Rooting geranium cuttings in this make-shift greenhouse is easy in 3 steps.
CINDY MCNATT/ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
With plants growing in abundance in the landscape, you might think about making more with simple cuttings. There's no need for fancy equipment. Just a sharp pair of pruners and a few other tools can get stems rooted in weeks.
You will need to start with sturdy stems of easy to root plants such as aster, lavender, salvia, rosemary, mint, pelargonium, coleus, buddleia, sage, hydrangea, fuchsia, chrysanthemum and yarrow.
Don't choose super soft stems of new growth. Look for tips that are a month or so old. Cut six inches of the tip growth – preferably tips that are not flowering. Remove all but the top two leaves, and push the firm stem into moist potting soil.
Cover to encourage a humid environment around the top growth. Place the plant in bright shade.
•Small clay pot
•Ordinary potting soil mixed with 50 percent peat moss
•Glass container or cellophane bag for a mini greenhouse effect
Try to maintain a moist consistency around the leaves so the plant can concentrate on developing roots. Air out the container for a minute or two each week.
Plants should root in about three weeks. Once rooted, remove the greenhouse container or bag and transplant your new plants into the garden when they are 8 weeks old.
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