In the garden with Rosemary and Thyme
Rosemary: Rosemary is a tender perennial, hardy to zones 8 to 10. It is native to the Mediterranean region, Portugal, and northeastern Spain. Rosemary can be started from seeds but germination rates are very low. Use fresh seeds, preferably less than two weeks old. Packaged seeds are difficult to germinate. Start plants from cuttings or by layering from existing plants. Rosemary grows slowly from seeds, and eventually reaches a height of 72 inches and a width of 36–72 inches. Plant rosemary in a sunny location with well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Rosemary can be harvested year-round. Cut 4-inch pieces from the tips of the branches, never removing more than 20% of the growth at one time. Pest and disease problems of rosemary include aphids, spider mites, scale, mealybugs, root rot, and botrytis.
Thyme: Thyme is native to the western Mediterranean region. It is a small, many-branched perennial shrub. Start seeds indoors and transplant seedlings to the garden once all danger of the frost is past. Thyme reaches a height of 12 inches and a width of 10–12 inches. Thyme can be propagated from cuttings, by layering and division. Harvest the entire plant by cutting it back to 2 inches above ground in midsummer and again at the end of the season. Pest and disease problems include spider mites and root rot.
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