Daily gardening tip · Southern hemisphere · Sunday 8 November 2026
Propagate Rosemary and Basil in Sand
Taking cuttings from your favorite herbs right now is a simple way to get new plants for free.
15 minuteseasypropagation
Snip 10-centimeter tips of fresh, flexible growth from healthy rosemary or basil plants.
Strip the leaves off the lower half of each stem.
Fill a small pot with moist coarse sand.
Push the bare lower stems into the sand so they stand upright.
Keep the sand constantly damp and place the pot in a warm spot out of direct sunlight.
Why it works
Softwood cuttings root quickly because young growth contains high levels of natural growth hormones. Coarse sand holds just enough moisture while providing the exceptional drainage and air pockets that roots need to form without rotting.
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