Chumasande MatiwaneWhile some gardeners love a trip to the nursery, sometimes there is no time or money to buy new plants. Luckily, there is one essential gardening skill that eliminates that problem – propagating.
Although it may sound tricky, growing new and healthy plants from scratch is easier than many think. Invest in essential tools that make it easier to grow more plants.
Clean and sharp secateurs
One of the first tools any gardener needs in their arsenal is a high-quality, sharp pair of secateurs. Whether you are trimming herbaceous houseplants, cuttings or hardwood cuttings, or even just pruning plants around the garden, this is one tool on the must-have list.
They do require some upkeep as the years go by, including regular cleaning and oiling, but they will reward you by making the process of propagation as smooth as possible.
Propagating mix
You cannot propagate without mix, and any gardener knows that soil is a vital foundation for growth and has a huge impact on the success of your plants. Newly propagated cuttings need a light, well-draining soil mix that allows easy root growth while retaining enough moisture to promote growth.
Tool Sterilisation alcohol
Using dirty tools can introduce harmful bacteria or viruses that ruin your propagation efforts. Using rubbing alcohol is a quick and effective way to keep your gardening gear clean and safe. Sometimes mixing bleach solution and soaking your tools for 10 minutes can also be effective. Be sure to sterilise tools before and after each session, especially when switching between plants.
Garden forks
Tackle soil preparation easily by using garden forks to ensure your soil is well mixed. For container-propagated plants, a small garden fork is preferred.
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