Propagating Cuttings

 I’ve never been able to throw away a healthy sprig of anything. If it has a bit of stem and even the slightest potential to root, into the water or soil it goes. Over the years, this habit has turned into a quiet little obsession—and one that has saved me a good bit of money. Propagating cuttings is one of my favorite ways to grow the garden without buying more plants. It feels a little like magic every time.

Some plants practically beg to be propagated. Mint, for example, roots in water before you’ve even decided where to plant it. Lemon Balm and Begonias do too. Begonias will often send out fine little roots within days. I keep jars on the windowsill filled with hopeful clippings, and more often than not, they deliver.

Roses take a bit more convincing. I dip the cuttings in rooting compound first, then press them into moist soil and tuck them in someplace shady. It helps to trim away most of the leaves and leave just a few at the top. I’ve had the best luck when the weather is warm but not scorching, and when I remember to keep the soil evenly damp. Some years, they surprise me with strong new growth; other years, I try again. That’s part of the fun.

Geraniums are another favorite. They root in water too, though I’ve found I get the best results in early spring, just when the plants are waking up. If a stem gets leggy or breaks off, I trim it and stick it in a pot of soil, give it a little light, and wait. Most of the time, it rewards me with a whole new plant.

Petunias are less fussy than people think. If a sprig breaks off while I’m deadheading or tidying up, I pop it in a jar of water. In a week or two, I’ve got roots and the beginning of a brand-new petunia. I’ve even done this mid-season, then tucked the rooted cutting into a pot to keep things blooming longer.

And then there’s pussy willow. These will root in water without a second thought. It’s no wonder people use willow branches as natural rooting stimulants—some even soak willow in water to create a homemade rooting compound for other cuttings. I haven’t tried that yet, but it’s on my list. Many house plants root well in water too. 

There’s something deeply satisfying about growing new plants from ones you already have. It feels generous, in a way. Like the garden is offering up more than you asked for. A little jar on the windowsill becomes a nursery, a broken stem becomes a second chance, and before you know it, your single plant has multiplied.