Softwood cuttings are one of the easiest and most affordable ways of producing new plants, and this month is the perfect time to start taking them. Most plants are currently at their most urgent surge of growth, so you'll stand a very high chance of success. I remember my astonishment, as a child, that the cuttings my grandmother gathered on garden visits sprung roots in just a matter of weeks!
The softwood propagation technique I'm about to explain is one that I use regularly for plants I buy that I want more of but are more expensive than I can afford. So, if you like to share plants with friends, save money and repeat a particular species through your garden or pots, then this is the technique for you.
Success with cuttings
Most softwood cuttings are taken in spring and early summer from the season's new growth, but potting up in midsummer will also allow them to develop roots that will survive winter
1 Take cuttings early in the morning. If you can't pot them immediately, place in freezer bag with a few drops of water to retain humidity.
2 Remove all but the top four or so leaves with a sharp, sterile knife or blade. If the remaining top leaves are large, halve them to reduce water loss.
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We love July
July is an island floating between the joy of June and the slightly fatigued month of August. It's a grown-up month: the year has shrugged off its adolescent exuberances, the weather is (hopefully) warm enough for ice cream to be one of your five a day, the sea should be swimmable without (too much) danger of hypothermia and thoughts will be of holiday shenanigans and family barbecues. School's out this month, the next tranche of glorious summer colour is washing across our borders and it's my birthday. Lots of reasons to give three rousing cheers for July!
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