Better Botany - Propagation, Techniques & Science

05/31/2025

06/25/2023

Had my fig trees stall out in growth for some unknown reason. I took a soil pH sample and it turns out my horse compost is alkaline. Took some old coffee grounds and stewed them in a gallon of warm water for a day and gave all my figs a good drink. The blast of nitrogen and the lowering of the PH made an amazing difference. They all are now exploding with new growth and look super healthy.

06/25/2023

Propagating Earth Angle rose bushes.

06/24/2023

These are rose cuttings with enough roots that they don't need a humidity dome anymore. They seem to like coffee for a nitrogen boost and to lower the PH. Too high PH and the leafs turn yellow. Can't wait to really get into rose bush propagation. I'm just starting so if you have some advice I will take it.

06/24/2023

Biggest cuttings I'm propagating yet. These are big dwarf everbearing mulberry tree cuttings. I have them in individual cups in a plastic bin. I will make some holes in the plastic in about two weeks to let some of the humidity out. There are fewer cuttings than going smaller but just as much work.

05/12/2023

In growing zones 5,6 and 7 it is important to protect your cold hardy fig tree in the winter months. Realistically its more the cold wind that kills than the static temperature. Your cold hardy fig tree won't die without protection (usually) but you will lose everything that grew prior seasons and it will start over from the root mass. Here are some examples of winter protection and note there are lots of creative ways to do this. Some folks put a round fence around the tree (after they tie it up like a Christmas tree) and then fill it to the top with bark multch. If you have a lot of trees this is a lot of work. You can use a burlap wrap and then put a wind proof/water proof cover around it. That works well in 6b for me. It it important to get air to you fig tree such as having a pvc pipe stick out the top or leave the top partially uncovered. This will prevent the dome effect and keep moisture from building up and molding your tree. If your tree is in a pot move it to a shed, greenhouse or garage where the pot won't freeze solid and kill your roots. Check often to make sure animals (mainly mice) have not made a home and are eating your fig tree. Mice traps set inside the bundle work great. Poisons may not be a good idea if you have outside animals such as a cat or a dog that will go investigate when let outside. If you have any different methods absolutely chime in. Good luck everyone.

04/30/2023

Olympian fig tree cuttings. Just realized I had these. They are not fully rooted but I got away with no mold yet. Put in the cups on the 23rd of April 2023.

04/21/2023

What a great shot! 😍

04/21/2023

Artic Hares look like a fluffy bunny 🥰

04/19/2023

My VDB fig cuttings don't look like they are doing much after one month but if you look closer....