Looking to add some soft fruit to your garden? Why not propagate it yourself? Read on for everything you need to know about propagating soft fruit.
Choosing Your Fruit
The first step is to choose the kind of soft fruit you want to propagate. Some popular choices include raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries. Once you’ve made your decision, it’s time to get started.
Gathering Your Supplies
You’ll need a few supplies before you can start propagating your chosen soft fruit. Firstly, you’ll need a sharp knife or pruning shears. You’ll also need a pot or container filled with moistened seed-starting mix, as well as a plastic bag or piece of cling film to cover the pot or container. Finally, you’ll need a warm, sunny spot in which to place your pot or container.
Propagating Your Fruit
Once you have all of your supplies gathered, it’s time to propagate your chosen soft fruit.
Start by cutting a 2-3 inch young shoot from the main plant, making sure that the shoot includes at least two sets of leaves.
Next, remove the bottom leaves from the shoot, and then dip the cut end of the shoot into rooting hormone powder.
After that, plant the shoot in your pot or container of moistened seed-starting mix, making sure that only the top leaves are above the surface of the mix.
Finally, cover the pot or container with a plastic bag or piece of cling film, and place it in a warm, sunny spot.
Watering and Caring for Your New Plant
Once you’ve propagated your new plant, it’s important to water it regularly and keep an eye on it to make sure that it doesn’t dry out. The goal is to keep the soil moist but not wet. Too much water can kill your new plant just as easily as too little water can. In general, newly propagated plants will need to be watered every few days. However, always check the soil before watering. If it feels moist then there’s no need to water yet.
Lastly, make sure to keep an eye out for pests. Aphids and other small insects are attracted to soft fruit plants and can quickly cause damage if left unchecked.
Conclusion
And there you have it. Everything you need to know about propagating soft fruit plants. By following these simple steps, you’ll soon have a healthy new plant that will provide you with delicious fruit for seasons to come. So what are you waiting for? Get started today.