How to Propagate Plants when I have no Room for Cold Frame etc.

Hello all

I hope you are Well.

I would like to try to Propagate some of my Plants to increase the Garden Population, however, I am new to this and I have no idea where to Start.

I have no space for a Cold Frame etc. so any Advice and Tips would be appreciated.

Some Plants that I would like to try to Propagate would be:

Lavender
Santolina
Echinacea
Heuchera
Phlox
Helleborus niger

Thanks in advance

Kevin

 

All those you've mentioned will happily root outside in a sheltered position, as in away from wind.
This is where soda bottles come in handy. They act as mini cold frames/propagating lids. There's plenty of videos on the internet explaining how to do it. It's less invasive than a cold frame....and cheaper, too!
Have a read up on each plant you have and propagation method. Some can be done from seed or division, then some from softwood or semi hardwood cuttings. Try different ways, it's a fun way of learning what a plant does to keep itself alive

 

You may benefit by using a really gritty compost, sharp sand and peat/leafmould. Remember these will be vulnerable to snails/slugs. Some advantage in using a heated, covered propagator such as this:
www.diy.com/departments/stewart-heated-propagator-38cm/5022938595057_BQ.prd?
For protection, humidity and ,maybe, heat.

 

Do you have a shed or greenhouse or a garage with a window ?

You can get a really small but proper greenhouse ( not the plastic covered ones) that fit up against a wall and only take up 2x4ft, ideal for such work.

 

Hello

Thanks for the Replies.

@ricky101 I do have a Shed but it is barely big enough to hold the Garden Tools, Lawn Mower, Pressure Washer etc.

No Garage, unfortunately.

I also have no room to place a Greenhouse, even a small one as you suggest, I like Nature too much so all of the available space that I have is taken up for Plants, Lawn, Trees etc., except of course for the Patio and Paving.

How about Indoor Propagation Units that I have seen advertised which have Lighting etc., would they work?

Thanks

Kevin

 

For the plants you mention think @flounder comments the best way to increase your stock though better to wait for some warmer weather / soil before taking any cuttings etc.

Like the Soda bottle mentioned there are a variety of simple or fancy cloches you can use around the garden which can be stored away easily.

An indoor heated prop unit could work but for really more for seeds and small cuttings plus if used on a window cill it can be too easy to bake things on a sunny spring day.

Sound like you have lots of space if you have a lawn and trees and understand you wanting to keep all the space to enjoy the plants, though, if we may, would equally suggest that the enjoyment you can get from even a small greenhosue can both add to and complement any garden.
We find ours is usable most of the year round and allows us to grow and overwinter plants that we could never have without one.

 

Hello

My Garden is Small but Full, Small Trees, Small Lawn etc.

Unfortunately, no room for a Greenhouse

I will look into the Cloches you mention.

Thanks

Kevin

 

You don't anything extra for Heucheras or Hellebores. Just pull bits off the heucheras and pot them up, and they'll root very quickly. You could even do it at this time of year. Hellebores will seed around so you can pot them up and just leave the pots somewhere sheltered until they grow enough to plant out.