What is a gardener to do when it’s too hot to go outside? Plant propagation, of course.
Plant propagation is the process by which new plants grow from various sources, including seeds, cuttings, and other plant parts.
Set up in the garage with a fan and nice music, I got busy. First order of the day is making a good growing medium: a mix of peat moss, vermiculite and/or perlite, and compost provides a suitable environment with water-holding capacity, nutrient content, and aeration. In order of appearance below: Cordyline, Swamp Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos), Tradescantia, Ruellia, and Esperanza.
For succulents I mix up two parts coarse sand, two parts potting soil, and one part perlite.
At the South Regional Library Plant Swap last week Detlev Simonis told me about an easy way to propagate Crown of Thorns. Take a look at the video and give it a try: https://youtu.be/i4ad00anhA0. I did!
Anything still thriving in this record-setting heat is an excellent propagation candidate for the fall plant sale where we offer “plants that tend to do well in our area.” The date of The Woodlands Garden Club Fall Plant Sale has not been finalized but it’s usually in October or November.
If you need pots, we have a supply of all sizes in the box on Sharon Podolski’s driveway. Come and get them. Now is a good time to start propagation. It can take up to 6 weeks for substantial root growth. New members: Sharon is the Ways & Means Committee Chair and the organizer of our plant sales. Click here if you have questions or email thewoodlandsgardenclub@gmail.com
Our board and committees have been busy organizing activities, programs, events, and field trips. We look forward to seeing you in just about 3 weeks at the first meeting of the year on Tuesday, September 12th.
Happy gardening (and propagating)!
The Woodlands Garden Club 