Cultivation

Site	Sunny. Protect from cold winds.
Soil	Needs excellent drainage. On limy soil, rosemary is a smaller but more fragrant plant. To provide additional lime, apply egg shells or potash.
Propagation	Sow under heat in spring or outdoors in summer. Germination is erratic; needs at least 70 deg F. It is best to propagate by cuttings or layering.
Growing	Transplant when large enough to handle, leaving 2-3 feet spaces between plants. Rosemary can be container grown indoors in a sunny location.
Harvesting	Pick small amounts all year round. Gather main leaf crop before flowering.
Preserving	Dry sprigs and branches. Strip off leaves before storing. To release the aroma, crush leaves only just before use.

Uses

Decorative	Branch - Provided a fragrant "skeleton" when woven into wreaths and garlands.
Culinary	Flower - Toss fresh rosemary into salads. Crystallize for a garnish. Pound with sugar, mix with cream, and add to a fruit purée. Leaf - Add sparingly to a wide range of meat dishes, especially lamb and pork. Use rosemary to flavor baked potatoes and to make a herb butter for vegetables.
Household	Branch - Place fresh boughs in a room to cool the air. Leaf - Boil a handful of rosemary in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes to yield an antiseptic solution for washing bathroom fixtures. Stem - Shape into barbecue skewers.
Cosmetic	Flower - Use the essential oil in a Hungary oil. Leaf - Stimulates blood circulation in a bath. Use as a facial steam. Makes a rinse for dark hair.
Aromatic	Leaf - Use in potpourri. Lay sprigs among linens. Stem - Scatter on a barbecue to discourage insects.
Medicinal	Leaf - Stimulates circulation and eases pain by increasing blood supply where applied. Aids fat digestion. Good for aching joints and rheumatic pains. Use as an antiseptic gargle and mouthwash.