4 Ways to Grow More Plants

Whether you’re looking to save money, fill your garden with more colour or get more food on the table, there are plenty of simple ways to grow more plants without spending much.

Here are four easy and affordable ways to help you expand your garden this season.

Grow from seed

• Starting from seed is one of the most affordable and rewarding ways to grow more plants. You’ll find a huge range of vegetable, herb and flower seeds at garden centres, hardware stores and online - plus many community groups now run seed swaps or seed libraries.
• Sow directly into the garden or raise seedlings in trays using a quality seed‑raising mix like Tui Seed Raising Mix. It’s a great way to try new varieties and grow more for less.
• You can make DIY cloches with glass or cloth you have on hand to speed up germination. For more seed sowing tips check out our Growing from Seed Guide>

Grow from cuttings - plants for free!

• Many plants can be multiplied easily from cuttings - especially herbs, houseplants, succulents and popular ornamentals. Softwood cuttings root quickly in spring and summer, while hardwood cuttings are ideal for winter.
• You can root cuttings in water, a propagation station or straight into potting mix. It’s a simple way to turn one plant into many! 
• Learn how to take cuttings in our Cuttings Grow Guide>

Collect seeds from your plants

• Collecting seeds from existing plants (including those summer favourites!) means free plants to grow from seed in upcoming seasons. It is important to save ripe seed that has matured fully prior to harvesting from healthy, disease-free plants.
• You can save seed from:
  • Pumpkins and melons: Scoop out the seeds, rinse well and leave them to dry for about a week before storing.
  • Lettuce, celery, parsnip, rocket, carrots, leeks and onions: let plants go to seed and form tall flower stems. Once the seed heads turn brown and feel crisp, cut them, place them upside down in a paper or breathable bag and hang for about a week. Shake or rub the dry seeds free and store.
  • Cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, chillies and capsicums:  Scoop out the seed‑filled flesh and rinse through a sieve. Spread the seeds on a paper towel and leave them somewhere warm and dry for a week or two. Take care with chilli seeds - they can sting, so avoid touching your eyes after handling them. Once dry, cut the towel into small sections and store the seeds (still on the towel) in an envelope. You can sow the whole piece directly into Tui Seed Raising Mix in spring.
  • Beans and peas: Leave pods on the plant until they dry out and rattle. Remove the seeds, let them dry for another week or two if needed, then store.
  • Many flowering plants: A huge number of annuals and perennials produce seed that’s easy to collect - including cosmos, calendula, marigolds, zinnias, poppies, sunflowers and nigella. Allow the flowers to fade and the seed heads to dry on the plant. Once they’re papery or brittle, snip them off, shake out the seeds and store them somewhere cool and dry. Flower seeds are often some of the easiest and most rewarding to save.

Share and swap seeds and seedlings

• Gardeners are generous by nature and sharing is one of the easiest ways to grow more without spending a cent. Local Facebook groups, Buy Nothing communities, neighbourhood crop swaps and community gardens are great places to exchange seedlings, cuttings, seeds and surplus produce.
• It’s a great way to meet other gardeners, discover new varieties and keep your garden thriving.

Share your ideas to help inspire other gardeners by joining the conversation on the Tui Facebook or Instagram pages.