Daily gardening tip · Southern hemisphere · Wednesday 14 October 2026 · mid spring
Grow New Herbs from Cuttings in Water
Taking cuttings in mid spring is a quick way to multiply your herbs for free using just water.
10 minuteseasypropagation
Snip a healthy stem of rosemary or mint about ten centimetres long.
Strip off the leaves from the bottom half of the stem.
Place the stem in a small jar of fresh water.
Ensure the lower stem is submerged while the top leaves stay dry.
Set the jar on a bright windowsill out of direct sun and change the water every few days.
Why it works
Submerging the exposed node of a stem cutting in water stimulates it to produce fresh roots. Spring stems are actively growing and contain high levels of natural growth hormones, which helps root development happen quickly.
A compact, slow-growing evergreen shrub native to Japan and Taiwan. It features small, rounded, leathery leaves and is widely utilized for formal hedges and topiary due to its tolerance for heavy pruning.
