Doing the right thing and at the right time
Anyone deemed to be skilled at propagating plants and guiding them to maturity is said to have ‘greenfingers.’ It’s afforded an element of mystique as if the gardener was blessed with a special magical power. However, the process of creating new plants (propagation) is based on rational and practised techniques that can be followed by anyone. So, for green fingers, read - doing the right thing at the right time, whether through training or instinct.
In horticultural parlance, propagation is either sexual (from seed) or asexual (from plant parts). We engage in both aspects because it`s sad to see obvious plant material go to waste, be it seeds or cuttings.
Growing vegetables from seed outdoors in drills is relatively straight forward. We get the timing, soil temperature, and weather conditions right, then go for it.
However, certain vegetables and a host of ornamental plants destined for summer bedding and container displays need an early start in a controlled environment.
A combination of warmth and moisture encourage germination, and this can be offered by an enclosed propagating unit.
Follow the instructions on a seed packet and success will follow. Then you can test your skill by germinating seeds that have been saved from plants growing in the garden.
Generally, if you maintain a temperature band of 15 to 20 Celsius for two weeks most popular plants should have started to germinate, but there are exceptions. Some seeds have a built-in germination inhibitor which retains their state of dormancy - until we break it.
For example, cytisus, gleditsia, lathyrus and wisteria each have hard seed coats and chipping a section with a knife, scarifying or soaking them in warm water are ways of breaking the barrier. Large, easy to handle seeds are easily chipped but smaller ones are best subjected to an abrasive item such as sandpaper until their coats are worn down.
Apple and pear pips, horse chestnut, oak, clematis and beech, need chilling to break their dormancy. Crataegus, cotoneaster, rose and magnolia require a combination of chilling and breaking their hard seed coats before germination can proceed.
Save money by sowing ornamental biennial and perennial plants outdoors over the coming weeks. Wallflowers and many popular herbaceous perennials are so easily raised.
Prepare a nursery bed area, create short drills, water with a can and rose attachment, and leave the rest to nature.