With over 30 years experience in the area of environmentally-friendly garden and farm supplies, West Cork’s Fruit Hill Farm has long been the shop of choice for Ireland’s organic producers and gardeners. As we head into Spring, the next few months are the ideal time to take softwood cutting from many plants or to start new plants from seed. Fruit Hill Farm business owner Elmer Koomans shares some propagating tips and explains why investing in quality compost, seeds and propagation equipment is so important in sowing and growing healthy and productive plants, making for a much more satisfying growing experience overall.
What type of equipment do I need for propagation? Sturdy trays, good quality seed compost and a bright and warm place to promote growth are all essential for successful propagation. Ideally, an investment in a heated propagator and perhaps a grow light to supplement natural light, which can be lacking even on windowsills early in the year, will reward you with better growth.
What is the best way to save seeds from plants for successful propagation? Different plants require different methods for effective seed collection so it’s best to research this before you start. Annuals are easier to collect seed from but many of our vegetables, like carrots, beetroot, onions and leeks for example, are biennials, which means they take two seasons to produce seed. Ultimately all seeds collected need to be dried thoroughly before storing in a cool, dry and dark place.
It is also important to be aware that cross-pollination can happen easily if you’re growing more than one variety of pumpkin for example. This means that the plants from that seed won’t be true to one variety the following year.
What is the best way to propagate seeds? Firstly, ensure that the temperature is right for the particular seed: Some seeds, like lettuce, prefer a cool environment, whereas others, like pepper and aubergine, prefer warmth.
Good quality seed compost that has the right balance of air, water and organic matter is also essential. The compost should not be too high in nitrogen, as germinating seeds don’t need a lot in the first weeks.
While it’s essential to keep the compost moist, remember that excessive water can be harmful.
Most seeds germinate best in the dark, but some, like lettuce, prefer light for germination.
The most important missing factor indoors is light, so after your seeds have sprouted, make sure they have sufficient light and invest in extra lighting if necessary.
Of course, one also needs to have a safe space within the house, where cats and dogs or children, will leave the plants alone.
How can I take a cutting from a plant and what do I do then? While theoretically anything, once it has a node, can be propagated from a cutting, some cuttings require more care to stimulate the process of root formation. It’s important to keep in mind that hardwood cuttings should be taken in Winter and softwood in Summer. Selecting a strong, healthy, disease-free plant to propagate from is also essential. As with seed collection, my advice is to research the individual plant before propagating.
Can I root plants in water?
Some plants, like Willow, will root well in water, others are better in soil or perlite or a mix of these.
Is there something I should add to soil for a better chance of successful propagation?
Perlite creates an optimal environment for root development by allowing better oxygen flow and drainage to create a lighter, airier soil, which encourages healthy root formation.
What are the main challenges in plant propagation and how would you advise addressing these? One of the primary challenges in plant propagation is insufficient light, which can hinder healthy growth and root development.
Another common issue is poor soil aeration, often caused by overly dense compost, which can lead to root rot and slow growth. To improve soil structure and airflow, incorporating perlite can enhance drainage and oxygen availability.
Additionally, overwatering is a frequent problem, as excessive moisture can suffocate roots and promote fungal diseases. It’s important to maintain a balanced watering schedule, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
What should you not do when propagating plants? Firstly, do not leave them in darkness for extended periods, as this can hinder germination and early development.
Additionally, avoid using compost that is overly rich or excessively damp, as this can lead to poor root formation or fungal issues
Be mindful of temperature conditions – keeping plants too cold can slow growth or even kill young seedlings. If propagating in a glasshouse or tunnel, watch out for potential night frosts that could damage or stunt tender plants.
Lastly, when sowing seeds, ensure proper spacing and depth. Sowing them too densely can lead to overcrowding and competition for nutrients, while planting too deeply may prevent germination. On the other hand, some seeds require light to sprout, so placing them too shallowly can also be detrimental.
For someone new to gardening, what plants would you advise are easy to propagate?
When it comes to vegetables, easy-to-grow options include kale, lettuce, pumpkin, sweetcorn or tomato. For flowers, sunflowers, cosmos or marigold are good choices.
Talk to me about compost…the different types and what is the best compost to use when propagating? There are a few different composts available: At the moment we have six in stock from Klasmann – seed compost, peat-based and peat-free, which are finer and have lower nutrient content. Then there are potting composts, peat-based (for annuals and perennials) and peat-free – these are coarser and have higher nutrient content suitable for growing larger plants.
We also offer blocking compost, specifically formulated with the ideal blend of fibres to create sturdy soil blocks. These blocks provide an excellent structure for sowing seeds, promoting healthy root development and ensuring less transplant shock and healthy growth.
Can you share some of the more interesting/unique varieties of seeds (veg and flowers) available through Fruit Hill Farm? We have a great range of tomatoes, as well as peppers and chillies. There is a nice variety of peas and beans, and we also have soybean seed for growing in a tunnel or glasshouse.
Why is it important to purchase organic seeds? Purchasing organic seeds is important because they are cultivated without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or artificial fertilisers. This means the seeds come from plants that have adapted to grow in natural conditions, making them better suited for organic gardening and farming. Additionally, organic seeds are more likely to thrive in environments where chemical treatments are avoided, leading to healthier, more resilient plants. By choosing organic seeds, you also support environmentally responsible farming practices and businesses that prioritise sustainability, biodiversity, and soil health.
