Winter Care for Rosemary Plants

Moisturizing Rosemary Plants

• Naturally, rosemary grows in Mediterranean environments. These plants like moisture, and that's why it can be difficult to grow rosemary indoors. Many homes are too dry to keep the plant alive. This characteristic also makes rosemary difficult to care for in winter, when the plant will need more than its usual attention.

  Be sure to keep rosemary plants moist to keep them alive through the winter. Check the soil daily; if it is dry, it will need to be watered. However, keep in mind that rosemary also requires good drainage. In other words, too much moisture is just as damaging as too little. To prevent over-watering the plant, be sure it is draining properly and allow the soil to dry before moisturizing. If the needles turn brown, you're probably over-watering the plant.

Keep Rosemary Warm

• Rosemary plants will not survive in temperatures below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. This often means that you'll need to bring your plants indoors to give them proper winter care and protect them from damage (and death). Transferring garden plants to a planter is not a difficult undertaking. Remember to use quality soil, and trim away any dead roots, to move your rosemary indoors for the winter.

Winterizing Rosemary Plants

• Rosemary plants need sun and ventilation to thrive. Even with the best watering and warmth, this herb will not live without both sun and air—just like any other plant. Be sure to keep your plant in a sunny spot of the home or garage and allow it to get fresh air. Keeping it near a window, or opening the window occasionally, can go a long way toward keeping your rosemary in great shape through the winter.