EP184- How To Take Softwood Cuttings ?

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   Website :https://mastermygarden.com/    If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.   Please like and follow Master My Garden on the following channels    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/  Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/  Twitter:https://twitter.com/tweetsbyMMG  or email [email protected]    Until next week  Happy gardening  John Support the showIf there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know. Email:  [email protected]   Check out Master My Garden on the following channels   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/  Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/   Until next week  Happy gardening  John