they prefer moist, rich soil. Parsley doesn’t do overly well in the heat, however.

Cilantro - Another simple herb to grow is cilantro. This is an annual herb that grows well both in the shade and the sun. You’ll find that it is very easy to care for and it will do pretty well in just about any type of climate.

Chives - Chives are a perennial herb. They can grow well in almost any soil, and almost any conditions. Chives have been known to be seen growing in old gardens that haven’t been tended in many years! It’s hardy in zones 3-9, and prefers full sun. They tend to do better in rich soils, but don’t need it to survive. Chives have a rich, oniony flavor, and they taste great on baked potatoes.

Oregano - This herb is extremely popular, and it goes well with many different types of foods. It is commonly used in tomato-based pasta dishes, chicken dishes, and pork dishes. Hardy in zones 5-9, oregano does well in raised beds, rock gardens, alongside roads or pathways, or just about anywhere! It needs full sun and well-drained soil, but it actually does better in poor, rocky soil.

Thyme - This is an herb that is perennial. It is very hardy and grows into a plant that is much like a shrub. It requires soil that is well drained but moist and prefers to be in the full sun. There is very little care to worry about when growing thyme.

Basil - Basil is another annual herb that does well in warm weather. It grows well in many places, but for the best flavor, it needs to have conditions that are hot and dry. The soil should be very rich and a bit moist and it should be kept in full sun. It’s important that you make sure that basil gets plenty of heat and light and between watering it the basil should have time to dry out.

Bay - Although it is a type of shrub, this is actually a very good herb for beginners to grow. It’s hardy in zones 8-11, and is remarkably hardy in those zones. It needs full sun to light shade, and rich, well-drained soil. It will tolerate variations in conditions rather well. Just remember, bay leaves reach their full flavor when dry, so be sure to press them between layers of paper towels inside heavy books for a few weeks before you use them.

Remember to be careful about the zones. Although many of these herbs are hardy, they do much better when kept to their hardiness zones. As long as you grow them in the zones in which they do best, most of these herbs will be very easy to care for, and shouldn’t need a whole lot of extra work to take care of them. Herbs make a wonderful addition to any vegetable garden.

Herbs can benefit life in many ways. Growing basil (or Ocimum basilicum) is an excellent addition to your flourishing herb garden. Unknown to most, basil is really a member of the mint family! Although there is a few different varieties of basil, sweet basil is the most popular and well known. When it comes to old age medical remedies, and flavoring meals, basil is the best.

Old tales-

Growing basil has a special significance in many cultures throughout the world. The people of India swore their oaths in court on basil leaves. To signify love, Italian suitors wore a sprig of basil in their hair when they courted their ladies. The Mexicans believed it would bring back a cheating lover if you walked around carrying basil.

Medicinal use-

There are big health benefits of growing basil. The plant contains beta carotene, naturally packed with vitamin A. The herb is known by herbalists as a ‘cure-all’ for a wide array of ailments, from stomach trouble to headaches. In fact, the list of benefits from this herb proves it so powerful; Basil is considered the “King” of herbs.

Growing Basil-

Growing basil can be childs-play. You can grow basil plants started from seed indoors before transplanting into the garden. It can even be full grown indoors if preferred. If you decide to do this, remember the plant needs sunlight, so a man-made alternative should be used, like fluorescent growing lighting.

Sow the seed in a warm time of year, about an inch apart. When the seedlings have developed a few leaves, they can be replanted. Make certain you wait until a late frost is no longer a threat.

Organic mulch should be added to the surface about 3” deep. Water about once a week, preferably in the morning. Do not over fertilize because this action diminishes the unique fragrance of the plant.

When re-planting, dig the herbs in at least 1 – 1 feet apart from each other, to ensure appropriate growing space. Growing basil has two main requirements: well draining soil, and a sunny, but damp area.

Prune at least every two weeks to increase the health of the plant. To do this, clip the leaves back, but stop ¼ inch above the node. This is to ensure enough foliage is left for growth to continue. Deadhead any flower stems to make sure the plant stays in production.

Try growing basil near tomato plants. These plants equally need sunlight and above average watering, so having them near each other will be more convenient for the time-pressed gardener. Basil next to tomato – like bolognese sauce! Basil is a big help around the kitchen and helps to repel insects in the garden.

Once the basil plant has reached 6″ high, you can start to pinch off the top sets of leaves. This herb has been known to reach heights of up to 24 inches. Growing basil not only adds to your culinary delights, but it is delightful addition in the garden.

Growing herbs can be an easy process and the results can be used to add flavor to meals, make soothing and relaxing teas or for making fragrant sachets, potpourri, scented candles and oils. Following some simple steps can lead to a successful and rich harvest when you are growing herbs.

Where to Plant Growing Herbs

The first step in planning an herb garden is to determine what types of herbs will be grown. Once this has been decided, what section of the yard will be used for growing herbs will be the next decision. If the herbs are to be used in cooking, it is a good idea to have a variety of growing herbs planted nearby so they are easily accessible. If you’re interested in having only one or two growing herbs for cooking or for display and fragrance purposes only, you also have the option of growing herbs indoors.

The Basic Herbs

There are many varieties of herbs and which ones you choose will depend on the type of cooking you do and the flavors you like. The easy growing herbs include thyme, garlic, oregano, basil, dill and chives. Adding a little of lavender, peppermint and chamomile to your herb garden could make delicious teas. wher transplants do not work well it is better to grow these herbs from seedlings. Other types of herbs should be purchased as established plants and then transplanted to your garden.

Growing Herbs in a Garden

One of the most important steps for growing herbs is having proper sunlight for the better part of the day. Sunny areas are best for growing most herbs. The best and easy way to provide nutrition for producing flavoural herbs is to use compost enriched soil. A healthy herb with good taste shows that it has got enough water and sunshine. Water stagnation should not be allowed around the plant. Protect your plants from moisture by covering them all aorund with mulch.  If pests become a problem, use an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Do not use pesticides. The point of growing herbs is to have fresh and flavorful varieties straight from your garden without any additives.