How to successfully grow new plants for free using Monty Don's cutting method

While many of us are keen to pack away the gardening gloves once summer ends, early autumn can be a brilliant time for plants. The ground stays warm, and plentiful rainfall ensures shoots remain well-watered.

Even better, an expert has revealed a technique for growing them without spending a penny. According to BBC presenter and horticulturalist Monty Don, September is a perfect time to get free plants by taking cuttings.

If you've never taken a cutting before, Monty reassured gardeners not to feel intimidated. In a blog from 2024, he wrote: "[Cuttings] are easy, mostly successful and the gateway to producing scores of new plants for free. They also enable you to be very specific about what you want."

The gardening expert explained that a plant grown from a cutting will always be 'exactly the same' as its parent plant - allowing you to control how your garden looks.

He also noted that you can use semi-ripe cuttings from the current season's wood. According tothe Mirror, this method results in slower rooting but also gives more time before decay sets in.

You should take cuttings using a sharp knife and secateurs. Monty suggested putting the cuttings straight into a plastic bag to reduce moisture loss.

Whilst he also recommended taking cuttings in the morning when a plant is full of moisture, it can be done whenever you fancy. Gardeners are advised to choose plants that display 'healthy, strong, straight growth' for cutting material. These should also be devoid of any flowers or flower buds.

After gathering material from the plant and placing it in a plastic bag, Monty suggested planting them immediately. He added: "The quicker you can do this, the more likely you are to have success."

To ready the plant for potting, remove all lower leaves and side shoots, leaving only an inch or less of foliage. Then, using a sharp knife, cut the bare stem 'to size' just below a node before planting it in a container filled with very gritty or sandy compost.

Position the cuttings around the edge of a pot and place them in a warm and bright location. Avoid a south-facing windowsill, as it may cause scorching.

Once potted, water it well and maintain slight moisture. Monty added that a daily misting will help prevent the leaves from drying out before new roots have time to grow.

When fresh growth becomes visible, it's a clear sign that the roots have formed. At this stage, the cuttings can be taken out of the pot and transferred to separate pots, ready to be planted outdoors the following spring.