[Prudence]

Just thought I'd pass on this tip I was given.

You need 2 pots, one slightly smaller than the other. Place the smaller one inside the larger one and put the soil into the gap between the two pots. Place cuttings in that soil. Don't put anything in the smaller pot. After a while you can lift the smaller pot out to see if there are any roots on the cuttings. If not, place it back and wait a while longer.

I find this saves on potting soil and avoids gently 'tugging' on the cutting

Sue

[Sive]

Hi Sue, that sounds like an intriguing idea, and I'm going to try it as I am useless with cuttings (except the very easy ones)...I just don't seem to have the knack...or the green fingers!
Should I put a plastic bag over the pot?

[Prudence]

Hi Sive. Some people do put the plastic bag over the top to keep in the humidity and moisture which is lost through the leaves. Do you cut the leaves on your cuttings? I usually take all the bottom leaves off and cut the leaves on the top in half to reduce the moisture loss.

Personally, I don't use the plastic bag. This time of year there is plenty of moisture in the air if leaving them in a shady spot outside. I have rooted loads of stuff in the last couple of weeks this way.

I had some cuttings sent over from England in the summer and they are all rooted without a baggie. Just kept them out of the wind in a shady spot. Obviously some cuttings are easier than others, but spring and autumn is a good time to do them.

All the best.

Sue

[sal]

sounds a good idea,will try this as i have various cuttings in water around ready to pot up, and plenty of plantpots from my trips to the garden centre recently,

[Sive]

Hi Sue,
It is years since I took cuttings, firstly because my last garden was too small to take the extra plants and secondly because I have had terribly poor results in the past and so decided i was just "no good" at doing it!
I occasionally "layer" plants and that works well, but that can be a slow process.
I will definitely try your method.
I watch Carol Klein on the BBC and she makes taking cuttings look like child's play, so maybe it is now time for me to try again! And I'll take any advice I can get!
Thanks a lot.

[dig_deep]

Hi, one other tip is that if you're going to use a plastic bag over the cuttings make a frame from pipe cleaners or sandwich bag tags twisted together over the pot so the bag doesn't touch the cuttings. The tags that hold childrens toys in place are ideal, especially the long ones.

[sal]

actually now have lots of cuttings done since oct last,the only difference was i put a glass jar instead of another pot,so i can see if the cuttings have rooted without moving the jar,one i put the lid back on in case the light ruined them,so will see if it made a difference come spring time

[Sb]