Re: Problematiic woody plant propagation

> I find that using regular builder's sand mixed in with soil is better than 
> peat, etc.
> I always have great results and it seems like the sand helps.  But you have 
> to keep them watered - depending on the ratio of sand to soil you use.  
> Also I put oak leaves and maple leaves at the bottom or even shredded 
> newspaper and when the roots hit this they take off big time.  Sometimes 
> the less you baby them the better they grow.
> If you are misting, the peat will keep them probably too damp and cause 
> them to rot.  My Dad always used sand/soil to start hard to germinate 
> seeds, too.

Hi Kate,

   Thanks!  I'll give this a shot.

   My gut told me that sand would be better for Salix, but Dirr's "The 
   Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation" said that high percentages
   were obtained when peat:perlite was used under mist.  Next time I
   should stick with my gut...  Or at least do half that way.  :)

   I've had good luck with sand on Betula maximowciziana, B. schmidtii,
   Parrotia persica, Physocarpus opulifolius, Viburnum x juddii (and 
   others in the carlesii 'family'), Cornus drummondii, etc.  But
   peat:perlite really seems to work well for a lot of plants too.

   I'll try taking some hardwood cuttings this winter and will stick 
   them in the ground.  Hopefully that'll give me something!  :)

Thanks,

Chris

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