Alan Titchmarsh says 'I really can't understand' as he shares mistake gardeners make

Alan revealed he doesn't understand why gardeners don't do one thing (Image: Getty)

Gardeners' World star Alan Titchmarsh is left scratching his head as he questions why gardeners make the same 'mistake' when it comes to planting hew shrubs.

The gardening guru questions why many decide to purchase new seeds when sowing plants in their gardens instead of turning to a 'free alternative'

Writing in Gardeners' World magazine, Alan said: "I really can't understand why more gardeners do not propagate shrubs and soft fruit bushes by hardwood cuttings."

Although it may sound an arduous task to many, Alan is a fan of propagating new plants by taking hardwood cuttings from the old ones already in a garden.

Alan has been a long term advocate of using hardwood cuttings (Image: Getty)

Adding that the autumn to winter months are the best time to take the cuttings as a result of the state of the plants, Alan said that there are even more advantages to the planting method: "The great advantage of hardwood cuttings is that they need no protection during the rooting period."

He added: You won't need a propagating frame, a greenhouse or even a cold frame. Hardwood cuttings are rooted outdoors in a patch of bare earth and that makes them the easiest of cuttings to accommodate."

According to the Royal Horticulture Society: "Hardwood cuttings provide an easy and reliable method of propagating a range of deciduous climbers, trees and shrubs, and as bonus, they are taken from mid-autumn until late winter when more time is usually available to the gardener.

"Some evergreen plants, hollies for example, can also be taken at the same time of year as other hardwood cuttings."

Alan is a fan of using hardwood cuttings in your garden (Image: Getty)

While many plants have the ability to produce hardwood cuttings, Alan named his six favourites to take snippings from during the winter months; raspberry, fortsythia, currants - floweirng and fruiting, roses and philadelphus.

Having cemeneted himslef as one of the most highly respected names in the world of horticulture down recent decades, it is possibly his role hosting Gardeners' World from 1996 to 2002 that he is most well-known for.

But, away from his broadcasting work, he was recognised for his services to horticulture and charity in the new years honours list at the beginning of the year, which comes 25 years since Alan was made an MBE.