Layering

I was out in the garden taking photographs the other day and I noticed a blackcurrant plant that I layered last year (or was it the year before?) This is it, already turning into a respectable new plant.

Blackcurrant

 (It is not possible to have too many blackcurrants)

If you don’t already know about it layering, is a great introduction to plant propagation. It is so simple and easy it’s pretty much foolproof and works with many different plants, even those that are reluctant to root from cuttings. The best time to do it is in early spring before the buds open (which is now), though I have done it in early summer too (it may just take longer).

Goji Berry

 (this is also incredibly easy to grow from cuttings, which is even easier)

Layering is a pleasantly simple process if you have the right kinds of shoots in the right places. You take a flexible dormant shoot of last years wood and bend it sharply 12 inches from the tip. This may cause some of the fibers to crack, but that’s okay because wounded areas actually tend to root more easily. You can also wound it by scraping some of the bark from underneath the bend (wounding isn’t essential though). You then bury the bent part of the shoot by digging a small hole, holding the stem down and putting the soil back on top to hold it down. If it tries to pull out of the ground you can use a sharpened forked stick (or wire soil staple) to hold it down firmly. That’s all there is to it, just ensure that the soil doesn’t dry out completely and wait. An optional further step is to tie the growing tip to a stake so it grows upright (this will also help to mark it, which is good).

Highbush Cranberry

(Too bad the fruit is pretty much inedible)

I suggest you go out into your garden after you finish reading this and spend an hour or two going around layering branches. Next year you will thank me as you go around digging up all of your new plants (don’t forget to do some more).