This glossary provides you with advice on growing your plants! Follow the links for useful information from other relevant websites:
| C |
| Cuttings: Cuttings are another popular method of plant propagation. Cuttings can be taken from leaves, stem, or roots and placed into a growing medium such as soil or water to produce new plants. Numerous plants can be easily propagated through leaf cuttings. Leaf cuttings can be done using the entire leaf or sections of one. Whole leaf cuttings can be placed directly into a shallow hole of potting soil, gently pressing in around the leaf, and misted well with water. Sections of a leaf (about ¾-inch) can be taken as well and placed on top of a soil-filled container, moistened with water and covered with a clear plastic bag, with some holes for ventilation. Misted daily, new plantlets should begin forming on the leaf cuttings within about 4-6 weeks. Stem cuttings are usually taken by clipping off a piece of stem with scissors or garden pruners and placing it into a container of potting soil or water. Root cuttings involve cutting a plant root into sections with each section placed into the soil. As with leaf cuttings, these should be watered and covered with clear plastic bags. Within 3-6 weeks, roots should begin forming. |
| R |
| Root Viewing Box:
Create a root view box so that you can see first hand how plants form not only stem and leaves but roots as well. Simply cut off the top of a half-pint milk carton and punch a few holes in the bottom for drainage. Then carefully cut a “window” in the side of the carton, leaving at least a ½-inch edge around it. Next, take a clear piece of acrylic or any type of plastic (clear and stiff) and size this to fit the window. Tape the plastic to the inside of the carton and carefully fill it with soil. Plant the seeds close to the side of the window so that you can view the roots as they grow down through the soil. Moisten the soil with water and be sure to place the carton inside a shallow tray to catch any excess. |
| S |
| Seeds: Plant propagation from seed is one of the most commonly used methods for producing new plants. This method is not only easy for children but fun too. Seeds don't just come from packets! Go into your garden and collect your own seeds from plants such as marigolds, sunflowers, etc. Seeds can be stored until needed. Place them in a tightly sealed container until you’re ready for planting. |
| Slug Deterrent:
Sprinkle cut hair around the base of your plants; don't use slug pellets as these can be dangerous to birds and small mammals! |