Mick Lavelle is senior lecturer in horticulture at Writtle University College*

Late July to early August is the ideal time to propagate evergreen shrubs through the semi-ripe cuttings method. This uses this season’s growth that has started to become slightly woody at the base. You’ll need a clean pair of secateurs, sharp knife, seed compost, rooting hormone, pots, elastic bands and plastic bags.

Cut young shoots that are still soft at the top, but have started to harden at the base. Avoid any that are damaged or unhealthy. Once cut, immediately put the cuttings into a plastic bag, tie it and keep it cool and in the shade. Ideally take the cuttings just before you are ready to pot them, although they can be kept ‘fresh’ for a few hours in a fridge.

Before potting, trim cuttings to around 10-15cm lengths from the tip to the base, cutting just below the point where a leaf is attached to the stem. Remove the lowest leaves and the soft tips so that three or four leaves remain. Dip the bottom of the cutting in hormone rooting powder or gel and shake off any excess before potting them in compost. You can put more than one cutting in each pot, but ensure the leaves do not touch the soil or leaves of other cuttings, to prevent the spread of rot diseases. Water well, then cover with a milkywhite polythene bag sealed with an elastic band around the pot rim, and place in a bright position out of direct sunlight.

Check cuttings every few days and remove any that die or show signs of rot. Once growth starts, make a few slits in the bag before removing it a couple of days later. Pot cuttings into individual pots of general purpose compost. They should be ready to plant out next spring.