Growing Rosemary in Raised Garden Beds

Growing rosemary in raised garden beds is easy yet beneficial as it contains all the three properties of the best flowering plants to grow in raised beds, those properties are that the plants will thrive regardless of the climate, the soil conditions or how much sunlight is provided. Rosemary is an evergreen perennial that needs hardly any maintenance and thrives in most regions. It has beautiful blooms that range from white to pink in spring and early summer; with the flowers turning yellow in late summer.

1. Rosemary can Develop Resistance to Frost

In addition to being an evergreen perennial, Rosemary is a sensitive plant that will develop resistance to frost if temperatures are kept below freezing. This means that it may be planted as a container garden in areas that receive minimal sunlight during the winter. Planting roses in the summer will require additional light, but once they have flowered there is no need to provide as much as would be needed for container gardens. Just remember that planting roses in the winter will ensure that the plant has enough time to recover from freezing.

2. Prepare the Area

One of the first steps to Growing Rosemary in raised garden beds is to prepare the area by digging a hole two feet deep, four inches wide and two feet long. Prepare the soil by breaking up loose dirt and adding compost to the soil. Plant seeds in the holes and cover with more soil, breaking it up even more. Land in the sunlight just for a week and then cover again. Don’t over crowd the plants, as this will cause problems with spacing and root growth. Once the roots have spread out, water well and keep on growing.

3. Raised Beds Provide Better Sunlight to Rosemary

A raised bed gives Rosemary the opportunity to get the sunlight it needs, which is one of the reasons it grows so well in such beds. A raised bed is also good for providing drainage for the root system. All of these issues are important when considering Rosemary for a garden.

4. Choice of Soil for Rosemary

Rosemary likes well drained soil, so sandy loam or clay is probably the best choice. Don’t forget to mulch it with a light layer of pine needles or garden pine. This will keep the Rosemary tree well watered and protect the root system from the harsh winter weather in northern climates.

5. Watering and Fertilizing Rosemary Plant

Once your Rosemary plant is established, there are no restrictions other than what nature provides. It is important not to over water or fertilizer for your plants, and to limit exposure to winds. Flowering plants do not like being exposed to strong winds, so they prefer a more stable environment. You can move your plants around freely once they have matured, but you should keep an eye on the soil to make sure it doesn’t become too soggy or boggy.

6. Best Time to Grow Rosemary in Raised Beds

Most Rosemary plants will flower in the spring, with the best times recorded in the middle of summer to late winter. For those growing in containers, you may need to remove some of the flowers in the fall. Also check the soil regularly for new growth. If roots rot, you may have to replant the entire plant. Most Rosemary plants will thrive if you follow a regular watering routine, but you should avoid pruning the plants during the winter months as new growth is much easier to see when standing in the sunshine.

7. Pruning

Pruning your Rosemary plants helps to keep the plant healthy and keeps the disease from spreading to the entire plant. The best time for pruning is when the top of the plant starts to drop off. Cut away a leaf or two, and then pinch back on the rest of the plant. Remove any hollow leaves and stems near the base. A new Rosemary plant has the tendency to produce new shoots out of the main shoot, so pruning dead branches is an excellent way to rejuvenate and propagate your Rosemary plants.

8. Best Type of Soil for Growing Rosemary in Raised Garden Beds

The best soil for Rosemary plants is one that is well-drained and not too rich in nutrients. You can use any type of organic mulch with your Rosemary plants; just make sure you follow the directions on the container for the fertilizer to be used. Mulch can be especially helpful around the base of the tallest plants and can help keep weeds at bay as well. Make sure to water your Rosemary plants well after you have planted them, and refrain from over-watering.

9. Conclusion

Regardless of the type of plants you wish to grow in raised garden beds, one thing that you will want to remember is that each plant has its own individual growing requirements and best time of growth. There may be a particular month that you want your herbs to grow well, but another month they may simply not thrive. Experimentation is the key to growing the best herbs to grow in raised garden beds.