Here's How to Properly Propagate Rosemary for Infinite Herbs
An herb garden is one of the most useful things you'll ever plant. Not only will it save you money, but it can also bring a vibrant freshness to all your dishes, support neighboring vegetable crops, and ward off garden pests. Though herbs can thrive beautifully in either garden beds or container gardens, each variety requires different care.
Fortunately, there are a few little secrets to extending their lives. For instance, pinching from the top encourages more lateral growth. Clustering certain herbs together can make them hardier, and if you're strategic about it, the way you prune them can multiply your collection infinitely.
TikToker @kt.ngo_ has shared some excellent tips for keeping your rosemary overflowing.
@kt.ngo_ Infinite rosemary hack! There are so many benefits to growing rosemary in your garden - natural mosquito deterrent, a perfect companion plant, drought tolerant + low maintenance, great for seasoning + so many holistic uses - and in my zone (zone 8) it's an evergreen that will keep growing year after year! #gardentok#gardentips#homegarden
Surf - Mac Miller
The method is simple but genius. All you do is trim several sprigs and remove the bottom leaves from the stems. Place them in a small vase of water and let them sit for about two weeks, routinely changing the water to keep it fresh. After two weeks, you'll see delicate new roots begin to grow, at which point the cuttings can be transitioned and planted directly into soil.
If you keep this propagation loop going, you will have literal bushels of rosemary to show for it. These aromatic herbs are absolutely worth a dedicated spot in your yard.
Related: Nursery Pro Says These 5 Companion Plants Help Lavender Flourish
Why Rosemary Is Great for Your Garden
There are so many reasons to plant rosemary, ranging from culinary perks to overall garden health:
- They Ward Off Mosquitoes: The aromatic oils in the plant act as a natural deterrent to mosquitoes. Planting them around your patio or garden beds can create a helpful, fragrant "forcefield" around your outdoor living areas.
- They Are Ultimate Survivors: Rosemary is exceptionally drought-resistant. If you occasionally forget to water it, the plant will pull through just fine.
- They Are a Beauty Agent: Rosemary is famous for its cosmetic benefits, particularly for helping to stimulate hair growth when boiled down into a topical rinse.
Related: 25 Best Herbs to Plant in Your Herb Garden
How to Grow Hearty Rosemary
While it isn't a persnickety plant, there are specific conditions that will help it thrive. For one, a lot of direct sunlight and excellent soil drainage will take your plant far. Because overwatering is a major threat to rosemary bushes, be sure to try the "soak-and-sit" method, which involves intensive but less frequent watering.
Pruning correctly is also essential for longevity. Look for the fresh, flexible green growth at the tips, and snip off the top few inches for cooking. Just be sure to never cut back into the hard, gray wood of the plant unless you are doing a major structural cleanup. Old wood rarely regenerates new leaves, so cutting too deep can leave a permanent bald spot on your bush.
Now go forth and multiply those rosmary plants!
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published June 13, 2026 at 12:30 PM.