Many methods exist for propagating plants, including sowing plants from seed, digging and dividing them and soil layering. New plants may also be created by taking cuttings--small pieces of leaves, stems, even roots--that will form new roots, shoots and leaves under the proper conditions. Cuttings may be made several ways, depending on the plant you're trying to propagate and preferred times of year for taking the cuttings.
Gardening by the Yard host Paul James suggests how to get started:
First, gather the materials you'll need. Find a good sterile potting mix, such as a 50-50 blend of peat moss and perlite, several containers (from flats to small pots), plastic bags to use as humidity tents, a mister, sharp pruners or a knife, and rooting hormone. Moisten the potting mix with a mister so it is easier to work with. The containers and pruners must be sterile to prevent bacteria from harming the plant. To ensure success, disinfect containers with a solution of 1 part bleach mixed with 9 parts water.
The simplest way to propagate some plants is to take a cutting and place it in a glass of water. When the cutting begins to form new roots, plant it directly in the garden. A number of plants may have trouble adapting to soil if their roots have remained in water too long, so while the roots are still small, transfer the cutting to a container filled with potting soil and leave it there for a week or two before planting it in the garden.
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