Rosemary plants
Unless you live in zone 7 or above, Fall is a great time to bring in your Rosemary to overwinter, so that you can continue to enjoy fresh Rosemary all year long!
Choose a plant with sturdy stems and glossy leaves
1. If you have multiple Rosemary plants, choose one that is healthy with good color and even growth. Notice on this Gorizia Rosemary, the leaves are full, glossy and bright green. The white stem is noticeable, indicating a nice thick stem. (Some of these characteristics will vary within the different varieties.)
Insert space or shovel 4-6 inches from stem
2. Begin by inserting your spade or shovel in and out in a circle around the main stem to loosen it from its spot. Be sure to stay about out about 6 inches from the center of the plant so you don’t hurt the root system. When you feel the plant begin to loosen its grip, gently begin lifting the root ball with the shovel until it is completely free from the soil below. For best results, keep as much of the dirt around the root system as possible.
Center the main stem of the plant if possible
3. Using an appropriate sized pot, fill with good-composted dirt and place the root ball on top, centering the main stem of the plant if possible. The plant shown here is about 16″ tall and has a spread of 12″. The pot I chose was 8 inches across and 8 inches deep. (Your pot will vary according to the size of the plant you choose and its root ball.)
4. Begin filling in the remainder of the pot (to within an inch of the top) with extra dirt supporting the center stem and tamping the new dirt down with your hand.
Choose a container that allows room for watering
5. Be sure the container you choose will allow you to leave about an inch or so from the top so that when you water, the water has somewhere to pool and doesn’t run out over the top.
6. Place in a sunny window (preferably a south facing one). Once the plant is established, you can continue to enjoy harvesting your fresh rosemary throughout the winter!
Place rosemary plants in a sunny window
Here’s a tip: Indoor plants typically need less water than their outside counterparts. Only water when necessary, checking the soil with your finger to see that it has dried out sufficiently between watering. If it is dry, water thoroughly. It is better to give it a good soaking once a week or so, than to water sparingly every day.
