North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[alexis <alexis@conev.org>]

Folks,
I have for years been rooting cuttings at home. I cut them, put them in 
a pot of well-drained material, and put a bag or a plastic bin over 
them, and put them in the shade in the spring/ summer. The method works 
generally, but the inconsistency of results has led me to try to isolate 
the most important variables in success. It seems like the material in 
the pot is not the primary variable driving success. It seems like 
temperature might be the most important variable. I have read that most 
plants want 64 - 74 F soil for rooting, which means NOT mid summer as 
the temps are too high (in central VA). I wonder what other folks do, 
what time of year, etc. I have used a heating mat, but I prefer to 
figure out when this method works best under ambient conditions so I can 
teach others without their having to buy heating mats.
Any information would be welcome, or links.
Thanks,
Alexis