TIP: cuttings you wouldn't expect to root in water.

26/10/2013

You're usually told to root Rosemary by taking semi-ripe cuttings and putting them in gritty compost. In fact, it's far easier to break off some shoots and put them in a jam-jar of water, where they'll root really quickly - these on the left were making new roots after a few days. Thanks to PAM for this tip, which she discovered by accident when she was given some herbs and popped them in water.

After I'd tried rosemary, I thought about giving carnations a go. Often when you buy a bunch in the florist, there are little sideshoots near the base. These too root well in water - though the fragile young roots need careful handling. All these carnations were rooted in a jamjar of water on the windowsill!

1 Comment

Shirley Puckett link

3/11/2013 09:46:31 am

I wish there had been such clear and explicit advice when I was starting to garden. We don't all have to learn from our mistakes. There are people who have already made them to help us out and put us right when necessary. Now there is an easily accessible place to come.
A welcome venture on behalf of Ashford Council

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