Preparing for the New Season

As the days shorten and the nights grow cooler, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about the new season. Autumn and winter are ideal months to plan and prepare your garden for the brighter months ahead.

Taking Hardwood Cuttings: A Simple yet Effective Method

Taking hardwood cuttings is a technique that has been used for centuries to propagate new plants. It’s a simple yet effective method that can be used to create new shrubs, bushes, and even trees. Monty Don, a renowned gardening expert, recommends this method as a great way to multiply your favorite plants.

Choosing the Right Plant

Before taking hardwood cuttings, it’s essential to choose the right plant. Not all plants can be propagated using this method.

He also says that cuttings are the best way to propagate plants, as they are the most efficient method of reproduction. He is also very particular about the taking of cuttings, and insists that the plant must be healthy and free of pests or diseases. He emphasizes that cuttings are not a ‘quick fix’ and require patience and dedication. He also mentions that cuttings can be used to propagate a wide variety of plants, including trees, shrubs, and flowers. He stresses that the process of taking cuttings is not just about the physical act of cutting, but also about the care and attention given to the cuttings after they are taken. He also mentions that cuttings can be used to propagate plants in a variety of environments, including indoor and outdoor settings.

Preparing the Cuttings

To start, Monty emphasizes the importance of selecting healthy, vigorous stems with at least two sets of leaves. He advises against using weak or leggy stems, as they are less likely to produce new growth. When selecting the cuttings, Monty recommends choosing stems with a diameter of around 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 in), as they are more likely to produce roots. Key characteristics of suitable cuttings: + Healthy, vigorous stems + At least two sets of leaves + Diameter of around 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 in)

Cutting and Preparing the Cuttings

Once the suitable cuttings are selected, Monty demonstrates how to cut them using a sharp, clean knife or pruning tool. He advises cutting the stems at a 45-degree angle, just above a node (the joint where a leaf meets the stem). This helps to promote rooting and increase the chances of successful propagation. Tips for cutting the cuttings: + Use a sharp, clean knife or pruning tool + Cut at a 45-degree angle + Cut just above a node

Rooting the Cuttings

After cutting the cuttings, Monty shows how to prepare them for rooting. He recommends placing the cut ends in a moistened rooting medium, such as a mix of peat moss and perlite. The cut ends should be submerged in the medium, but not waterlogged.

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