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.

 

Hello all

I Hope your are Well.

Rather that Start a New Thread I am Resurrecting this one

Since I Originally Posted this Thread in February 2024 I have not been able to do anything regarding the Propagating, mainly due to Health Issues, that has now changed, Finally.

I have Purchased the following:

Westland Cutting and Seed Compost (10L)
Westland Rooting Powder
10 x Clear 10cm Pots with Lids

Now all I need is some Cuttings, I think I am going to Try, emphasis on Try, to Propagate Penstemon 'Burgundy' and Echinacea 'Delicious Candy', both of which seem difficult to find Online and the ones that I have found seem quite Expensive given that I can, Hopefully, Propagate them from Existing Plants.

As I understand it, both Echinacea and Penstemon can be Propagated from Softwood Cuttings.

Roll on Spring

Any Tips would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Kevin

 

Seeds and Cuttings really need bottom heat to get going, so a heated propagator is best.
Many to choose from online, though the prices seem to have doubled in the last year or so.
We only paid £19 for the seed tray sized one mentioned above from B&Q now around £39 !

You could try growing some from seeds as well.

Not too sure why you have gone for clear pots ?

 

Hello @ricky101

Thanks for the Tip, I will look into the Heated Propagators.

I went with the Clear Pots with Lids as they were the Cheaper Option

Thanks

Kevin

 

I have lots of penstemon and perennial phlox I often take cuttings from and find them very easy.

One of the key things to get cuttings to root is to provide some bottom heat (as mentioned above) and a simple, cheap heat mat will provide that.
I have one of these -
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B076DYSF19?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_3&th=1

I add at least 50% perlite to the compost to make it really light and allow plenty of oxygen to get in which is vital for root formation, then put the whole pot into a plastic bag, tie the top loosely and keep somewhere bright on a heat mat if possible.
Untie the top of the bag every few days to allow some fresh air in.
I find roots appear in 2-3 weeks and the cuttings grow strongly.
Some penstemon will happily root in a glass of water - so that's worth a try too.

I take the cuttings when I see the parent plant putting out new growth which is an indicator that the hormones in the plant are in full growth mode.

 

Hello @Pete8

Thanks for the Link, I have added it to the List.

Kevin

 

Hello @Pete8

One Question regarding the Heat Mat.

One of the Reviews, there is always one, mentioned that the Heat Mat was placed on a Wooden Table and it Damaged it.

Have you had any such Issues?

When I get it I will be placing it on the Kitchen Worktop near a Socket where there is plenty of Indirect Sunlight.

Thanks in advance

Kevin

 

Mine sits on top of some (cleaned) house bricks I came across in the garden.
The bricks also warm up and hold the warmth well.

The mat is quite warm to the touch but nowhere near hot.
If you're putting yours on top of a worktop that may get damaged, then something like a few magazines or newspapers underneath the mat will protect whatever is underneath it.
Anything that raises the mat off the worktop a bit will give enough protection.