‘Try propagation’ during poor weather

Gardeners who are keen to get planting but who are hesitant to start seed could try propagating houseplants, it has been suggested.

Cheryl Moore-Gough, extension horticulturist at Montana State University, explains that the different varieties of house flora respond best to different environments and as such, propagation should not take place without proper research.

She explains that houseplants should not be propagated in garden soil unless it has been sterilised as there are micro-organisms in the earth which can damage houseplants of reduce the chances of successful rooting.

“Use a mixture of sand and peat or of sand and vermiculite in which to root cuttings, or a good potting soil blend. Do not add fertilizer to the rooting media,” Ms Moore-Gough states.

Meanwhile, the Independent recently reported that plants‘ transitions from inside to outside should be as seamless as possible to allow them to develop fully and become resistant to disease.