Is it too late to take softwood cuttings? That was a listener query from last week.  

Technically mid-July is a little late if you follow textbook rules, however, I have always found that they will root perfect at this stage of the year.  

What will I need to take softwood cuttings?  

• An airy growing media you can mix perlite through to add air to the rootzone.  
• A plastic zip lock bag to put cuttings in straight away to avoid transpiration.  
• Rooting powder is useful but not essential. 
• Small pots 9cm (about 3.54 in) to 12cm (about 4.72 in)  
• Plastic bag or propagator to cover cuttings after use.  

How do I take softwood cuttings?  

• Take new fresh growth 10cm (about 3.94 in) just below a leaf node ideally with a set of leaves on the leaf node another set of leaves above and a growing tip.  
• Remove the bottom set of leaves and dip in rooting powder.  
• Fill your small pot with compost and make a hole 50mm (about 1.97 in) deep with a pencil.  
• Insert the cutting into the hole firm in and water.  
• Cover with a poly bag or propagator and keep in dappled sun (avoid full sun if possible)  
• Keep a regular eye on them to ensure they do not dry out and watch for the new roots which will appear in 3-4 weeks.  
• Then they can then be potted on to create a new plant to be planted out next spring.  

There will be a blog post on this episode very soon on my website. This blog and previous blogs along with all podcast episodes are available on my   
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Until next week  
Happy gardening  
John 

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Until next week  
Happy gardening  
John