How to take a cutting!

[maldivemoment]

It’s laughable how much of a novice I am, but I’m v keen! Our lovely kind neighbour has said we can take cuttings from the plants in her garden. Problem is, I don’t actually know you take a cutting and grow another plant!
Could someone please explain this to me like I’m a 5 year old?

Thank you in advance

Which plants?

Is it not to late to take cuttings now ?

There are a few different methods depending on the plant and the time of year. If you let us know the names of the plants (or post a photo) we'll be able to point you in the right direction.

As above, check on type of plant and time of year.

in ascending order of difficulty, there’s hardwood, semi hardwood, and softwood cuttings

what works for me is (this is for hardwood)

take several cuttings 10cm long.
cut the base about 5mm below a node - the point at which leaves come out
remove lower leaves, and some of the top leaves so there’s about an old postage stamp of area remaining.
put the cutting near the edge of a pot of moist compost, buried so at 2/3 - 3/4 is under the soil. Best if the compost is free draining
repeat with the other cuttings, arranging the around the edge of the same pot
add a bit more water to ensure the soil is moist
put the entire pot into a large plastic bag, tying the top to make a mini greenhouse
put it somewhere where you won’t be tempted to look at it every day
every month or so, fish out any cutting which has failed and is covered in mould (this is why you take several)
the cutting are ready to be separated and potted up when you see several roots coming out of the bottom of the pot.

Good ones to start with are Pelargonium, Fuchsia.

I recommend the RHS website