How to take softwood cuttings

Get everything ready in advance. You’ll need pots or module trays, a sharp knife, plastic bags and an open, loam-based compost, such as John Innes No. 2 with plenty of grit added – mix one part grit to three parts compost. Fill the pots with the compost-grit mix before taking your cuttings. I prefer using clay pots, because cuttings take more readily in clay and are less likely to rot. The best time to take cuttings is early in the day when shoots are full of sap. Select young, strong shoots from your chosen plant. They should be whippy but still green, not woody. Always cut shoots off the plant directly above a leaf node to prevent rotting or die-back. Once you’ve cut off your shoots, use a sharp knife to trim off the stem below a leaf node and the lowest leaves. To avoid rotting, cut off any leaves that would end up under the compost. Nip out the growing tip at the top of the stem to encourage bushiness. Never leave your cuttings hanging around. If you’re taking a lot, do them in small batches and put them in a plastic bag to retain moisture. Insert cuttings around the edge of the pot, spacing them about 10cm apart. Finish off with a layer of grit and water well. Put them in a warm, bright spot but out of direct sun. Spray foliage with water occasionally to retain humidity. When you see white roots emerging from the drainage hole, it’s time to knock your cuttings out of the pot, separate them and pot them on individually. Some of your plants might just be ready to plant out before the frosts, but it’s a better idea to keep cuttings that have been taken in September under cover. They don’t need any heat and it may be worthwhile potting them on so that when spring arrives they can be planted out.