Soil with good drainage

Rosemary must have well-drained soil. It hates the wet.

To test drainage dig a hole 25cm square by about 25cm deep and then pour in about 2 litres of water.  In well-drained soil the water should have gone after 15 minutes. 

If water remains longer than this you may be better to grow your rosemary in a pot.

Lime rich soil

The soils of rosemary’s native regions are limestone based.  

Rosemary will grow well provided the soil or compost is not too acidic.  If you do not know your soil’s pH then you can check it with a simple test kit.

Adding limestone chippings can help make the soil more alkaline and improves drainage!