Books
Book Review: Secrets of Plant Propagation
Jul 26, 2006
By Jo Anne DeKeles
LSOL.com Customer Service Manager |
Author
Bio
So just what is Plant Propagation and why is it important to my Garden Railroad? I guess the answer is that it can be fun, save you time and maybe even be profitable.
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So just what is Plant Propagation and why is it important to my Garden Railroad? I guess the answer is that it can be fun, save you time and maybe even be profitable. Plant propagation is starting your own flowers, shrubs and trees. It is taking one plant and turning it into many plants.
The nice part is that you can avoid buying expensive shrubs and just start your own. You can plant those hard-to-find flowers, perennials, and annuals, at little or no cost. It is not expensive and you do not need a greenhouse or costly equipment. The book explains how you can do a lot with just a couple of fluorescent bulbs. Seeds are cheap, some are free. The author will teach you how to collect, rather than buy, the materials you'll need. 
The book is divided into two parts. Part I covers the different methods of plant propagation. Part II covers the different Specifics of Propagation with a detailed listing of plants. The book covers the simple steps of how to set-up a home nursery. It tells you the equipment you will need to get started, as well as how to create artificial climates, understand chemicals, and the collection of native plants. 
There are several chapters that cover the different ways to grow your own plants. The basics are covered on starting from seeds, and how to use division, layering and cuttings to increase your garden without emptying out your wallet. Beginners will learn from step one; those more advanced will discover new techniques and find tips to improve their results. 
I found the books had many good illustrations to explain the steps talked about in the book. Many of the processes were new to me and I found the casual writing style a benefit to learning about them. As an example there is a process called Layering. Layering is a process whereby roots are induced to grow on an outside branch or stem of a plant while it is still attached to the parent plant. After the roots are formed, the branch is then separated to form a new, autonomous plant. It is all new to me, but looks like a simple way to grow new plants. 
Using the ideas in this book will allow you to share plants among your friends or members of your own local garden railroad club. I have heard of clubs who at their monthly meetings share plants to grow on each others railroad. With this book it looks like you might be able to get in on a piece of that action. 
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