[hasbeans]

Hi,

I want to start growing from cuttings as I spend far too much on plants!  I already have a heated propagator but have seen the cuttings ones with misters.  Are they worth the cost or would I get similar results with the standard heated propagators?
Thanks




 

[Pescador]

What sort of plants are you thinking off? Some are easier than others and wouldn't need mist.

[hasbeans]

Softwood/hardwood/stem/leaf.  I might practice more before spending money!
Ta

[New shoot]

Hardwood cuttings are easy - just your cut material, a pot of mixed compost and sand and a quiet corner to stand it in.  You can just use a slit trench in the soil, but I always find a pot easier.

The vast majority of the rest, you could do without misting.  Commercial growers use it to ensure full trays of cuttings to pot on, but they use glasshouses where the misting is linked to ventilation systems.  In a small home propagator, you could end up with a rotting mess.

You don't even need a propagator for a lot of stuff.  Gentle base heat can be useful, but a few pots and plastic bags will get you going.  A jam jar of water can also produce roots on a cutting.

For planting medium, I always use a basic mix of compost, then add sand until it feels a bit crunchy in your hand.  Sounds odd, but it was how I was taught it by an expert on a course once and it makes perfect sense when you try it    For hardwood cuttings, I would add John Innes as well, as it is easier to keep the compost in good heart over the several months it takes for them to work.  The crunchy texture rule still applies though.

Have a play around before spending out.  It is fun to do and if you are taking material from your own garden, costs very little 

[hasbeans]

Thank you both, I'm convinced to get a few wins first.  Nice light work too while I get rid of the sciatica I've had for a month due to lifting a wet 50l pot with a tree in it