Do you want more of your favorite herb? Why not use a method of propagation to put your herbs closer to your kitchen, in a container, or along a front walk!
Cuttings
Early spring is a great time of the year to grow new plants from cuttings. Lemon balm, oregano, tarragon, mints and rosemary are a few good examples for this method. Start by taking approximately four to five inch stem cuttings from new growth, cutting about ¼ inch below a leaf node (where the leaf comes out). Remove excess leaves and reduce the size of the remaining leaves to conserve moisture loss. Dip the bottom part of the cutting into rooting hormone, either in powdered or liquid form, and tap the excess off. (Rooting hormone can be purchased at Garden Escape .) Insert the cutting 1/3 to ½ way into your pot of growing medium. Half perlite and half-potting soil is good, or I use half-potting soil and half sand. Enclose the pot in a plastic bag and tie at the top to support a high humidity level. The pot should not be in direct sunlight. After a month, check for root growth by lightly pulling on the cutting. If it resists, that should mean there are roots. Gently lift out the new plant and re-pot. Let it gradually get used to its new environment by setting it out for a short time, then lengthening that time each day. Visit the Cornell University site, which has pictures and step by step instructions for seeding and cuttings.
Division
Propagating by division is an easy way to get several plants from one adult perennial plant. Dividing can be done in the fall or early spring. Yarrow, chives, oregano and thyme are good examples of herbs that can be divided. Start by shoveling around the herb to loosen the root clump. Lift out the plant and separate by gently pulling apart or by cutting roots. Re-pot or plant back into the garden, making sure the planting depth is the same as the original plant. Keep watered well until new growth starts.
Bulbs
Chives and garlic are bulb- forming herbs. Chives can be dug up, separated and re-potted immediately, while the garlic bulb should be dry before planting.
Layering
Layering is a very easy method to start a new plant. Rosemary and thyme work well for this method. Find a stem that can be pulled down to the ground. Dig a small depression and bury a middle section with a leaf node included. Weight it down with special clips, or with a rock or brick. Check it in about a month. When new roots have formed, cut the stem and re-pot.
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