Gardeners are being urged by Monty Don to take plant cuttings this September, a simple technique that yields free plants and vibrant spring displays. The TV gardener says the month is ideal for the task, which he describes as easy and mostly successful.
Why September is the perfect time
As the planting season runs from September through November, many gardeners focus on buying new displays. However, Don points out that the secret to free plants is already in your borders. He advises starting cuttings now, noting on his website: "If you have not taken cuttings before - do not be daunted. They are easy, mostly successful and the gateway to producing scores of new plants for free."
He also explains the key advantage over growing from seed: "A plant grown from a cutting will always be exactly the same as its parent plant whereas one grown from seed will always be different."
How to take semi-ripe cuttings
Don explains the process: "Semi-ripe cuttings are taken from current season's wood that has started to harden off a little. The tip is soft and bendy but the base of the cutting will have wood that has started to become more rigid." This slower rooting offers more flexibility and less urgency.
He advises carrying a plastic bag and a sharp knife and secateurs. "The bag is for placing the cut material immediately into to reduce moisture loss," he says. Morning is best when the plant is full of moisture, though he adds it can be done whenever you are minded.
Selecting and potting the cuttings
Don stresses choosing the right material: "Always choose healthy, strong, straight growth for cutting material. It should be free from any flowers or flower buds." He notes that plants like rosemary root well from side shoots, but prefers shoots with the growing tip intact where possible.
Pot the cuttings immediately after collection. Don says: "Strip off all lower leaves and side shoots so that only an inch or less of foliage remains. Cut the bare stem to size with a sharp knife just below a node and bury it in a container of very gritty or sandy compost."
Place cuttings around the edge of a pot, at least four per container, and put it somewhere warm and bright but not on a south-facing windowsill as it may scorch. Water well and keep just moist, with a daily misting to prevent leaves drying out before roots form.
Roots are confirmed by fresh new growth. At that point, remove the cuttings from the pot and pot them on individually before planting out next spring.
