50 Gardening Under Glass 



oneself on the back for a more intimate share in 

 the partnership with Nature than is the case when 

 raising phmts from seeds. Anyway, here is how 

 to go about it. 



All the cuttings made that fall — like most of 

 those the reader will have to make in growing his 

 own plants — were what are called "soft-wood" 

 cuttings. That is, they are taken from the soft, 

 immature growth of the plants instead of from 

 the old, hard parts. 



How to Make the Cuttings 



To test whether the condition of the "wood" 

 is right for making a soft-wood cutting, bend it 

 between the thumb and finger. If it "snaps," 

 like a butter-l^ean in prime condition for table 

 use, it is all right; if it bends and doubles without 

 breaking, it is too old and tough; or, in the case 

 of the new growth, too soft and watery. 



The cutting — sometimes called a "slip" — may 

 be anywhere from an inch and a half to several 

 inches long. Usually the cutting is made just 

 at or below a joint, but this is not necessary with 

 all kinds of plants. Use a sharp knife to make 

 the cuttings so as to have a clean, smooth edge. 

 The cut usually is slighth^ slanting. Remove all 

 the lower leaves, and cut back the upper leaves 

 about a half to two thirds. 



