SOFTWOOD cuttings from woody herbs are among some of the most forgiving plants you can propagate, writes TOM ATTWOOD.

Woody simply refers to the fact that these are herbs that if not pruned hard or harvested regularly will in time develop a ‘woody’ framework. This applies to plants such as sage, rosemary, lavender or thyme. When these plants are young you wouldn’t describe the growth necessarily as woody but it’s certainly stronger than a sprig of parsley or oregano.

To take herb cuttings fill a plastic pot with a good quality compost leaving a one centimetre (half an inch) gap between the top of the compost and the pot. I add extra horticultural grit to aid drainage and speed up the rooting process.

To take cuttings, remove healthy, pest and disease-free shoot tips that are about 10cm (4in) long. You can do this with your fingers if you’ve forgotten to bring your secateurs with you.

Trim off the lower leaves and cut cleanly beneath a leaf joint. Dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder or gel to improve its chances of rooting and insert five or six cuttings around the edge of the pot. Use a pencil to make the holes to insert the cutting in and gently firm in place. Water, label and record the date you made the cutting as a useful reference. Take several cuttings of each herb; I work on the basis that for every five cuttings I take 1 will likely fail to root.

Put the pots in a propagator or secure a clear plastic bag around the pot. An elastic band will hold it in place. Put a small stick or defunct pen in the centre of the pot to prop the plastic up and keep it from touching the leaves of the cuttings.

Cuttings should have rooted within eight weeks and can then be potted into individual pots.

To see some excellent uses of herbs in people's gardens this weekend, Brigsteer Village open gardens near Kendal is on this Sunday (May 28), from 10am until 5pm.

Next week: why the Chelsea Chop?