Planting Seeds & Cuttings

Planting seeds and cuttings is a magical experience. You will get such a buzz from watching the first shoots emerge from the soil and when your plants flower you know that you created that from scratch.

Growing From Seed

Many plants can be sown outdoors but some need the extra warmth of an indoor environment in the early stages. You can start these off in the house or in a greenhouse.

Check the recommended sowing time on the seed packet and check if they prefer a sunny or shady location. Dig the compost well and them firm down and rake it level.

Create a series of mini-furrows and sow the seeds in rows. Try to distribute the seeds evenly giving enough space for each to grow.

Water well and then mark each row with a stick and label if you have planted more than one type of plant.

The seeds will initially emerge in rows but as they grow they will join together.

All seedlings should be kept well watered, free of weeds and protected from slugs.

Growing From Cuttings

Many plants will root simply in water. You can try this first and if they take root you can then plant them in soil.

Softwood Cuttings - Take cuttings about 10cm long from healthy shoots. Trim each cutting just below a leaf joint. Strip the bottom 5cm of leaves and dip the base of the cutting in hormone rooting powder. Insert the cutting in compost to half its length and firm the soil. These cuttings will root quickly. Once growing strongly you can separate them into new pots.

Semi-ripe Cuttings - This is a good method for garden shrubs and climbers. Use side shoots and cut them 10cm long making the cut just below a leaf joint. You can then treat them the same a softwood cuttings. Plants that grow from semi-ripe cuttings and ceanothus, choisya, holly, honeysuckle, lavender, mahonia, pyracantha, rose and viburnum.

Hardwood Cuttings - This is the slowest method. October and November are the best months. Choose long strong shoots and cut just below a bud. Make a v shaped trench and line the cuttings up in it. Water well.