How to… grow climbers for free

The long, trailing stems of climbers make them perfect to propagate by layering

Layering is simply encouraging roots to form a new plant while still attached to the parent, and it’s an easy way to quickly cover a whole wall with flower and foliage.

1. Select a young shoot that’s growing close to the ground.

2. Trim off any leaves that may touch the ground (once your shoot is pegged down; see step five).

3. Make an angled cut on the underside of the shoot to form a ‘tongue’.

4. Apply hormone-rooting powder to the cut, shaking off any excess.

5. Peg down the shoot firmly to the ground using a U-shaped pin or bent piece of wire, then cover the shoot with about three inches of earth.

6. A strong root system should have developed by the following autumn. Cut the new plant away from the parent plant, then leave it where it is, plant it into its new permanent position or into a pot to give to a friend.

You might also like...

Make your own trellis

Growing plants from seed

Make your own newspaper seed pots

What to do in the garden this month, plus lots more gardening advice and inspiration

Subscribe - SAVE over 25%

Related Articles

Creative ways to set the...

Add a personal touch to festive invitations and...

Top 5: stylish table lamps

Brighten up a corner of the room with Prima's...

Top 5: bright home buys

Try a bright lamp or cushion from Prima's...