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soilTrowelLength of timber to use as a straight edgeWatering can or hoseMarch - October 30 minutesMake a shallow groove or 'drill' in prepared soil using the end of a trowel or bamboo cane. Use a length of timber to create straight drills. As a rule

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

. 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

with gritty loam-based compost and sow the seeds evenly across the surface.Sprinkle a layer of compost over the seeds, water, then stand the pot in a cold frame or sheltered place in the garden. Keep it watered and protect it from birds.AdamMake sure berries

and shrubs. If you're new to gardening, limit yourself to growing one or two types of annuals. Sow about 20 seeds to see how you get on. You can always sow more a week or two later.SeedsSeed compost Seed trays or potsPlant labelsPencil or waterproof penWatering

should have a vein down its length.Fill pots with compost. Push leaf pieces down into the compost, standing them upright as shown and ensuring that the cut vein comes into contact with the compost.Water from above to settle the compost around the cuttings

and peg it down firmly to stop it springing up. Cover the stem at this point with compost.Weight the buried shoot down with a heavy stone and water regularly to keep the area moist. By autumn the layer will have rooted. Cut if off from the parent plant

and below one at the base. Leave one leaf at the top and remove all the lower leaves.Dip the base of the cutting into rooting hormone mixture. Insert several cuttings into a large pot of gritty compost.Water well, place the pot in a shaded spot and leave

of soil. As the plants grow, cover them with more soil, aiming to eventually fill the trench.Keep newly planted crowns well watered until established and ensure the area is kept weed free to prevent competition for light and nutrients. Avoid harvesting

and overwinter them in a coldframe.Keep the cuttings watered and shoots should start to appear next spring. Leave plants for at least 12 months before transplanting.AdamRemove a 1-2cm sliver of bark from the base of any variety that is shy of rooting, e