Saturdays: Propagation Though the Year

We think learning how to create more of the plants you care about is a critical skill for resiliency.  Some plants and trees can just be grown by planting their seeds, but others are better duplicated via cuttings, grafting or dividing.

This is a “hands in the dirt” course, with a theory session followed by putting it into practice.  There will be a lot of plant material after each class to share, take home and start growing.

We find this course is best delivered over four sessions.  In winter we do the “hardwood” cuttings: grape, plum, fig, hydrangea, blueberry, currant and the like.  In spring,  we’ll look at seed raising: seed saving, seed raising mix, germination, appropriate containers, etc. As we get closer to summer, that’s the best time to collect and root “soft” cuttings (sage, salvias, scented geraniums) and some “semi-hardwood” cuttings (lavender, rosemary, Chilean guava). Once we get to the autumn class, we are dividing of plants like rhubarb, comfrey, mint, thyme and berry canes, with more “semi-hardwood cuttings.”

Tree propagation will also be covered.  You’ll learn about grafting theory and get practical experience using a grafting tool; “rootstock” production of apple and quince; how to grow rootstocks by mound layering; and how peaches and plums can be grown from seeds.  

This course runs one Saturday per season, attend all sessions or just one or two.  Upcoming dates are 16 March,  22 June, 14 September and 9 November 2019.  

The tuition is a very reasonable $52 for individual classes.  You’ll receive an email ahead of each session with what to expect and what to bring.  It’ll be things like:  your lunch, flower snips, secateurs, pots, grafting tool if you have one, and branches of the plant you wish to propagate.  

All sessions are held at our Plenty Permaculture Cottage, 375 Whakamarama road.

Due to significant interest, we are running this Saturday course alongside a Tuesday propagation course.  If you have a date conflict on a Saturday, you can most likely come on the Tuesday if space allows.  Get in touch with Catherine 027 240 1305 or contact@plentypermaculture.co.nz and we’ll sort it out.

Kazel Cass will be leading all sessions and is one of our most popular tutors.