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and summer bedding plants can also be propagated by this method.Plectranthus house plantScissorsJar of waterPlant potsMulti-purpose compostall year roundan hourChoose healthy shoots of new growth and cut lengths of roughly 10-20cm. Cut below a leaf joint

The practice of taking stem-section cuttings is useful for rejuvenating overgrown house plants such as dracaena.Dracaenas are striking architectural plants, native to western and tropical Africa. Plants produce bold rosettes of strap-like leaves

Dry compostStorage box or containerautumn30 mins, plus drying timeUsing secateurs, cut down dahlia stems to a few centimetres from ground level and compost the leaves.Dig all around the dahlia clump and lift the tubers with a fork, taking great care

for growth.AdamTie the stem to the cane in one or more places to give the plant maximum support.More advice on growing dahliasVideo guide to taking dahlia cuttings, with Sarah RavenPlanting up dahlia tubers, with instruction from Sarah Raven.Growing dahlias

It's worth deadheading your flowering plants to get the most from them and removing any flowers that are past their best. Take them off as soon as they begin to droop as this will help to conserve the plant's energy by preventing them from setting

through the roots with a knife or secateurs to promote fibrous growth.Keep newly potted plants well watered, particularly during hot weather.More plant care adviceHow to prune plantsLearn how to feed your plantsHow to take summer cuttingsAdvice on planting

pinching out the soft shoot tips with scissors, a knife or your finger nail.Repeat the pinching 2 or 3 more times, allowing two pairs of leaves to expand fully on each of the subsequent side shoots. This may take between 10 and 20 days, depending

Home-made compost is a great soil conditioner and plant food. Good compost will take about six months to produce if you turn it regularly.Monty's compost recipeWhat should you put on your heap? The simple answer is anything that has lived. But I

Hosepipe bans and water restrictions are always a challenge for gardeners. But if you get into the habit of saving water in your garden, you'll be able to take the restrictions in your stride. Storing rainwater will mean you can keep your plants