Propagating Cuttings

 I’ve never been able to throw away a healthy sprig of anything. If it has a bit of stem and even the slightest potential to root, into the water or soil it goes. Over the years, this habit has turned into a quiet little obsession—and one that has saved me a good bit of money. Propagating cuttings is one of my favorite ways to grow the garden without buying more plants. It feels a little like magic every time.

Some plants practically beg to be propagated. Mint, for example, roots in water before you’ve even decided where to plant it. Lemon Balm and Begonias do too. Begonias will often send out fine little roots within days. I keep jars on the windowsill filled with hopeful clippings, and more often than not, they deliver.

Roses take a bit more convincing. I dip the cuttings in rooting compound first, then press them into moist soil and tuck them in someplace shady. It helps to trim away most of the leaves and leave just a few at the top. I’ve had the best luck when the weather is warm but not scorching, and when I remember to keep the soil evenly damp. Some years, they surprise me with strong new growth; other years, I try again. That’s part of the fun.

Geraniums are another favorite. They root in water too, though I’ve found I get the best results in early spring, just when the plants are waking up. If a stem gets leggy or breaks off, I trim it and stick it in a pot of soil, give it a little light, and wait. Most of the time, it rewards me with a whole new plant.

Petunias are less fussy than people think. If a sprig breaks off while I’m deadheading or tidying up, I pop it in a jar of water. In a week or two, I’ve got roots and the beginning of a brand-new petunia. I’ve even done this mid-season, then tucked the rooted cutting into a pot to keep things blooming longer.

And then there’s pussy willow. These will root in water without a second thought. It’s no wonder people use willow branches as natural rooting stimulants—some even soak willow in water to create a homemade rooting compound for other cuttings. I haven’t tried that yet, but it’s on my list. Many house plants root well in water too. 

There’s something deeply satisfying about growing new plants from ones you already have. It feels generous, in a way. Like the garden is offering up more than you asked for. A little jar on the windowsill becomes a nursery, a broken stem becomes a second chance, and before you know it, your single plant has multiplied. 

The Front Door Garden in August Heat and Humidity

 

August Check‑In: Front Door Garden on the Maryland Coast

Maryland in August feels like living in a greenhouse! This first summer on the East Coast has been a lesson in hot, humid days and thirsty plants. Coming from Portland’s mild summers, I never expected to water my pots and fabric grow bags two or even three times a day, but container soil dries out faster in a heatwave. Here’s what’s happening in my little front‑door oasis this month and how I’m coping with the challenges.

 

 I only had space for one basil plant, but I would definitely plant 2-3 next year.   Can’t cook without fresh basil! It’s the perfect companion for tomatoes, and I love stepping out to snip a few stems for Italian dishes or to toss into a salad. I also feed the Basil to my two rabbits. They love it. Basil seems to adore Maryland’s heat and grows like crazy. I pinch off flower buds regularly to keep it leafy and bushy. The intense sun does dry the pot quickly, so I water deeply in the early morning and again in the evening during heatwave. Sometimes a third time. 

 My Sweet Peppers seem to love the heat. They started producing peppers a short time after planting. They are a short compact plants with a big yield—perfect for a small front‑door garden. I love peppers for veggie stir‑fries and Caroline suggested I try stuffed peppers.

🍃 Growth Note: These plants are budding and growing quickly thanks to the humidity. But I think with that being said there are more pests than I have been used to.  Especially spider mites. This week I noticed lots of tiny holes in some leaves. I looked it up and spider mites thrive in hot, conditions. I avoid insecticides ( I read that  they don’t work on mites and can kill beneficial insects) and instead hose down the tops and bottoms of the leaves every few days. A strong jet of water raises humidity and knocks mites and their eggs off the plant. 

 

 

A trio of tomatoes gives me a  variety for salads and sauces. But the harvest has been little light.  I really think it is the mites. The tomato plants seem to be affected the most. The tomatoes are flowering and starting to set fruit, but the fruits are hiding under a dense canopy of leaves. Warm temperatures plus high humidity mean everything grows fast, so it’s no wonder the foliage is so lush. BBC Gardeners’ World advises thinning out bush tomatoes when fruits are hidden so that sunlight can reach and ripen them. I am going to aggressively prune some leaves next time I garden. 

One bush cucumber, a variety that suits container growing is perfect for my small space. I still have the vines tailing the fencing but I did not want a too aggressive vine so I used a bush variety. The vine has exploded with growth—Maryland’s humidity has it racing up the railing! Because fruit and flowers are hidden among the leaves, I need to improve airflow and make harvesting easier. The cucumber leaves also show some stippling and webbing, another sign of spider mites. 

This little front‑door garden has been a joy despite the August heat. I never expected to water so often or battle spider mites, but the reward of stepping out to harvest basil, peppers and sun‑ripened tomatoes makes it all worthwhile. I’m learning to love gardening in Maryland. Like any other change, it takes time and patience to adjust to the new way of doing things. Have you ever made a big change in location and had to start over? How difficult did you find it? How long did it take for you to adjust? We would love to hear about your experiences or tips in the comments.