Search - Articles

While you can't take cuttings from rhododendrons, there is a much simpler technique you can try - layering. Do it over the summer and by the following spring you'll have the beginnings of many new rhododendron plants.Established rhododendron plant

Irises can become congested over time, which tends to inhibit flowering. This can be remedied by lifting and dividing their rhizomes to give them a little more space. Wait until flowering is over before dividing the iris clump, discarding any old

The taste of fresh asparagusin May is worth waiting for. A perennial crop, established asparagus plants will provide an annual crop of tasty spears for up to 20 years.Choose the spot you will grow your asparagus carefully. Asparagus needs lots

Summer is the ideal time to take leaf cuttings from your houseplants. A single leaf can produce many young plants, and this technique is particularly useful for foliage plants such as Begonia rex.Healthy begonia plantClean, sharp knife and cutting

are at their freshest.Remove the polythene bag once a day and shake out excess water to prevent conditions becoming too humid inside.More plant cuttings projectsTake dahlia cuttings - advice from Sarah RavenLearn how to take basal cuttings, with Carol KleinHow to take

- September45 minutesYou can take cuttings from any type of rose you choose, but just make sure you select long, strong, healthy stems from this season's growth, not old wood.Make the cuttings 25cm long, cutting above a bud at the top to remove the shoot tip

.g. pyracantha. This is called wounding and helps the natural chemicals within the plant initiate root development. If you are propagating a whole hedge you can place lots of cuttings in a slit trench in a sheltered nursery bed. Line a 15cm-deep trench with a

. Garden fork Sharp knifeLarge potsGritty compost mix made from equal parts grit or perlite and potting compostLabel and pencilDecember - January30 minutesUse a garden fork to lift the whole plant out of the ground gently, taking care not to damage its

them (they will turn brown and papery as they mature), and store in a cool, dry place.Calendula seedEnvelopeSilica gelAirtight containerautumn or spring20 minutesWhen the seedheads have developed fully, remove them from the plant and lay them on a sheet

out into separate pots and growing on.More on fruits and propagating from seedsGrowing tomatoes from seed, with advice from Joe Swift.Monty Don on pricking out seedlings.Saving seeds.Raising new strawberry plants.Browse a variety of plants with berries