How to take plant cuttings

What you need

• Scissors
• Compost or water
• A pot or jam jar

Step 1

Choose perennial plants that have been dormant all winter, and are now starting to emerge in the garden.

Step 2

Use scissors to cut a finger’s length of growth from the outside of the plant.

Step 3

Either put the cutting in multi-purpose compost or, if you don’t have any, a jam jar with some water. Just remember to change the water regularly.

Within 2–3 weeks the cutting(s) will be rooted and can be planted out in a few months.

Top tip

Take cuttings in spring and early summer.