Starting plants

Victoria
by Victoria
Due to cancer I have been forced to move. I am on a very limited income and cannot afford to plant from scratch. There is not one plant, shrub, or tree on this lot. I miss my flower beds. How difficult is it to start cuttings from my roses, rosemary, elephant ears, oleander and grasses? Please give me guidance...
  11 answers
  • Alice  Gatto Alice Gatto on Aug 22, 2014
    Lots of plants can be started from cuttings in soil, water or seed starting mix. Your local library will have books about propagation. Gardeners are a friendly bunch of people, many will give or trade starts of their plants to a new gardener. I don't know much about Tx except that it is hot. Two of my best friends are cancer survivors; you can beat this and I will pray for that , and the success of your new garden. alice
  • I would also think about seeds too! And asking other gardeners if they would share because many gardeners love to share. good luck!
  • Michelle Thompson Michelle Thompson on Aug 22, 2014
    I agree with Alice and Garden Frog... Libraries are usually full of gardening info. And yes, gardeners love to share. Check to see if there is a 'seed exchange' in your area of Texas. Blessings to you and in will keep you in my prayers.
  • Lavende Lavende on Aug 23, 2014
    Rosemary is a cinch to restart. I have a garden full from cuttings! Its the same technique as this one for basil: http://www.lavendeandlemonade.blogspot.com/2014/02/how-to-grow-basil-from-cuttings.html
  • Lavende Lavende on Aug 23, 2014
    Succulents are amazingly easy to grow from cuttings as well. Maybe a neighbor has some you could nab a leaf from, or you can buy one and soon have dozens sprouting: http://lavendeandlemonade.blogspot.com/2013/12/5-simple-steps-for-starting-succulents.html
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Aug 23, 2014
    Prayers for you...and gardening is the best medicine for anyone! It cuts down on stress and there is just something about dirt in our hands and a little sweat on our brow that makes us feel better! Remember to start slow and just keep at it! Best of wishes for a beautiful garden!
  • Liliana Wells Liliana Wells on Aug 23, 2014
    I found this book, How to be a Gardener, very helpful because the author Alan TITCHMARSH explains how to root/propagate different kinds of plants whether they are leafy or woody. In a pinch, use 1 gal. milk jugs for annuals and/or some vegetables. Be sure to put holes on the bottom for drainage. Best wishes to you
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Aug 23, 2014
    Many plants can be started from cuttings and divisions. If you have old-fashioned roses, they can be easily started from cuttings. Oleanders can be propagated from cuttings as well, and early fall is a good time to do it. (Please check with your doctor before doing this, however. Oleanders are quite poisonous, and if your immune system is compromised you may need to take additional precautions.) Grasses can be dug and divided. Elephant ear bulbs often produce offsets that can be dug up and planted as new plants. And you should certainly check out seeds. My local library has a seed exchange that is free. May creating a new garden be therapy for you.
  • Victoria Victoria on Aug 23, 2014
    Thank you all, you have all been so kind and helpful! :)
    • Z Z on Aug 23, 2014
      @Victoria I'm am so sorry to hear you are fighting cancer. I'll add you to my prayer list. I too many that are in the fight too. As for propagating from cuttings, I found a website that should be able to give you some help. I used to have a book about this, but have no clue where it went in the move. My guess is it's still in a box somewhere. You might find something in your local library that would help if there isn't enough info on this site or from others here. http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/rooting-plant-cuttings.htm I do remember how to do some plants right on the plant. You need sphagnum peat moss, a piece of plastic or plastic bag, two twist ties, a sharp knife or garden scissors, and a little water. Cut the branch part way at angle between sprouts, making sure to keep enough together so it doesn't break. Cut a piece of plastic large enough to fill with moist peat and to wrap around the cut. Secure above and below cut with twist ties. Make sure this stays moist and watch for roots to sprout. Once they do you can cut through the rest of branch and plant it.
  • Chrystine Dimitry Chrystine Dimitry on Aug 23, 2014
    Oleander, roses, and rosemary may be started from cuttings in the spring, using the new growth and rooting hormone.
  • Esther D Esther D on Aug 24, 2014
    If I remember correctly, a site suggested using raw potato as the rose cuttings base. I plan to try it as our large bush is dying. I did use sour skim milk to spray the bush and new growth now appears on the Bush. However, I will clip the new growth and plant some in the potato next week. Will let u know.esther