Root cuttings are easy

Although many gardeners have heard of root cuttings, most don't try it. It sounds too specialised, arcane perhaps. The only difficult part, however, is finding out which plants can be reproduced from their roots. Since generations of gardeners have already done the work, any decent gardening handbook should give a lowdown.

There are two groups of plants you can use for root cuttings: one has fleshy, thong-like roots and includes acanthus, Oriental poppies, Eryngium bourgatii, Crambe cordifolia and Primula denticulata.

The other group has finer, slightly knobbly roots and includes Anemone x hybrida and Geranium sanguineum. The first will make new shoots at the top of the cut root, the second has the ability to produce new shoots along its entire length.

To take a cutting, there is no need to disturb the plant unless you want to move it. Gently remove some of the soil alongside and identify suitable roots. With the first group, these will be substantial, fat tap roots. Sever one or two as close to the crown of the plant as you can and carefully re move them from the soil.

It is vital you keep them the same way up through out the process - if the phone rings, ignore it. With a sharp knife, cut the root into chunks about 2.5 - 5cm long. Fill a clay pot or, better still, a module or cell tray to the brim with potting compost to which you have added a generous quantity of sharp grit. Push the cuttinngs around the edge of the po (put just one into each compartment if you've opted for the module tray), so that the topmost cut surface is flush with the top of the compost, then cover with sharp grit, which will retain moisture yet drain water from the top of the cutting, preventing rot.

With the second group, the cuttings can be taken in a similar way, but they are potted differently. Lie them on top of the compost and weigh them down with grit, so they stay in contact with it.

Water the cuttings thoroughly then put in a warm, bright place. Bottom heat helps. When new leaves are visible, wait two weeks, then pot them into small pots. Pot on when necessary and give them the shelter of greenhouse, cold frame or a windowsill until spring. When they are strong and self-sufficient, plant them out.