Marty Baldwin Some varieties of lavender are protected by a patent, making themillegal to propagate. Be sure to read plant labels carefully. Both softwood and hardwood cuttings usually yield good results, but softwood cuttings root faster than hardwood cuttings. Credit:Marty Baldwin Many gardeners take lavender cuttings when theyprune lavender plantsin spring or when lavender stops flowering in mid-summer to fall. Layering lavender takes longer. Youll get the best results if you try this technique in spring or summer when plants are actively growing....

Find out how to propagate mint from stem cuttings and root cuttings in soil. Plus, learn how to root cuttings in water. How to Propagate Mint from Root Cuttings Mint has creeping underground stems called rhizomes. Credit:Pete Krumhardt These rootlike stems can be divided to grow new mint plants by following these steps: 1. Fill a 6-inch or larger container with potting soil, firming the soil to just below the rim....

Get expert tips on how to propagate orchids according to their growth patterns. Peter Krumhardt Orchids are a singular group ofplants with gorgeous bloomsthat have inspired superfans and appreciation societies. You cant just snip a cutting and stick it in a pot of rooting medium or glass of water. Credit:Peter Krumhardt Orchids take more work and the technique to use depends on their growth pattern. This guide covers the two main propagation methods: keikis and division....

It’s as simple as snipping a few stems to root. In almost no time, you’ll have new plants to expand your collection or share with friends. Youll change their minds withphilodendron, a plant that has cute heart-shaped leaves with a glossy sheen. Credit:Phoebe Cheong / BHG Theyll tolerate dim indoor light and can bounce back wellif you forget to water them. Their long, trailing stems can be showstopperstheyve been known to wrap entirely around a room....

Learn how to propagate pothos plants successfully so you might expand your houseplant collection for free. Jacob Fox Vining pothos plantsthrive in low-lighthomes and are super easy to multiplythrough stem cuttings. Use this step-by-step guide to prune and propagate pothos plants in soil and water. Credit:Jacob Fox Pothos Propagation Tips All types of pothos can be propagated in either soil or water. Some cuttings may not root, so take more cuttings than you need....

Learn how to propagate rosemary with this simple step-by-step guide. Step 1: Take stem cuttings. Snip 3- to 6-inch-long cuttings from healthy rosemary stems using sharp,clean garden shearsor scissors. Credit:Brie Williams Clip cuttings directly above a leaf node to encourage the mother plant to branch. Remove any leaves on the lower 2 inches of the cuttings with your fingers. Look for rosemary stems to cut that are actively growing, flexible, and flush with green leaves....

Use these simple methods to turn your favorite varieties into even more plants. So when you want to increase your number of succulents, there’s no need to buy more. Instead, you’ve got the option to create more using one of these three easy propagating methods. Many succulents can grow a whole new plant from a single leaf.Credit: Gingagi/Getty Images With a bit of patience, your propagated babies will soon start growing into beautiful new plants....

When your corn plant is a little overgrown, restore its good looks with a quick trim. The popular houseplant known as the corn plant (Dracaena fragransMassangeana) features long, strap-like leaves. Although the name implies a relationship to the corn we eat, these two species are not related. Credit: Jacob Fox Timing and patience play into the success of corn plant propagation. Heres what you’re gonna wanna know. Reduce the size of your plant significantly by removing a longer piece of cane....

Depending on the key in of plant, there are several techniques for making many new ones from it. Use these tips to get started. Step 2: Dust cut end withrooting hormone powder. Credit:Dean Schoeppner Then insert the cut stem into the moist potting mix, and gently press the soil around the stem. Or, you could skip the rooting powder and place your cutting in a vase of water. Step 3: Provide indirect light and keep the potting mix moist or the water topped up....

To ease holiday stress, set your dining room table forthe big Thanksgiving dinnerseveral days before the big day. But how do you go about choosing the right plate, spoon, or wine glass? Take a look at our expert tips below and you’ll be theultimate host this holiday season. Credit: Carson Downing Feel free to remove any items for a less formal table. Customize your Thanksgiving table setting with your favorite dishes and decor....

Theres nothing quite like enjoying a warm summers night lounging on your patio or deck. Why Winterize Outdoor Furniture? Taking care of your furniture in the off season helps extend its life and, therefore, your wallet. Credit:Better Homes & Gardens / Edmund Barr If done correctly, you might even potentially avoid having to make space indoors for your furniture. But first, these are the steps to take before cold weather sets in....

When electrical issues arise, these quick receptacle power tests will come in handy. Learn how to measure voltage, conduct a polarity test, and more. Ever wonder whether power is reaching an outlet? The voltage reading on a digital multimeter can tell you. You conduct most of these tests with the power on, so work carefully. What Is a Digital Multimeter? It is sometimes also known as a multitester. Costs vary from a few dollars to several hundred depending on how precise you need the measurements to be....

Find out how to protect plants from frost damage so a cold snap won’t ruin your garden. Temperatures in the low 30F range can kill vegetable crops and tender summer annuals likepetuniasandbegonias. Plus, find out which plants need frost protection and when you should take action. Credit:BHG/Kelli Jo Emanuel BHG/Kelli Jo Emanuel What Is a Frost? A hard frost happens when temperatures hover around 32F for a few hours, which kills all above-ground parts....