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D.I.Y. Advice

How to propagate plants

Morgan

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Project Overview

Propagating plants using cuttings is a great way to save money and expand your garden. You can do it from plants that you or your friends already have. We’ll show you what you need to do to grow from cuttings and what kind of conditions they’ll need to thrive.
Continue to step-by-step instructions

Step by Step Instructions

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1 Fill the propagation tray with seed raising mix

2 Make holes with a dibber

3 Make cuttings from your plant

4 Dip the cutting end in a rooting hormone

5 Plant your cuttings in tray

6 Water and prune cuttings

Step 1. Fill the propagation tray with seed raising mix

To propagate from a cutting, you’ll need to use a propagation tray and mix. Specifically designed for the job, these will provide the perfect conditions to promote fast growth. Start by filling up the tray with seed raising mix
to the brim.

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Step 2. Make holes with a dibber

Next, make some holes in your soil for your plants with a dibber. Evenly space out six holes in your tray. Aim to dig the dibber into the soil about an inch. The more you plant the better your chances, as some of the cuttings you plant may not successfully grow.

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Step 3. Make cuttings from your plant

Choosing the right cuttings is really important when propagating a plant. Cuttings should be between 3-4 inches long. Always take your cuttings from areas of new growth on a plant. Make the cut just under some leaves, then strip the lower leaves back. Try six cuttings and you should have a few that successfully grow.

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Step 4. Dip the cutting end in a rooting hormone

Before you plant the cutting, dip the end in a rooting hormone which will encourage root growth. Make sure that you don’t have too much powder on the end – tap any excess off lightly.

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Step 5. Plant your cuttings in tray

Now plant your cuttings in the holes you’ve made. Cover them back up with enough soil to hold the cutting in place.

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Step 6. Water and prune cuttings

You need to keep the cuttings moist but make sure you don’t drown them in water or they may not prosper. Place the tray in a sheltered area out of harsh conditions like excessive sun, wind and rain. You can also prune any large leaves on your cuttings as these may affect their growth.

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Tools and Materials

Tools

Dibber
Propagation tray
Secateurs

Materials

Propagation potting mix
Rooting hormone
Safety equipment

7
Suggested products from our range

Gardwell Large Ninja HPT Garden Glove

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Paint Partner Dust Masks 10pk

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McGregor's Alloy Body By-Pass Secateurs

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Daltons Propagation Tray 350mm

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Mr Fothergill's Moss Curled Parsley Vegetable Seeds

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Daltons 5L Premium Seed Mix

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Murphy's 50g Rooting Hormone

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