A list of the best books, articles and websites on plant propagation.
Keyword: Propagation
Propagation Protocol Database
This database is maintained by the Native Plant Network; an organization devoted to the sharing of information on how to propagate native plants of North America (Canada, Mexico, and US).
International Plant Propagators Society
Garden Tip #88
Make new plants by taking softwood cuttings. Cuttings Through the Year, a booklet published by the Arboretum Foundation(available for sale at the Washington Park Arboretum gift shop) suggests which plants to propagate month by month and how to do it. A few September plants include:
Rock Rose, Salal, Lavender, Holly, Penstemon, evergreen azaleas, Sweet box, Salvia, California Lilac and many others.
For a tutorial on taking softwood cuttings go online to a Fine Gardening article complete with clear color photos: www.finegardening.com/propagate-your-shrubs-softwood-cuttings
Garden Tip #76
Having a hard time supporting your plant habit? Or maybe you rent your house and don’t want to invest money in a garden you may leave in a few years? You could get a part time job at a nursery where you’ll receive a discount on plants and get first dibs on the many scrappy-looking plants that end up in the dumpster. Or, you could read one of these fine books:
Plants for Free: how to create a great garden for next-to-nothing by Sharon Amos (Time-Life, $16.95) focuses on simple propagation methods and includes a mini encyclopedia of plants that are easy to divide or start from seed or that root from cuttings. Self-sowing annuals are featured, including Pot Marigold, Lady’s Mantle, Honesty and Rose Campion.
The Frugal Gardener: how to have more garden for less money by Catriona Tudor Erler (Rodale, out of print, but available used online) also teaches about propagation in addition to chapters on soil, cutting maintenance costs, and budget design. The chapter on cost-conscious garden projects gives detailed instructions on building pathways, rustic trellis and PVC pergola.
Frugal Tip: Create mini-greenhouses for frost tender plants in the spring by wrapping a wire tomato cage with clear plastic punched with a few holes for ventilation.
Online articles on budget gardening:
frugalliving.about.com/od/gardeningfrugally