Propagation

Garden writer and podcaster Jennifer Jewell discusses her latest book What We Sow, and Jane answers a question about biochar for houseplants.

Jane Perrone talks to Alina Smith of US houseplant seed sellers Plantflix about how to get started growing from seed, and answers a question about a Homalomena.

Find out how to join in with my annual houseplant seed sowing project, and I talk anthuriums with Gemma Haigh of The Plant Parlour - plus I answer a question about boisduval scale

I find out more about the world of tissue culture with Laur of Plants In Jars, and I answer a question about sourcing an everfresh tree.

I update you on the seed-sowing exploits of both me and a bunch of listeners, plus I talk about the botanical terms of the different parts of a seed, and answer a question about a cactus with a fungal infection.

I introduce this year’s On The Ledge sowalong and talk to Joe Bagley about one of your favourite houseplants to grow from seed, the sensitive plant.

I launch the On The Ledge sowalong 2022 and talk to cacti and succulent expert Ian Thwaites about sowing cacti and succulents from seed; plus I answer a question about a companion plant for a Monstera, and we hear from Craig in Meet the Listener.

I head to the vault to find out how and why seeds are banked. Plus I answer a question about ‘stuck’ aroid leaves.

The On The Ledge sowalong is an annual podcast project encouraging listeners to sow and grow houseplant seeds: in this episode I answer some of the questions raised by listeners eager to take part.

It’s time to sow some seeds and shoot the breeze about houseplant trends in this episode; plus I answer a question about two very similar-looking variegated houseplants: one rather rarer than the other.

In this week’s show I explain why springtails are nothing to be afraid of, and I explain how to take cuttings of the swiss cheese plant, Monstera deliciosa. Plus we hear from listener Jonathan in Meet the Listener.

I learn about the science of tissue culture and what it means for the houseplant industry with the help of Chris Reynolds, founder of tissue culture lab Seedless Labs. Plus I answer a question about an ivy and a Dracaena called Norman, and we hear from listener Karl.

I find out what’s really going on inside your seeds, answer a question about great houseplant books and meet listener Sam.

I answer all your burning OTL Sowalong questions, plus Kevin Espiritu of Epic Gardening tackles a listener question about nutrients for hydroponic seed starters, and we meet listener Emily.

I kick off the 2020 #otlsowalong by discovering how to propagate ferns from spores, and I offer up my top tips for getting the most out of a visit to a plant show.

I explore the botany between houseplant propagation with horticulturist Leslie Halleck and answer a question about a floppy calla lily.

I talk to YouTube gardening sensation Huw Richards about growing herbs indoors and answer a question about a Dracaena that’s receiving unwanted attention from a pet. Plus a bonus bit of seed sowing for the OTL sowalong.

From tablets to foliar sprays, choosing what to use when you fertilise houseplants can seem like a bit of a minefield, but On The Ledge is here to help you get your feeding right! Plus I answer a question about aquascaping soil and bring you part four of the On The Ledge sowalong, looking at what to do once your seedlings have emerged.

This week is an On The Ledge sowalong extravaganza! We’re now getting to the nitty gritty - the actual seed sowing bit - so my dog Wolfie and I are off to my potting shed to see what’s sprouting there, plus I have special guest Robert Pavlis to answer a question about using wood ash on houseplants.

I talk African violets with fellow podcaster and AV grower and judge Annie Rieck, answer a question about variegated Ctenanthe leaves and introduce part two of the #OTLsowalong.

I talk conservatories with Ruth Kassinger, author of Paradise Under Glass, introduce part one of the On The Ledge sowalong, and answer a question about mould.

The BCSS’s Mark Preston returns to talk about forest cactus propagation, plus Hatiora, Lepismium and Rhipsalis. And I answer a question ahout getting hold of that must-have plant, Christia obcordata.

I interview Rose Ray and Caro Langton of green interiors firm Ro Co to find out about their new book on propagation, Root, Nurture, Grow. And I answer a question about the purple shamrock plant.

I take a look at how to propagate succulents from existing plant material, aka cuttings (take a listen back to On The Ledge episode 36 for information on sowing from seed). And I answer questions about a jade plant with a split in its stem, and offer suggestions for small plants for a bedroom shelf.

I'm devoting a whole episode to the topic of growing your own houseplants from seed. I look at what you need to get started; what water, compost and containers to use; how to sow and what to do once your seed germinate.