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.