This may be a good idea regarding roots....

sb44

I remember years ago and I mean like the early 80's I bought some plastic tubs that had a gel like substance in them in which you planted your cuttings. They were great as you could see exactly how the roots were doing. Haven't seen them for years so they probably don't sell them anymore.

Anyway, I had an idea.

I bought a stack of clear disposable drinking cups today from a cheap shop (80 for £1), they are absolutely clear so I think they will be great for planting seedlings and cuttings in as I will be able to see the roots and easily know when to pot on.

May be of use to others who are new to gardening as I am.

redsquirrel80

Got some of the tubs with gel in them in Asda last year - they were aimed at kids growing things from cuttings, think it was a pack of two or three tubs with instructions, pretty cheap too.

sb44

redsquirrel80 wrote: »

Got some of the tubs with gel in them in Asda last year - they were aimed at kids growing things from cuttings, think it was a pack of two or three tubs with instructions, pretty cheap too.

Great, I will try them at the weekend.

Do you know who makes them?

If they are by the same firm it was a major company and it has been bugging me for years who it was and what they were called. I am sure it was something simple like ClearGel or something like that.

Jo6673

http://www.carnmeal.com/details/1495/crystals-accents

sb44

Jo6673 wrote: »

http://www.carnmeal.com/details/1495/crystals-accents

Yep, I have seen crystals before but these weren't crystals, they were a solid mass of clear gel, a bit like a set jelly and you just pushed your cuttings into the gel.

Thanks for the link anyway.

janeawej

my mum who was VERY greenfingered used to root all cuttings on her kitchen windowsill in bottles or cups full of water! have some crysanthemum cuttings on mine growing away like this ready for potting up soon!! that realy is cheap!

sb44

janeawej wrote: »

my mum who was VERY greenfingered used to root all cuttings on her kitchen windowsill in bottles or cups full of water! have some crysanthemum cuttings on mine growing away like this ready for potting up soon!! that realy is cheap!

How long do your cuttings take to root this way janeawej?

katskorner

A couple of weeks usually. I am doing that with Osteosperman at the moment. It is working rather well!

redsquirrel80

sb44 wrote: »

Great, I will try them at the weekend.

Do you know who makes them?

If they are by the same firm it was a major company and it has been bugging me for years who it was and what they were called. I am sure it was something simple like ClearGel or something like that.

Afraid I can't remember who makes them! Good luck in your search anyway!

janeawej

sb44 wrote: »

How long do your cuttings take to root this way janeawej?

Well I dont check them very often, i just leave them alone and top up with water and they seem to root in a few weeks! sorry i cant be more precise! :beer:

sb44

janeawej wrote: »

Well I dont check them very often, i just leave them alone and top up with water and they seem to root in a few weeks! sorry i cant be more precise! :beer:

Ta!

I've put them in see through pots so I'm not tempted to keep lifting them out.