HOW PLANTS ARE INCREASED 



taken by cuttings to form roots varies considerably in 

 different plants, but as a rule soft or green cuttings are 

 rooted within three or four weeks. 



The question of temperature is one of importance. 

 Cuttings form roots most readily in a temperature a 

 few degrees 5 or 10 higher than that in which the 

 grown plant thrives ; the higher temperature is usually 

 ensured by a covering of glass in the house in which the 

 parent plants are growing. 



Cuttings of hardy herbaceous plants and evergreens, 

 including Conifers, are commonly inserted in a cold frame 

 in a bed made up of sandy soil with a layer of broken 

 bricks, ashes, or broken crocks in the bottom for drainage. 

 The former are taken from green shoots at varying times, 

 but generally in August, while the latter are taken from 

 shoots that are " half ripe " ; that is, in such a condition 

 as the first fortnight in October finds them. Cuttings of 

 hard wooded plants roses, shrubs, etc. are often cut 

 off with a piece or " heel " of older growth attached. 

 The glass cover or " light " is kept closed for a month, 

 and shade given from bright sunshine. Afterwards a 

 little air is given on bright days or in mild weather. On 

 cold nights protection by means of mats thrown over the 

 frame is desirable. 



Cuttings of hardy deciduous (leaf-losing) trees and 

 shrubs form roots when inserted out of doors in well 

 dug soil with which sand has been freely intermixed. A 

 sheltered spot or border at the foot of a fence facing 



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