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Several years ago all the fruit trees in our garden started to dry out at once. I tried various tips, fertilizers and protective sprays, but nothing worked. Eventually my neighbor advised a simple but effective method: before the trees completely dry out, cut strong young branches from them and try to root them. At first I was skeptical. I thought that growing trees from cuttings would be complicated and time-consuming. But the opposite was true.
Why try rooting cuttings?
It may take more time than buying a seedling at a garden center, but the result is worth it. Growing trees from your own cuttings costs you nothing and brings incredible satisfaction. In addition, you can easily propagate rare varieties of plums, apricots or even cherries. Watch how new shoots grow, strengthen and over time produce tasty fruit for you. For lovers of the home garden it is both joy and pride.
How to proceed step by step
1. Cutting the twigs
From a healthy fruit tree choose strong, young and as straight as possible twigs. Cut them with a sharp knife or scissors at an angle. The length should be about 20–25 cm so they fit into a PET bottle.
2. Preparation of cuttings
Carefully remove all leaves and side shoots from the cut twigs. You will be left with a bare cutting that will focus on forming roots.
3. Water and rooting
Pour about 5 cm of water into a bottle or jar and place the prepared cuttings inside. Cover the bottle (e.g. with plastic with holes), but open it once every few days to exchange the air.
For faster rooting of cuttings you can add a root stimulator or a little cinnamon – it has natural antibacterial properties and supports root formation.
4. Checking and transplanting
After about two weeks you will see small protrusions on the surface of the twigs – these are the beginnings of roots. At that time you can transplant the cuttings into a pot with quality soil.
What next after transplanting?
- Plant the cuttings into a smaller container and place them in a sheltered spot out of direct sunlight.
- Keep the soil slightly moist, but do not overwater.
- Once the sapling strengthens, you can move it to the garden or into a large pot.
In this way I propagated plums, apricots and rare cherries from my neighbor. Now I have my own trees in the garden that I grew myself. It’s a great way to expand your home garden without large investments.
Tips for success
- Always use a clean, sharp knife so diseases do not get into the cuttings.
- Adding cinnamon or a natural stimulator will help rooting.
- Be patient – growing trees from cuttings is a process that takes several months, but the reward is worth it.
Conclusion
Growing trees from cuttings is a wonderful, ecological and inexpensive way to establish your own fruit orchard. Besides, it’s a great feeling when you know that every sapling grew from your care. Don’t hesitate to try it yourself and enjoy the pleasure of growing your own!
