Whilst the days are still reasonably long and the temperatures mild, it’s a great time to take soft cuttings of hardy perennials. In my garden, Salvias, Dianthus, Nepeta and Penstemon are great candidates for propagation via this method since they are quick to root.

I might also try to propagate Dahlias and annual Fuschias via this method to keep them for next year.

Cut a stem just below a leaf node and then take the leaves off. Put the stem in a pot or seed module of compost and wait around six weeks for it to root. In general, if it is growing well on top then this means it is rooting well. After six weeks or earlier if it is really flourishing, gently tip the pot upside down to see if there are any roots growing through the drainage holes. If there are then you can either pot the plant into a bigger container or plant them out. There should still be time for them to put on enough growth before the frosts to make it through the winter.

@midsomerdiariesgarden on Instagram