Propagating a Japanese Maple...i think? part 2

Well as stated in the prior post, I made the first and biggest mistake by leaving the cuttings out in the open in my apartment, I believe this caused them to dry out a little too much. Being that the suggested is to plant immediately or to keep the cuttings Moist.  The purpose of keeping the plant moist is to keep the plant alive, so that in the rooting process it will retain the necessary energy to provide nutrients to the roots.

After finally having had the free moment to purchase the rooting hormone i wounded the cutting to expose an opening for the roots to come out of as well, then I applied the rooting hormone. Rooting Hormones not only increase the possiblility that rooting will occur but most of the rooting hormones also have a fungicide which protects the cutting from getting a disease and molding. I then inserted my cuttings into a growing medium and have kept them moist. At this point it is best to keep the cutting in a partially sunny but mostly shady location at 60 degrees temp.

But still no results, this could be one of two options. the first is that I let the cuttings dry out and die.

The second is that the plant is naturally in its dormancy meaning that there is a possibility it will root when spring comes along, but we'll see.

Quick Recap:

Propagating a Hardwood Cutting
1. have a cutting of the prior seasons growth at least 6-8 inches in length from a healthy plant.

2. make cutting on a 45 degree angle just above the node and wound to promote rooting

3. apply rooting compound

4. plant in a growing medium that is well aerated.

5. keep moist

6. Keep in a primarily shady location at 60 degrees until roots begin to form

7. Enjoy

Propagating a Japanese Maple...i think? Prelude to part 2

After weeks of delay, thinking of how to follow up to the previous post...its finally here.

             The first attempt to propagate the Japanese Maple with one of the Gel 2 Root packs as predicted was a failure. After a week or so of the cuttings being in the solution, there wasn't any change. As the end of the second week approached the solution began to turn cloudy and mold began to develop on the cuttings...that is when the white flag was thrown in.

             My second attempt is where the delays in posting this came to play...( Here's where the excuses come to play, so feel free to call the "waambulance" on me) 

                The First and most important, is that my apartment is in a "pre-war" building and the heat is controlled buy the super through a radiated system, and being that the apartment is so old my radiator has been painted over and over again, meaning that i can't adjust the dial so there's only one setting...HOT

                The second is that I work insane hours regularly and hadn't the time to make it to the local garden center.

              And the third and final, is that i wanted to make this post worth writing and worth the wait.

........Unfortunately most of my research on how to propagate a semi-hardwood to hardwood cutting occurred after my attempt to remember what i learned from my horticulture class in H.S. ( 7 years ago) off the top of my head. ...........

Seedlings!!!!!

One of my favorite things about gardening has arrived!! The time to start your seedlings! This for me is more than anything a sigh of relief, a way that I know spring is not too far behind. There's something about planting seeds and watching them grow that just makes me feel great! However, there is some ground that needs to be covered before putting a seed into the dirt.

• The temperature (depending on the plant of course) needs to be between 60-70 degrees with a             preferable 10 degree drop. This helps speed the germination process.
• Lighting, Florescent lightbulbs that are made to replicate sunlight. 
• Space, a nice space for your seedlings where humidity isn't a problem. 
• Some method of airflow, this allows the seedlings to build strong stems, as well as it helps to prevent damping off.

The Fun Part:

Planting the seeds!!

 Follow the directions on the back of the seed packet ( Very Important!..unfortunately  I didn't do this for my parsnips, and assumed the directions would be the same as carrots. As it turns out the Parsnips need a longer cold period, and I might not be able to grow them to their full potential now.)

Watch them grow...and good luck!!