The rosemary It is an aromatic plant that grows all year round, very fragrant and with numerous benefits for our health. Very versatile, it can be used in the preparation of many sweet and savory dishes, and even in the drinks.
But the uses of rosemary: the smell of this plant, so pleasant for us, is hated by the mosquitoes, which are kept away from it. That’s why rosemary can also be used as an effective mosquito repellent, completely natural.
In addition, the essential oil contained in the plant can be used for its nutritional and emollient actions for Treat skin irritations (such as solar erythema or insect bites) and for nourish your hair.
Having the plant on the balcony of the house, available in all seasons, is the best way to grasp all the benefits and advantages – as well as to taste the aroma of rosemary in our dishes.
But how to do so that the plant has a florid growth and hard for a long time? Here’s what to be careful when it comes to growing rosemary to succeed in the company.
The vase
If you want your plant to last over time, we suggest you invest in purchasing a Large terracotta vase which allows a good water drainage with appropriate holes at the base.
As it grows, the plant will develop not only in height, but also in width – for this reason it is important to choose a vase that allows a healthy growth of our rosemary.
The ground
Rosemary needs an alkaline soil, with a PH value greater than 7: let’s let ourselves be guided by a nurseryman in the purchase of the most suitable soil.
In addition, before putting the soil in the pot, we make a thin layer of pebbles or clay at the base, in order to facilitate the drainage of the water.
Water
To have turgid and fragrant leaves all year round, it is important to water our rosemary regularly. Better water it little and oftenrather than giving a lot of water in one time – this will risk rotting the plant.
In winter it will be enough to give some water a couple of times a week, while in the hottest months it would be advisable to wet the ground more often – even every day. To adjust, we suggest putting a hand on the soil: if it is too dry, it will be better to water.
Light
To grow well, the rosemary plant needs so much light: If the vase is on the balcony, remember to expose it to the sun’s rays, taking care to turn the plant and make sure that the rays do not always hit the same side of the same.
In the winter months, when it rains and is cold outside, it is better to keep the plant in the house, always remembering to host it in a non -humid room and to expose it as much as possible to sunlight – also through the glass of a window.
Pruning
To make sure that the rosemary plant has a long life, it is appropriate to deal with its pruning at least once a year – preferably after flowering, then in autumn.
During the rest of the year we carry out frequent checks to verify that there are no rotten or yellowed leaves: if there are, we recover them with the help of a pair of gardening shears.
Company plants: how to create an aromatic garden
Cultivating rosemary together with other aromatic plants can be an excellent idea to create a “aromatic garden” that not only smells and embellishes spaces, but also helps to improve the health of the garden. Some plants, such as lavender and sage, prove to be particularly compatible with rosemary, since they have similar needs in terms of soil, sun exposure and irrigation. In addition, these plants work in synergy to reject harmful insects, encourage pollination and attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies.
Lavender
Lavender is a perfect plant to be combined with rosemary: both are lovers of the sun and grow well in well -drained soils. Lavender, with its intense perfume, is particularly effective in tightening mosquitoes and other annoying insects, similar to rosemary. In addition, his purple ears are an irresistible call for bees and other pollinating insects, contributing to the biodiversity of your garden.
Sage
Sage is another plant that combines perfectly with rosemary. Both need a sunny position and well -drained soil. Sage is known for its repellent properties against insects such as flies and mosquitoes, and its fragrance goes very well with that of rosemary. In addition, sage is a very useful plant in the kitchen and offers a variety of health benefits, including the ability to improve digestion and have anti -inflammatory properties.
Mint
If you have space, mint can be an interesting addition. Although mint has more invasive growth than rosemary, lavender and sage, planting it in a separate container inside the aromatic garden can prove useful. Mint is also very useful for rejecting mosquitoes, flies and ants, as well as being an ideal plant for refreshing herbal teas and adding flavor to summer dishes.
Thyme
Thyme is another plant that integrates well with rosemary. Like rosemary, it needs direct sun exposure and well -drained soil. It is also resistant to drought and rejects many harmful insects, making it an ideal plant for an aromatic garden. In addition, the thyme has antioxidant and anti -inflammatory properties, and is an excellent ally in the kitchen, adding a delicate flavor to many dishes.
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