Gardeners' World Season 46 Episode 21 Cuttings

In season 46 episode 21 of Gardeners' World, titled 'Cuttings', we follow presenter Monty Don as he teaches us how to propagate our plants using cuttings. Throughout the episode, Monty explains how to take cuttings from shrubs, climbers, and herbaceous plants, the best times of year to do so, and what to do with them once they've matured.

He begins by taking cuttings from his dahlias, demonstrating how to make a clean cut and remove any leaves from the stem. He then takes us to the propagation unit, where he shows us how he places the cuttings in a tray of compost and covers them with a plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse environment. He also explains how he checks the cuttings regularly for any signs of mold or rot and waters them as needed.

Monty then explores how to take hardwood cuttings, this means cuttings from tougher shrubs. He shows us how to prepare the cuttings by removing any side shoots or buds and treating the base with rooting hormone. He then packs the cuttings into a trench of soil and covers them with a layer of mulch to protect them from the elements.

Next, Monty takes us to the greenhouse where he demonstrates how to take cuttings from his beloved fig tree. He shows us how to select the best growth for cuttings and how to trim the leaves to reduce water loss. He then dips the cuttings in rooting hormone and places them in a pot of compost to root.

Monty also explores how we can use cuttings to create new plants from climbers such as clematis and honeysuckle, demonstrating how to identify the best shoots to use and how to train them to form new roots.

Throughout the episode, Monty emphasizes the importance of patience and nurturing when it comes to propagating plants from cuttings. He also offers advice on how to care for the cuttings once they have matured, explaining how to pot them up and how to harden them off before planting them in your garden.

As always, Monty's love for gardening shines through in this episode, and viewers are sure to be inspired to try their hand at propagating their own plants from cuttings.