Propagating tools - review

Cloches, Cold Frames

Propagation is the art of producing new plants. Plants can be propagated from seeds or cuttings or by layering a branch. It is an important aspect of gardening and a wide range of equipment is available. The requirements of different species vary. Some plants come easily from seed, others from cuttings. Some benefit from humidity, some from from bottom heat, some from mist propagation. The successful propagator needs a range of devices and a good deal of knowledge. One of the key principles is to ensure that conditions are wet enough for plant growth but not so wet that infection spreads. Seeds germinate in the dark but require good light after germination.

* a plant tray is used for sowing seeds or inserting cuttings. Both seeding composts (with a good range of nutrients) and potting composts (with few nutrients) are supplied

• a plant tray is used for sowing seeds or inserting cuttings. Both seeding composts (with a good range of nutrients) and potting composts (with few nutrients) are supplied
• a plant tray with bottom heat is used to encourage the germination of seeds or rooting of cuttings
• a glass or plastic cover to the plant tray is used to conserve moisture and create warm conditions for plant growth
• mist propagators provide good levels of humidity and aeration - many cuttings benefit from 'cool tops and warm bottoms'

Using the right propagating equipment, tools, supplies and practices gives the best results. If you try to propagate plants in a crowded environment, the plants will not grow to their full potential. If you plant directly into a seed flat, you increase the risk that should one seedling become infected the disease will spread to the other seedlings.