Is Rosemary Water Good for Plants? The Surprising Benefits

Rosemary is an aromatic herb that most gardeners use for cooking. With its distinctive pine-like fragrance and flavor, it enhances soups, stews, roasts, and more. But did you know that rosemary water can also provide amazing benefits for your plants?

In this article, we’ll explore why rosemary tea can be so good for your garden and how to make and use it. Read on to learn the secrets of harnessing this fragrant herb to give your plants a boost!

Why Use Rosemary Water on Plants?

Rosemary contains a number of beneficial plant compounds including

• Antioxidants like rosmarinic acid that combat stress and boost immunity

• Anti-inflammatory agents that aid plant healing and recovery

• Antimicrobial substances like carnosic acid that fight diseases.

• Nutrients like iron, calcium, and vitamin B6 that provide essential minerals.

When rosemary is steeped in hot water, these compounds are released into the liquid. Using this rosemary tea to water your plants enables them to easily absorb the substances through their roots and leaves.

Some of the key advantages of using rosemary water for your plants include:

• Enhancing plant defenses – The antioxidants strengthen natural immunity against common garden pests and diseases.

• Promoting growth – Rosemary contains plant hormones that encourage strong, healthy growth. The nutrients also facilitate robust cell walls and stems.

• Deterring pests – The strong scent of rosemary can mask odors that attract bugs. It may also deter deer, rabbits, and other critters from munching on plants.

• Preventing fungal diseases – The anti-fungal properties help prevent issues like damping off disease in seedlings.

• Improving flavor – For edible herbs like basil, mint, and oregano, rosemary water enhances fragrance and taste.

Best Plants to Use Rosemary Water On

While most plants respond well to rosemary tea, some types see especially great benefits. Effective plants to treat with rosemary water include:

• Container plants – Helps confined roots get extra nutrients.

• Vegetables – Boosts growth and deters pests like tomato hornworms, especially for tomatoes, beans, kale, and cabbage.

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

• Flowers – Produces more vibrant blooms. Great for roses, zinnias, marigolds, and daisies.

• Succulents – Stimulates new growth for dormant succulents.

• Seedlings – Offers protection and encourages early robust growth.

• Stressed plants – Aids recovery from damage due to pests, weather, or repotting.

Avoid using rosemary water on known “mint enemies” like lavender, oregano, and sage where it can inhibit growth.

How to Make Rosemary Water

Making rosemary tea is very simple. You just need some fresh or dried rosemary and water. Here are two easy methods:

Rosemary Tea

• Remove rosemary leaves from stems. Use 2-3 tablespoons fresh leaves or 1-2 tablespoons dried.

• Bring 1-2 cups water to a boil, then remove from heat.

• Add rosemary and let steep 15-30 minutes. Strain out the leaves.

• Let the rosemary water cool before using on plants.

Solar Rosemary Water

• Remove rosemary leaves from stems. Use 1/4 cup fresh or 2 tablespoons dried.

• Place leaves in a quart jar and fill with water.

• Set the jar outside or in a sunny window and let steep 2-3 days.

• Strain the rosemary water into another jar or watering can.

The solar method makes a milder tea best for gentle, regular use. The stovetop method produces a stronger concentrate great for fertilizing or pest control.

How to Use Rosemary Water in Your Garden

Once your rosemary tea is ready, here are some great ways to use it:

• Watering can – Replace plain water with rosemary tea to give plants a nutritious drink. Works well for containers.

• Soil drench – Pour rosemary water around plant bases to deliver nutrients to roots and soil.

• Foliar spray – Mist diluted rosemary water directly onto leaves to deter pests.

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

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

• Cuttings & transplants – Dip ends in rosemary water to encourage healthy root growth.

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

For most applications, dilute 1 part rosemary tea with 2 parts plain water. Start with weaker solutions for seedlings, then increase strength for mature plants.

Growing Rosemary for an Endless Supply

For a constant rosemary source, growing your own plants is best. Here’s how to grow this versatile herb:

• Plant in well-drained, sandy, slightly acidic soil. Amend with compost.

• Choose a sunny location with at least 6 hours of direct light daily.

• Water sparingly. Allow soil to dry between waterings for good drainage.

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

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

• Move rosemary containers indoors for winter if you live outside zones 8-10.

Pro tip: Take rosemary cuttings to easily propagate more plants!

Discover More Uses for Rosemary

Besides making homemade plant food, rosemary has many other great uses:

• Seasoning for cooking – Essential for a wide range of dishes.

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

• Potpourri – Adds a lovely scent to closets, drawers, and more.

• Skin soother – Anti-inflammatory compounds reduce puffiness and redness.

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

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

• Decorative wreaths – Adorn doors and walls with fragrant rosemary wreaths.

So don’t limit rosemary just to your kitchen – take advantage of its many benefits throughout your home and garden!

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about using rosemary water for your plants? Here are answers to some common queries:

How often can I use rosemary water?

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

Does it work for all plants?

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

Is fresh or dried rosemary better?

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

Can I use it on edibles like vegetables?

Yes, it’s safe for fruits and veggies like tomatoes, zucchini, lettuce, and more. The antimicrobial properties may even improve garden yields.

When is the best time to apply it?

Early morning or evening allows leaves to dry completely before hot sun. Avoid wetting foliage at midday.

Give Your Plants a Natural Boost with Rosemary Water

Homemade rosemary tea provides a budget-friendly, organic way to nourish plants. Follow the simple directions to make a batch, and get creative using it around your garden. With just rosemary and water, you can help your container plants, vegetable patches, flower beds, and more thrive this season. Your plants will reward you with healthy, vigorous growth and bountiful blooms.