12-Year Rosemary Damaged by Miracle-Gro: Recovery Protocol

Mature rosemary (30-gal) damaged by Miracle-Gro: leaf drop, red crispy leaves, no flowers, weak new growth.

Miracle-Gro Damage

• High salts burn roots.
• Forces weak, rapid growth.
• Disrupts soil microbiome.

Recovery Steps

1. Water: Hold. Rain sufficient.
2. Prune: Dead wood only (1/3 max). Wait for spring.
3. Spring: Cut 1/3 from tips. Fish fertilizer every 3 weeks.
4. Soil: If no recovery, repot in fresh mix (no Miracle-Gro residue).

Organic Switch

Fish/seaweed fertilizer (Home Depot/Lowe's) absorbs slowly, no burn.

12-year plants are rare. Worth patience. But have backup cuttings.