Tips from the MONEY-SAVING GARDENER
Gardening expert and author Anya Lautenbach’s propagating advice.
1 GO FOR EASY WINS
Choose easy rooting plants to begin with, as one success will lead to the next. I love to propagate lavender, roses and hydrangeas, which are often expensive to buy but take root quickly from cuttings. Try herbs like rosemary and mint too.
2 SOW, FORGET, ENJOY
I love the simplicity of growing from seed. You can grow in trays and transplant the seedlings if you have time but I prefer the easy option of broadcast sowing. Opium poppies (Papaver somniferum) are my favourite for this, as you scatter the seeds, forget about them, then they surprise you with floral fireworks. Pollinators love them too.
3 DIVIDE AND MULTIPLY
Most mature perennials benefit from being divided every two to five years to stop overcrowding and keep them performing well. Some plants, like peonies, have specific requirements so research the plant you’re pulling up before you begin. Give them a good water first, so the soil is damp and easier to divide.
4 FOLLOW NATURE’S TIMINGS
I have one simple rule, and that’s to propagate at the right time. In spring, everything wants to grow, so it’s the perfect time to take cuttings, try layering and divide bulbous plants. Nature will be on your side and you should be successful.
5 CREATE GOOD DRAINAGE
This is a must when propagating. If your cuttings start dying, it’s usually because there’s too much moisture and the freshly developed roots have begun to rot. The ideal growing medium is about 80% peat-free compost to 20% horticultural grit, or you can include grit from your own garden – a few little rocks and stones placed in the bottom of your pot will encourage drainage.
6 SAVE AND SWAP
If you have surplus seeds, why not seed-swap? My favourite plant to do this with is the Mexican fleabane, as everyone loves it. It’s often quite costly but seeds are plentiful, and easy to collect and share.
7 GET SOCIAL
I find gardening – and propagation in particular – encourages us to stay connected with people. Ask your friends, family and neighbours, and join local social media groups to see if anyone has seeds to share or plants you could take cuttings from.