Is Rosemary Water Good for Plants? The Surprising Benefits

Rosemary is an aromatic herb that most of us use for cooking. With its woodsy, evergreen scent and flavor, it enhances soups, stews, meat dishes, and more. But did you know that rosemary has benefits beyond just seasoning your food? Rosemary water can actually be great for your plants! Here’s what you need to know about using this fragrant herb to boost your garden.

Why Use Rosemary Water?

Rosemary contains antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial compounds. This powerful combination can strengthen plants and help them fight disease. Rosemary also contains nutrients like iron, calcium, and vitamin B6. When rosemary is steeped in water, those beneficial compounds are released into the liquid. Using this rosemary “tea” to water plants allows them to absorb all these helpful substances through their roots and leaves.

Some key benefits of using rosemary water for plants include

• Enhancing plant immunity. The antioxidants in rosemary can boost plants’ natural defenses against stress pests, and diseases. This is especially helpful for delicate seedlings.

• Promoting growth. Rosemary has compounds that can act like plant hormones, encouraging healthy growth and development. The iron and calcium provide nutrients that facilitate strong cell walls and stems.

• Deterring pests. The distinctive woody scent of rosemary can mask the odors that attract some insect pests. It may also discourage deer, rabbits, and other critters from nibbling.

• Preventing mold. Rosemary’s anti-fungal properties inhibit mold spores from taking hold on leaves and in the soil. This helps prevent damping off disease in seedlings.

• Improving flavor. For culinary herbs like basil, mint, oregano, and more, rosemary water enhances their scent and taste.

Best Plants for Rosemary Water

Almost any plant can benefit from rosemary water, but some types respond especially well. The most effective plants to treat with a rosemary tea include:

• Container plants – The confined roots appreciate the nutrient boost.

• Vegetables and fruits – Enhances growth and deters common pests like aphids, whitefly, and tomato hornworms. Especially good for tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, kale, and beans.

• Herbs – Improves flavor and aroma. Great for basil, parsley, thyme, sage, and more.

• Flowers – Helps produce more vibrant blooms. Roses, marigolds, zinnias, and daisies are just a few options.

• Succulents – Rosemary oil can stimulate new growth for succulents that have become dormant.

• Sickly or stressed plants – The anti-inflammatory effect aids recovery.

• Seedlings and transplants – Boosts early growth and provides protection.

Avoid using rosemary water on known mint enemies like oregano, lavender, and sage. The strong rosemary oil can inhibit growth.

How to Make Rosemary Water

Infusing water with rosemary is simple. You just need some fresh or dried rosemary and water. Here are two easy methods:

Rosemary Tea

• Remove rosemary leaves from the stems. Use 2-3 tablespoons fresh leaves or 1-2 tablespoons dried.
• Bring water (1-2 cups) to a boil. Remove from heat.
• Add the rosemary and let steep 15-30 minutes. Strain.
• Let the rosemary water cool completely before using on plants.

Solar Rosemary Water

• Remove rosemary leaves from the stems. Use about 1/4 cup fresh leaves or 2 tablespoons dried.
• Add the leaves to a quart jar and fill with water.
• Place the jar outside or on a sunny windowsill and let the rosemary infuse for 2-3 days.
• Strain the water into another jar or watering can.

The solar method results in a weaker tea, so it’s best for gentle, regular use on all your plants. The stovetop method makes a stronger concentrate ideal as a fertilizer booster or pest deterrent.

How to Use Rosemary Water in Your Garden

Once you’ve brewed up some rosemary water, you can harness its benefits in several ways:

• Watering can – Use full strength or diluted, instead of plain water, to give plants a nourishing drink. Great for containers.

• Soil drench – Pour around bases of plants to infuse soil and roots. Boosts immunity.

• Foliar spray – Mist diluted rosemary water directly on leaves. Deters pests and diseases.

• Compost tea – Add some to compost and water to distribute nutrients.

• Hydroponics – For hydroponic systems, replace some nutrient solution with rosemary tea.

• Cuttings & transplants – Dip ends in rosemary water before planting to encourage healthy rooting.

• Seed starter – Use rosemary water to sprout seeds for stronger seedlings.

The recommended dilution is 1 part rosemary tea to 2 parts plain water. Start with weaker solutions for seedlings. Increase strength for mature plants.

Troubleshooting Rosemary Water for Plants

While rosemary water is generally very beneficial, a few issues can crop up:

• Overuse can inhibit growth for some plants. Stick to a moderate application schedule.

• Undiluted applications may burn leaves. Always dilute stronger teas.

• Excess salts from the rosemary can build up in soil. Flush soil regularly with plain water.

• Letting rosemary soak too long results in very bitter water that can harm plants. Stick to the recommended steeping times.

• Avoid getting full strength rosemary water directly on plant crowns or buds. This can cause damage. Focus on roots and leaves.

Adjust your use of rosemary plant tea as needed if any adverse effects occur. But in general, this is a safe, easy way to give your garden a boost!

Grow Your Own Rosemary for an Endless Supply

While you can purchase dried rosemary, growing your own is even better for making rosemary water. Having a rosemary plant on hand means you’ll have a constant supply of fresh rosemary. Here’s how to grow this versatile herb:

• Plant rosemary in well-drained soil. It prefers sandy, slightly acidic conditions. Amend soil with compost.

• Choose a sunny location. Rosemary thrives with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

• Don’t overwater. Let the soil dry out between waterings. Good drainage is key.

• Fertilize in spring with organic fertilizer or compost tea. Avoid high-nitrogen mixes.

• Prune actively to encourage bushy new growth. Harvest branches for rosemary water.

• Bring rosemary indoors over winter if you live outside its hardy growing zones (8-10). It makes a nice container plant.

Growing tip: Take cuttings from your rosemary plant to root new plants. Just snip a 4-6 inch stem and strip most of the leaves. Dip in rooting hormone, plant in potting mix, and keep moist until roots form.

Discover More Uses for Rosemary’s Natural Power

Beyond making homemade plant food, rosemary has many other uses for your home and garden:

• Culinary seasoning – Essential for soups, meats, breads, and more.

• DIY cleaner – Antimicrobial properties make it a good disinfectant.

• Sachets and potpourri – Adds a lovely scent to drawers, closets, etc.

• Skin soother – Contains anti-inflammatory compounds to reduce puffiness and redness.

• Hair rinse – Improves scalp health and can boost hair growth.

• Mosquito repellent – Strong scent drives away mosquitoes and other annoying bugs.

• Decorative wreaths – Adorn your door with fragrant rosemary wreaths for holidays.

So don’t just relegate rosemary to your spice rack! Take advantage of its many benefits outside the kitchen too. Your plants will thank you!

Frequently Asked Questions About Rosemary Water

Still have questions about using rosemary as a natural boost for your garden? Here are answers to some common queries:

How often can I use rosemary water on plants?

Use rosemary water every 2-3 weeks as a general tonic. For potted plants, mist more frequently with diluted rosemary water to deter common indoor pests.

Does rosemary water work on all plants?

Most plants respond very positively, but avoid using it on known “mint enemies” like oregano, lavender, and sage where it can inhibit growth. Always test on a small area first.

Is it better to use fresh or dried rosemary?

Fresh rosemary makes the strongest infusion, but dried works well too. Use about 1 1/2 times more dried rosemary than you would use fresh.

Can I use rosemary water on vegetable plants?

Yes, it is safe to use on fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, and lettuce. Its antimicrobial properties may even boost garden yields by deterring pests.

What’s the best time of day to apply rosemary water?

Early morning or evening is ideal, so the leaves have time to dry completely before intense sun. Avoid wetting foliage in very hot midday sun.

Give Your Plants a Boost with Rosemary Water

Ready to try this simple gardening hack? Homemade rosemary water offers a budget-friendly, natural way to nourish your greenery. Follow the easy directions to brew up a batch, and then get creative using it in different ways in your indoor and outdoor gardens. With just a little rosemary and water, you can take your container plants, vegetable patches, flower beds, and more to the next level this growing season. Your plants will show their appreciation with lush, healthy foliage and bountiful blooms.