Q Following the seasonal advice in magazines and online to ‘take semi-hardwood cuttings of shrubs in July and August’, I am not having much luck as they usually wither and die. Where am I going wrong? Paul Harding, Kendal, Cumbria
A The time is right to take semi-hardwood cuttings, and I’m sure instructions have been carefully followed, but as the old saying goes, ‘There is many a slip between cup and lip’. The process of collecting stem material, choosing containers and compost, and looking after the cuttings while they root requires attention to detail for a good success rate. I have often killed cuttings simply by moving them 5in (13cm) so they suddenly received too much direct sun or accidental overwatering. Some shrubs (ceanothus, for instance) are notoriously tricky from cuttings.
Denne historien er fra August 28, 2021-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 28, 2021-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
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
