Figure A Figure B

Tammy Algood of the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service offers tips on propagating vining plants. The trick, she says, is to use softwood cuttings from the ends of the stems. Purchase or prepare a soilless mix suitable for rooting new plants. Equal parts of peat moss, potting soil and perlite make a light-textured, fast-draining medium. Place potting medium in a nursery flat or cell packs, and moisten it well before planting the cuttings. Tamp the soil mix down slightly.

Select cuttings to be rooted by bending the ends of the vine. If it doesn't crack, it's suitable for rooting. Make sure that each cutting has at least four leaf nodes (figure A), from which roots will grow. Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting, dip the cut end in rooting hormone (figure B), and place the cutting into the prepared flat.

Cover the cuttings with plastic to hold in humidity and warmth. Don't worry if some of the cuttings' lower leaves begin to yellow or drop off--just remove them as they turn yellow. Roots have formed when the plants resist a gentle tug. At that point each cutting may be transplanted into a larger container.

To keep container-grown vines bushy and full, clip the ends regularly. You can root the clippings to share with your friends.

Featured plants provided by Wolf River Valley Farms

RESOURCES :
Gardener's Supply Company
Gardener's Supply Company
Burlington, VT 05401-2850
Fax: 800-551-6712 -or- 80
Email: info@gardeners.com
Website: www.gardeners.com

Wolf River Valley Farms
Wolf River Valley Farms
Pall Mall, TN 38577
Fax: 1-931-879-5479
Email: pwpg@twlakes.net
Website: www.wolfriver.net

Bates Nursery and Garden Center

GUESTS :
Tammy Algood
UT Agricultural Extension Service
5201 Marchant Drive
Nashville, TN 37211-5201
Phone: 615-834-5162
Fax: 615-832-0043
Email: Talgood1@utk.edu
Website: http://www.utextension.utk.edu