PROPAGATING via cuttings can seem daunting if you haven’t done it before, but if you follow a few simple pieces of advice you will be successful.
The best time of day to take softwood cuttings is the early morning when plants are firm and packed with moisture after the previous night.
Always use sharp, clean scissors, snips, or secateurs to cut the plant cleanly. The material you should collect is this year’s new non-flowering growth that is healthy and pest-free.
If you think there might be a slight delay between harvesting and potting up, place the cut growth in a clean, dampened plastic bag and keep it somewhere cool (even in the fridge) until you’re good to go. Try to pot up the cuttings as soon as possible – 24 hours is the very maximum time.
I like to use a clay pot for striking cuttings as clay is slightly porous, allowing water and air to travel around the developing roots and protecting them from waterlogging.
If I’m reusing the pot I always give it a thorough wash first, inside and out, in soapy hot water to keep the vulnerable cuttings as safe and healthy as possible while they start to grow and mature.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters