May: Time to Propagate Plants for Free Growth

Take advantage of May’s abundance by propagating your own plants for free. Mid-spring is perfect for softwood cuttings, offering a vast selection of shrubs, perennials, herbs, and even some trees.

Cuttings taken in May root quickly due to the rapid growth of plants. Now is the time to explore this method and expand your garden without spending a penny.

When taking cuttings, ensure they’re from new, fresh growth of the current season and free from pests and diseases. Clean garden tools are essential for healthy cuttings, as is using a potting mix formulated for starting seeds or cuttings.

Popular plants for softwood cuttings in May include deciduous flowering shrubs like hydrangea, butterfly bush, and fuchsia. Aromatic herbs such as rosemary, sage, and lavender are also prime candidates. Perennials like penstemon, osteospermum, and chrysanthemums offer long-lasting blooms, while trees like birch and magnolia can also be propagated this way.

Taking cuttings in May allows for ample time for new plants to establish before planting them out in the garden. Tender geraniums, also known as pelargoniums, can be propagated in May, providing colorful additions to borders and pots for the following year.

By taking advantage of May’s growth spurt, you can enjoy a bountiful garden without breaking the bank.

Re-reported from the article originally published in HOMES & GARDENS.