Plants in general account for the majority of money spent when doing a garden overhaul. It is the blossoming flowers in a hundred different shades and the butterflies flying about them that make our gardens so spectacular. However, if you are on a tight Budget, it becomes more difficult to grow the garden of your dreams. Here are some tips for making the most of your budget by using some great budget-friendly propagation techniques to replicate plants that you love without spending another penny.
The 5 Most Common Plant Propagation Methods
Propagation is very cheap, low-tech and easy to do. Basically, there are five There are five basics that every gardener should know.
Seeds
All natural plants reproduce with seeds. Most plants sprout bisexual flowers. In case it contains only one reproductive organ, there is still a chance for the reproduction to happen thanks to the spreading of pollen by wind or by insects. When that happens, a seed is developed in the flower.
Seeds are available in cheap rates and can easily be stored in the fridge for more than a year. It is one of the most common propagation techniques. To grow plants using seed, simply place them in pots or containers that remain free from crawling or flying pests. Water logging is another threat you must watch out for as it can hinder the cycle of seed development. Ensure that water is drained well from the containers. You can add some compost in the soil to push in some more nutrients.
Cuttings
In the cuttings technique, gardeners cut off a stem of a living plant and plant it in another pot, allowing it to grow as an independent plant. After some time, the stem develops a root system. The process includes cutting healthy stems without flower buds and plant into another pot. The pot must be a soilless potting mix with good drainage and warmth. The first roots may take up to four weeks after which they can be transplanted to bigger pots and containers.
Grafting
The grafting technique, consists of splicing of a plant’s roots with another plant. After being combined, the tissues of each plant fuse together and allow for an increased supply of nutrients and water among both the plants.
Budding
Budding is another type of grafting. The only difference between the two is that in budding, a single bud from a plant is grafted into a root stock. The same technique as used in grafting is applied. The end system of the budding is sliced vertically. A middle parting is made in the rootstock of the other plant. The bud is then slipped inside the rootstock and tapped up. Only the bud is left to receive the nutrients and water.
Division
The division propagation method is, by far the simplest and most common propagation technique. It involves separation of whole plant into multiple parts each of which are then placed in pots containing animal dung. They are watered for days until a new independent plant emerges from the pot. This technique however works best with already mature specimens.
Division has also proven to increase the active life of plants whose roots, stem and leaves were cut off in the first place. Using this method, more plants can be planted a very short amount of time without spending any money. They are ideal for plants whose roots grow in crowns or clumps as it allows for easier division. Some common plant species include bamboo and ferns.
At Little Fields Farm, we have a whole category dedicated to pots and planters used in propagation. If you liked the blog, you are going to love the items we have to offer –guaranteed.
