Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0276442075 ISBN 13: 9780276442070

Verlag: Reader's Digest, 2007

With her reader-friendly, easy-to-follow directions, a veteran horticulture teacher demonstrates all the ways to cultivate new plants—whether from seed or cuttings or with techniques such as layering, grafting, and budding

Creating new plants from existing ones is one of the most rewarding aspects of gardening. But to many, the idea of propagating plants seems like a feat that only the most experienced gardeners can master. The Plant Propagator’s Bible strips away the mystique and makes multiplying plants easy even for the novice.

Drawing on her many years as a horticulture teacher, Miranda Smith explains the natural process and conditions in which plants grow and reproduce, and shows gardeners how to use these systems to propagate any plant that grows in their garden or greenhouse—or even on their windowsill. The book features:

· an A to Z directory of more than 1,000 individual plant species—with appropriate propagation techniques for aquatics, ornamental plants, houseplants, shrubs, trees, vegetables, and wildflowers

· "What Can Go Wrong" advice for each type of plant, explaining potential problems and how to prevent or fix them

· detailed, step-by-step illustrations and annotated photographs

Including information on essential tools and equipment, this is an indispensable addition to every gardener’s bookshelf.

About the Author:

MIRANDA SMITH has been teaching horticulture for more than 30 years. Author or coauthor of 13 gardening books, including The Gardeners’ Problem Solver and Your Backyard Herb Garden, she lives in St. Petersburg, Florida.

From Booklist:

One of gardening's most satisfying benefits is the opportunity to create new plants from old. Many gardeners are attracted to the economics of inexpensively increasing their existing garden stock, while others relish the chance to develop brand-new hybrids. But plant propagation can intimidate even the most accomplished gardener. An experienced horticulture instructor and prolific gardening-book author, Smith demystifies propagation by providing an exceptionally well-organized and comprehensible guide to various processes, from the simple sowing of seeds to the more intricate grafting of rootstock. Color photographs and well-defined line drawings clarify step-by-step procedures, an A-Z directory of more than 1,000 plant species outlines corresponding propagation methods, and an extensive section devoted to tools and techniques furnishes helpful checklists and troubleshooting advice. Smith covers all the bases in this rudimentary and practical guide. Carol Haggas
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