Friday, 1 January 2016

Top Tips to Help You Grow Rosemary in Humid Climate

Did you know that rosemary plays an important role at European wedding ceremonies? This interesting, old wedding custom of decorating guests at a wedding allegedly originates from ancient Greek and Roman mythology. Some believe that the custom was dedicated to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, beauty and eternal youth.   


In my little garden heaven of plants, rosemary is considered the queen of herbs. It is a perennial herb with a wonderful smell and assertively pine-like fragrance. The problem with Mediterranean herbs like rosemary is that they have to struggle to survive in hot, humid climates.


Fight for Your Rosemary’s Right

Rosemary originally comes from a Mediterranean climate area. It means that it prefers its native climate, although it’s quite hardy in cooler climates. Unfortunately, humid climate is something that rosemary doesn’t like very much.

You probably wonder how to win this game? Well, you should know that rosemary is suitable for growing outside and inside on windowsills and balconies. My advice is to grow it indoors in pots.

Please note that rosemary prefers full sun, but in warmer climates it will welcome a partial shade. Rosemary thrives in fertile, moist, well-aerated, fast-draining potting soil. It requires regular watering. I’ve used fish emulsion as food for my rosemary and it works just fine.

Common Rosemary Pest Problems and Possible Solutions

Rosemary is known as a strong and relatively pest-free herb. It’s naturally protected from the invasion of ants and mealybugs. However, pests such as rosemary beetle, froghopper, leafhopper and carnation tortrix moth sometimes affect rosemary.

Ways of dealing with this nasty pests slightly differ. First of all, keep an eye on your rosemary and act without hesitation. Physical removal is the best solution for getting rid of rosemary beetles and carnation tortrix moths. For leafhoppers place a yellow sticky trap above the plant and brush the foliage with your hand. Froghoppers appear in the larval stage and they can be simply washed off with a strong jet of water.

Do you have problems with growing rosemary? Let me know and I’ll try to help!

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