Selecting the Best Propagation Equipment

Propagating is an incredibly rewarding and cost-effective way to encourage new growth. Whether you're planning to expand your nursery's inventory or bring fresh life to your garden, choosing quality propagation equipment will give your plants the strongest start to life.

At LBS Horticulture, we know how crucial it is to have the right tools for the job. In this article, we'll outline our propagation essentials, covering everything from propagators to the most suitable pots and trays to help your seedlings and cuttings flourish. Read on to kickstart your propagation journey.

What is Plant Propagation?

Propagation is the process of creating new plants through natural or artificial means. You can propagate plants in several ways, including layering, budding, and grafting. However, the most commonly used methods are growing from seed or taking plant cuttings.

Discover Essential Propagation Equipment

Successful propagation starts with the right tools and equipment. If you're ready to create optimal growing conditions and streamline your work, consider our top picks below.

Cutting Tools

When taking cuttings, it's crucial to use sharp, clean, and efficient gardening tools. Invest in high-quality secateurs, snips, or knives that make precise cuts with minimal tissue damage. This simple step will promote good plant health early on.

You can follow this up by washing your cuttings with a specialist horticultural disinfectant to eliminate any chance of fungal or bacterial disease.

Propagators

A propagator is essentially an incubator or mini greenhouse for your seeds or cuttings. It has a moulded tray, a removable clear lid, and ventilation mechanisms. These features enable you to carefully control the environment for optimal germination and strong root development.

A simple unheated propagator is a great starting point and covers most general uses. Position it in a warm spot that receives natural daylight, but avoid direct sunlight if possible. A windowsill is a popular location - just remember to rotate it regularly for even growth.

Heated Plant Propagation

If you want to start sowing earlier in the year or crave more climate control, consider introducing electric heating to your setup. Place your trays on a heated mat to provide consistent warmth to the plant's roots, or invest in an advanced heated propagation unit, such as the Biogreen Jumbo Propagator, to tailor your environment to your precise requirements. This extra dose of heat should see your seeds germinate faster and help cuttings to take root.

Seed Trays

We recommend adding a seed tray to the base of your propagator. A modular seed tray is an excellent way to space out your seeds in cells, making it much easier to remove and transplant them in the future.

If you're distributing fine dust-like seeds, you may prefer to start with a non-modular tray. Once the seedlings reach the right size for pricking out, you can effortlessly transfer them to modular trays or pots, where they can continue growing.

Rootrainers

Rootrainers are ideal for plants that need to form deep, well-established root systems before being moved to their final location. These trays have long, narrow cells promoting strong, straight root growth. This unique setup helps prevent root tangling and minimises disturbance when transplanting. Rootrainers also open like books, so you can easily lift your plant out without causing stress.

Simply insert your seeds or cuttings into the cells, add a clear lid, and you have the perfect environment for efficient propagation!

Pots

Sometimes, sowing directly into pots is beneficial, mainly when growing herbs, vegetables, or flowers with larger seeds. In these instances, we recommend reusable plastic pots or experimenting with biodegradable options. You can plant biodegradable pots directly into containers or the ground, and the plant's root structure will remain intact as the pot decomposes. This clever method is another way to minimise root disruption during transplanting.

Remember, if you plan to place your pots in a propagator, choose smaller sizes to ensure they fit comfortably within the tray.

Find High-Performance Propagation Equipment at LBS Horticulture

Now that you know the plant propagation essentials, it's time to build up your core equipment. Browse our competitive deals on propagators, pots and trays, and efficient gardening tools. We also stock a selection of growing media to nurture your plants every step of the way.