With a warm British summer on its way, many of us have been out in the garden already to enjoy the sun.
If you’re green-fingered, you may have tried your hand at planting different herbs to use in your cooking. However, you might not know this nifty trick that can help improve your homegrown herbs.
Rosemary is a Mediterranean herb that loves the sun and well-draining soil. But too much water, heavy soil, or poor airflow can lead to root rot and dry, crispy leaves.
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Both underwatering and overwatering can cause the same sad-looking plant, but one easy trick can tackle this.
You can stop your rosemary from ailing by using the “clay pot and gravel” method, which mimics rosemary’s native growing conditions, preventing both drying and root rot.
With this gardener’s trick, you can stop watching your rosemary shrivel and start enjoying luscious sprigs for cooking and home use.
How to prevent your rosemary from drying out
This hack involves using a clay pot and gravel to maximise the conditions for your rosemary plant’s growth.
First, layer the bottom of your clay pot with gravel or small rocks which will help to improve drainage.
Fill the pot with your well-draining soil mix. Plant your rosemary in the pot, ensuring the roots aren’t buried too deeply.
Water your rosemary only when the top inch of the soil is dry. This will prevent you from accidentally overwatering your plant. Be sure that the water has a chance to drain and never let your plant sit in still water.
Place it in a bright, breezy location, either indoors near a sunny window or outside.
Improve your rosemary by using the “clay pot and gravel” method -Credit:Getty Images
Rosemary hates humid, enclosed spaces, so if you’re growing your plant indoors, rotate the pot for even light exposure and keep a small fan nearby for airflow if needed.
Rosemary only needs to be fed fertilizer every 6–8 weeks. Gardeners recommend using a mild organic fertilizer or compost tea.
Supply list
Gardeners will need the following items to ensure their rosemary is looking and tasting its best:
A clay (terracotta) pot – it breathes and prevents excess moisture build-up
A gravel or pebble layer at the bottom for drainage
Well-draining soil (mix cactus soil with a bit of compost)
A sunny spot with at least 6 hours of light daily