Monty Don has shared his top tips for taking cuttings before the end of the month – this is what you need to know
Almha Murphy Audience Writer and Lauren Haughey Lifestyle and Money Reporter
12:14, 27 Sep 2025
The specialist shared a tip that may enable you to grow plants for free(Image: JulieAlexK via Getty Images)
While many of us are eager to put away the gardening gloves once summer draws to a close, early autumn can be an excellent period for plants. The soil remains warm, and abundant rainfall keeps shoots well-watered.
Even more appealing, an expert has shared a method for cultivating them at no cost. According to BBC presenter and horticulturalist Monty Don, September is an ideal time to obtain complimentary plants by taking cuttings.
If you haven’t taken a cutting before, Monty assured gardeners not to be daunted. In a blog from 2024, he wrote: “[Cuttings] are easy, mostly successful and the gateway to producing scores of new plants for free. They also enable you to be very specific about what you want.”
The gardening specialist explained that a plant cultivated from a cutting will always be ‘exactly the same’ as its parent plant – enabling you to dictate how your garden appears.
He also mentioned that you can use semi-ripe cuttings from the current season’s wood. According to the Mirror, this approach results in a slower rooting process but also extends the time before deterioration.
You should take cuttings with a sharp knife and secateurs. Monty recommended placing the cuttings directly into a plastic bag to minimise moisture loss. While he further advised taking cuttings in the morning when a plant is full of moisture, it can be done whenever you feel like.
Overall, gardeners should select plants that exhibit ‘healthy, strong, straight growth’ for cutting material. They should also be free of any flowers or flower buds.
After collecting material from the plant and placing it in the plastic bag, Monty recommended planting them right away. He added: “The quicker you can do this, the more likely you are to have success.”
To prepare the plant for potting, remove all lower leaves and side shoots, leaving only an inch or less of foliage. Then, using a sharp knife, cut the bare stem ‘to size’ just below a node before planting it in a container filled with very gritty or sandy compost.
Position the cuttings around the edge of a pot and place it in a warm and bright location. However, avoid a south-facing windowsill as it may cause scorching.
Once potted, water it well and maintain slight moisture. Monty added that a daily misting will help prevent the leaves from drying out before new roots have time to grow.
When fresh growth becomes visible, it’s a clear sign that the roots have formed. At this stage, the cuttings can be taken out of the pot and transferred to separate pots, ready to be planted outdoors the following spring.
Get all the hottest shopping deals, cash saving tips and money news straight to your phone by joining our new WhatsApp Community – The Money Saving Club. Just click this link to join https://crnch.it/eutplxS1
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice here https://crnch.it/jeQqC872
Comments are closed.