Review by
Richard SumrallIn her new book, "The Plant Propagator's
Bible," horticulturist and author Miranda Smith writes, "Plant propagation
is one of the most enjoyable -- and certainly one of the most exciting --
parts of gardening. … As far as the natural world is concerned, one purpose
of a plant is make more plants." Smith's book is divided into the six topics
that explain the propagating process: the tool kit, starting from seed,
dividing established plants, cuttings, layering and grafting.
Propagator's tool kit
The usual tool kit for a propagator consists of different hand tools
(knives, spades, pruners, etc.); equipment and supplies (tapes, labels,
pots, sprayers, etc.); soil mixes (sand, compost, leaf mold, topsoil); and
propagation equipment (lights, cold frames, greenhouses). One thing that is
sometimes overlooked is safety supplies. Since you're going to be using
sharp implements and mixing chemicals, it's essential that you have on hand
the right safety gear and items for medical emergencies. Safety supplies
include protective masks, gloves, goggles and a well-stocked first-aid kit.
Starting from seed
As Smith points out, "Seeds are true wonders." In this section she
describes the different characteristics of seed and how those
characteristics influence its germination into a plant. Regardless of
whether you are propagating indoors or outside, there are many ways to
germinate seeds. The most popular methods are leaching (running water over
them to encourage germination); soaking (to break down certain compounds in
the shell); scarification (opening the seed coat to allow water to
penetrate); and stratification (introduce chilling cold to encourage
germination). Whichever method you choose, remember that seeds require
measured amounts of light, darkness, humidity, temperature and carbon
dioxide.
One enjoyable activity for the propagator is saving and storing seeds.
According to Smith, seed saving "allows you to breed plants especially
adapted to your garden's environment."
Dividing established plants and cuttings
Once your seeds have successfully germinated into healthy plants, you can
experiment with two creative forms of propagation: dividing and cutting.
Dividing a plant is exactly what the term implies -- using your garden
implement to dig up all or part of a plant into portions for replanting.
Different plants require different kinds of division techniques. Plants with
fibrous roots can be divided only during certain times of the growing
season, while plants with rhizomes should be divided with at least two
healthy buds that have leaves growing from them.
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Cutting involves taking a section from either the stem or root of
the existing plant. The cutting technique that you choose will
depend on the plant from which you extract the material. The keys to
successful cuttings are to take them from young, growing plants; to
cut from the current year's growth; to cut in the morning (when the
stem is full of water); and to take cuttings from plants free of
disease and insects.
Layering
An easy way to propagate plants is through a process called
layering. In layering, the plant's stem is stimulated and encouraged
to develop a root. This process works best with plants that have
this natural ability as a characteristic. To layer a plant, simply
"wound the stem to stimulate rooting, and ... bury or surround the
stem with soil or a moist rooting medium." Layering techniques
including tipping (a stem makes contact with the ground and takes
root); simple (stimulating the wounded stem to root in the soil);
French (burying many of the plant's nodes along a branch); and
dropping (burying virtually the entire plant underground). Remember
that success in layering depends on using plants that are actually
growing; layering in good, loose soil; stripping the leaves from the
stem; and slightly wounding the stem that contacts the soil.
Grafting
The most advanced form of propagation is known as grafting.
Grafting is defined as "attaching one part of a plant to another
plant so they will form a union and grow as one plant." Grafting
lets you create cultivars that can pollinate each other and create
mixed cultivar trees that produce many different fruits. The most
popular forms of grafting are rootstock; whip and tongue (combining
two cut portions); wedge and saddle (insert a sample within a second
sample); and approach (connect two cut stems with grafting tape).
The secrets to a successful graft are the compatibility of the
plants, choosing the right grafting technique and working quickly
after you've made the cuts into the plant.
"The Plant Propagator's Bible" is an ideal source for anyone
interested in starting his or her own plants and trees. The book is
beautifully illustrated and contains step-by-step instructions that
are clearly illustrated. In addition to all of the aforementioned
methods and techniques, it also explains "the natural processes and
conditions that stimulate plants to grow and reproduce and shows
gardeners how to multiply plants successfully."
This book is recommended to gardeners, farmers and anyone who
enjoys working with plants, flowers, bushes or trees.
[Text from file received
from Richard Sumrall,
Lincoln Public Library District]
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