Keeping cuttings healthy

Ruth pots them on and makes sure there are no problems

- Ruth Hayes

ONE of my favorite jobs of autumn is to take cuttings from tender perennials before they are lifted and tucked up for winter in the greenhouse.

In particular, I concentrate on pelargoniums, penstemons, and less hardy fuchsias and the reason for the cuttings is two-fold: to increase my plant stocks and also to act as insurance in case any of the parent plants succumb to cold or any other unforeseen problems before spring arrives.

These cuttings generally grow very well and by mid-winter need potting on into individual containers so each one has adequate space to grow strongly.

Water your cuttings well before moving them as damp compost is easier to slip from the pot, and check their roots and top growth are healthy.