Soil for Cuttings
Course sand is perhaps the best medium in which to strike cuttings. The air is then able to pass between the grains of sand and aerate the the cuttings. The medium should be free to aerate the cutting and draw its root structure through the grains to greate good root formation ready for transfer to its pertinent bedding position. Today specially prepared potting compost are available, but you must read the instructions on the bag or packet before purchasing.

Taking Cuttings
Cuttings should be taken of shoots that have ripened or about to ripen as the wood attains maturity forming the callus necessary for root formation and encourage it to induced itself to show itself. The side shoots, low down on the stem are the best for cuttings and should be taken when the sap is in full motion, because it is returned by the bark and tends to form the callus, or ring, of the granular matter from which the roots will protrude. Do not cut off the leaves from the top of cuttings only around the base in order that the cutting can be inserted into the soil. Remember that the leaves act as the lunges of the plant.

Take strong sturdy shoots about 7.5cm (3") to 30cm (12") long with a clean sharp knife with if possible a "heel" or small wedge shaped at the bark end at the joint to aid rooting when placed in contact with the ground and buried in soil. All hard wood cuttings should touch the bottom of the hole and have half their wood buried in the soil with at least 15cm (6) in the ground.