I'm sure this picture of a Northern Flicker on my deck is not what you expected when you saw the title.
It is still very much winter, but I'm in the mood for gardening, so I thought I'd get going on my geranium cuttings.
These two momma plants were saved from certain death for just this occasion. Making many from few is miraculous, unless you are dealing with plants. Then it's just ordinary.
To get started, use a sharp secateurs or knife and cut off 4-inch sections just under a leaf node. You can leave the cuttings for up to 24 hours. They will develop a callus on the cut end.
There are two different varieties here. The one on the right has green and white leaves, and the one on the right has leaves that are banded in green, yellow, orange, and purple. They are a bit faded now, but when the sun hits them in the summer, stand back!
The soil I use is progro 4 from a huge compacted bale. It makes me feel rich to have so much potting soil on hand, but it can be hard and dusty work chipping off chunks of the stuff, breaking it down, and trying to get it wet. Make sure it's moist before you pack it into pots.
Dip the cut ends into rooting hormone to encourage root growth.
Gently push one or two cuttings into each pot, and firm the soil around each one.
Set the cuttings in a sunny window.
Voila - many from few!
And I feel like I have beaten back winter, just a little bit.
