If you’re a gardener interested in propagating your own garden and landscape plants, Purdue has just the tool for you. Purdue University’s “Plant Propagation” CD-ROM is kind of like a well-illustrated book AND a hands-on class — only better!
In “Plant Propagation,” you can read about each technique and immediately see how it’s done. There are 52 videos and hundreds of photos, animations, and graphics that show everything from the simplest planting of a seed to the complexities of grafting. In each section, whether it’s basic botany, seed germination, cuttings, divisions, layering, or grafting, “Plant Propagation” gives home gardeners all the information they need to propagate plants successfully.
Need the definition of a propagation term? Check out the GLOSSARY, complete with pronunciation of the more unusual words. Not sure where to order grafting supplies? The REFERENCE section lists sources. Need a review of some plant science basics? You’ll find information on roots, stems, and leaves, rooting media, growth hormones, and more in this BASICS introductory section. In addition, there are 32 quizzes in the TEST YOURSELF section, many with interactive graphics offering a fun way for a hands-on test of your knowledge
What makes the CD even better than a class is that the lectures and illustrations are all there at your fingertips, ready for you to learn something new or review a technique at your own pace. The ability to use videos, animations and photos allows the camera or the artist to zoom in for a close-up. And, better than a conventional book index, the CD is fully searchable, so you can find just exactly the page you’re looking for.
So whether you’re the green thumb of the family or you’re shopping for the perfect gift for a gardening loved one, Purdue’s “Plant Propagation” CD may be just what you’re looking for. “Plant Propagation” (item number CD-HO-3) is available for $40 from Purdue Extension’s online Education Store at http://www.ces.purdue.edu/new/. Or, call 1-888-EXT-INFO or e-mail media.order@purdue.edu.
Still not sure? You can preview a sample chapter online at http://www.hort.purdue.edu/plantprop/WebVersion/Intro.html.