News
It’s an ideal time to take cuttings
By Debby Looney, gardening expert
The transition between spring and summer can be quite difficult to gauge – on the one hand, winter bedding looks shabby, but, the later you plant the summer bedding, the longer lasting it will be.
In the meantime, there are plenty of jobs to be done…gardening really never has a quiet moment! Weeding is a year round job, and a never ending one, it seems. There is a new product on the market by Westland, called Weed Preventer. It is a granular product which can be scattered on weed free ground. Due to plant based materials in the granules, it prevents seeds from germinating, giving you several months of weed free bliss! I have tried out a patch and so far it is working. It does not have a weed killer in it, so does not kill existing weeds, but the plus side of that is that you can use it around shrubs safely.
This is the ideal time of year for taking basal cuttings. These are taken from this year’s growth at the base of the plant, where there is a concentration of hormones which encourage root development. Why take cuttings? Well, it is a very cost effective way of obtaining plants, especially if you have favourites, or a large garden, or many friends! You are also ensured an exact replica of the plant you take the cutting from, as opposed to seeds you might save. It is easy to take cuttings, you need very little. Just a plant, a sterile sharp knife or secateurs, and ideally rooting powder. Rooting powder contains hormones which stimulate the formulation of roots, as well as an antifungal component, preventing your cuttings from rotting. It comes as both a powder and a gel, both are equally effective. Never use too much, always shake off the excess.
Always use material from a healthy disease free plant. Take cuttings in the morning, when the plant is not under stress from sun. Place the pieces you cut into a plastic bag to prevent wilting. Basal cuttings are generally suitable for herbaceous plants. These are taken very near the base of the plant where there is a slight swelling. They have a high percentage success rate, as there are many hormones here. From wherever you take the cutting, trim the top and bottom, and remove the lower leaves. Dip the lower inch into rooting powder and tap off the excess. Have a pot or tray prepared, using a mixture of cutting compost mixed with an equal amount of sand or perlite. Water well. Place your cuttings in a greenhouse, or under a clear plastic cover such as a polythene bag, to prevent drying out. Now the most difficult part: do not be tempted to pull them out to check if there are roots! Do check them regularly for disease or rotting leaves, and keep them clean and moist.
Plants suitable for basal cuttings are: shaitan daisies, osteospermum, erigeron, dahlia, phygelius, aconite, Monkshood, helianthemum, in short, almost all perennials and herbs.
News
West End and Great Southern team up for theatre experience
A powerful production of one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plays is coming to the Killarney stage this month. In an exciting joint venture, the West End House School of […]
Fans urged to leave points on field
Kerry fans travelling to Croke Park for the All-Ireland Senior Football Final on Sunday, July 26th, are being urged to keep road safety as their top priority and leave the penalties and points to the players on the pitch.
With thousands of supporters set to travel hundreds of kilometres by car, bus, train, and plane for the showdown between Kerry and Mayo, Kerry and Mayo County Councils have joined forces to roll out a joint road safety campaign.
The initiative features a GAA-inspired advert for local radio and social media. The campaign highlights that while speed and impact play a key role for a footballer on the pitch, the consequences of speed behind the wheel carry a very different and dangerous outcome. Both local authorities emphasize that road safety is a team effort, ensuring everyone arrives safely to enjoy the match and returns home without incident.
Kerry County Council’s Road Safety Officer, Declan Keogh, warned of the need for vigilance during the long journey to Dublin.
“There will be a lot of excitement and distractions on the journeys to Croke Park. We are asking motorists to stay focused, keep their eye on the road and ensure everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seatbelt. Long journeys can be tiring for drivers, so short breaks should be factored into the journey plan. Whether celebrating or commiserating after the game, drivers should never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Staying safe on the road is the main goal.”
Supporters on both sides are being reminded that regardless of the result on the pitch, making safe decisions on the road ensures a winning outcome for everyone involved.
West End and Great Southern team up for theatre experience
A powerful production of one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plays is coming to the Killarney stage this month. In...
Fans urged to leave points on field
Fans urged to leave points on field Kerry fans travelling to Croke Park for the All-Ireland Senior Football Final on...
Ballymac Vintage Club’s 16th annual car Run
Ballymac Vintage Club has launched its 16th Annual Classic Car and Honda 50 Run, which takes place on August 2....
United in Love: Dream Manchester wedding for Killarney
Huge congratulations to Killarney couple Elaine Sugrue and Shane Reen on their spectacular wedding celebrations on Saturday, June 6. Elaine,...
Vintage Club clinches second place in national tractor restoration final
The Killarney Valley Classic and Vintage Club secured second place and a €2,000 prize at the national Ferguson 20 restoration...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
