Project Propagate: 1 Month

As some lovely readers have pointed out, this intensely hot "Spring" has not been the most ideal time to attempt to root cuttings. I feel that i've achieved a decent amount of success, however. Every tray is now showing substantial roots. They're still small, but they're catching on. Watering has been an issue. The edges of the flats dry out and the centers get too wet.... there have been casualties. All in all, my cement tray system has actually worked pretty well, and i'll try it again when i'm in less of an intensely hot environment.



My store bought starter kit is working alright as well, and i think i'll at least have a few plants to bring with me on my move north.

The salvias that were blooming all crashed. Further proof that it's best to work with cuttings that aren't blooming or even have too much foliage. You want the energy to be focused on rooting, not blooming or leafing out. One whole tray of rosemary appears to be cruising along with zero casualties... so that's a major success! The sage, not so happy - but there are a few living specimins so not a total loss.

All in all i think this project is coming along nicely. In another month these little guys should be ready to transplant to larger pots, but i'll be on my way to Oregon by then, so hopefully my "replacement" will keep you posted!
This post  was written for the rockin' local business/blog Yard Farm Austin. I hope you'll check them out!

Project Propagate: I See Some Roots!

It's the end of the first week of my propagation project for Yard Farm and things seem to be going smoothly, for the most part. We had some slight chances of rain earlier this week, so i moved the flats into my carport.



The flats now receive nothing much than diffused, ambient light with some direct sun in the late afternoon. I've continued to water from below and haven't needed to add much water lately as temps have been a bit cooler. I haven't needed to mist much either as the plastic seems to be keeping things moist.



Maybe too moist. The sage is showing some signs of yucky. I'm not sure what this is, but other than the moldy looking coloration, it's perky and happy. A few of the cuttings are looking a bit droopy: the butterfly bush and almond verbena, but things are mostly only drooping in my separate flat or slightly larger cups and cardboard surround instead of plastic tub. I'm loving these cement mixing tubs! Insulating and easily plasticked over. Highly recommend them, especially in climates where it's not 97 degrees in May.

I plucked out a rosemary to check on root progress. Nothin'



But eureka! The thyme is rooting! One week and already showing rooty nubs. Thyme quickly sends out roots on its own out in the garden as it is a creeping plant, so i bet that's why it's the first to show roots. It gives me hope that the rest will quickly follow suit, so check back next week for progress!



Are you starting any cuttings? I'd love to hear how your project is progressing.