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Friday, January 26, 2018

Lecture 1 Notes



1
Lecture: Introduction – roll, Extension policy, meeting time and place, attendance and tardiness, tools etc. Tour Garden. Tool selection, care and safety. Sexual and asexual propagation defined. Introduction to the different propagation. Botany as applied to propagation. Planting mediums.
Demonstration: Cutting scions for the exchange
Practical: Harvesting scionwood.


  1. Roll call -
  2. Extension re. Interlopers
  3. SAFETY
  4. Food/drink
  5. Attendance/tardiness
  6. Blog site: http://lagardennotes.blogspot.com/
  7. Books/Assigned reading (Bryant; Home Orchard & Garner)
  8. Tools and tool selection
  9. Waltz thru the syllabus (most of this is answered in the syllabus)

Some Notes on Sexual and Asexual Propagation

Sexual propagation involves the use of seeds. Pollination and methods of pollination.

Asexual propagation is any other way you can get ‘baby’ plants. Under this broad generalization, we include: dividing bulbs, cuttings, air layering, and division.
To do these things, you need a spade (with a sharp edge), some knives, pruners, potting mix, a watering device, and, preferably some kind of root stimulant.

By DIVISION

Most herbaceous perennials are easy to propagate by some form of division. Some common ones we can try in the Garden include:
Artichokes
Rhubarb
All chrysanthemums (including Shasta Daisy)
Cacti and succulents

You may divide or attempt to propagate almost any plant in the Garden AFTER CHECKING WITH ME. If you divide an artichoke, rhubarb or any of the succulents, I want to be with you.
  1. Planting mediums
  2. Botany

The two vascular plant systems are:
Xylem
Phloem (Cambium)  

Xylem may be characterized as wood and mostly dead cells – they perform their function in the plant when they are dead.

We can generally describe the function of xylem as moving nutrients and water UP from the roots. In other words, we can simplify xylem as being a kind of plumbing system with dead cells amalgamated together becoming pipes for an upward flow from the roots.

Phloem on the other hand is living tissue distributing the products of photosynthesis throughout the plant - much more than a simple "down" movement.

Cuttings:
asexual propagation
cuttings
Laser in on Cuttings: (Bryant, 92-100 – caution: he gets a little too noodgy and thinks everyone has access to greenhouses and misting systems)
Ideal wood for cutting
Pencil thick
semi-ripe wood – cover three different grades of wood – soft, semi-ripe and ripe

FOR CLASS:
  1. Syllabus and copies
  2. Checklist and copies

  3. Books: The Home Orchard; The Grafter's Handbook; Plant Propagation A to Z; and The Home Orchard
  4. Pruners and knives
  5. Ideal semi-ripe cutting
  6. Pot of stuck cuttings

david


Sunday, January 21, 2018

The Grater's Handbook

I've just learned that one of our required books is, in fact, out of print.  Therefore, it is absolutely acceptable to purchase the edition before the one I have. 

This is the blue cover from the 2003 edition. 

I have found many used copies of this edition under $40.  The page numbers are almost identical and I used the blue one for many years.  

I am not familiar with the edition below, it was the edition (1993) before the blue one - I'm sure it has good stuff in it, just not sure of the order and and if it has all the good stuff I want.




There are several copies of this edition at eBay for reasonable amounts.   I will accept your use of either of these and no more assigned reading will come from this book if students cannot get it!


Sorry for the hassle.

david

Thursday, January 18, 2018

Plant Propagation Syllabus Winter 2018

COURSE SYLLABUS

Please note that this syllabus may be changed as the quarter progresses.  We are working with live plants and we have to adapt to them to achieve our goals. Thank you for understanding and your patience.

Instructor: David King
Email: greenteach@gmail.com
Phone: 310.722.3656

There are no prerequisites for this course, although some knowledge of basic botany is extremely helpful. We meet on Sundays from January 11 through March 29 for 10 meetings, nine on Sunday and one Saturday field trip.
In our field trip we will attend the WLA chapter of the California Rare Fruit Growers meeting on February 11th, from 10:00 to noon. This is the day of their annual ‘Scion Exchange’ and is not to be missed if you can help it. There is no other forum in Los Angeles that offers a better introduction to grafting!
All other meetings are on Sunday 1:30 to 4:30 PM to The Learning Garden, at the Venice High School campus. This site is close to the ocean and because we meet outside or in a poorly heated classroom, please dress appropriate to the weather, which is invariably colder than one would imagine. We will do what we can to mitigate the cold and rain, should it come, but the material of the class is best covered with live plant material in the garden – which, of course, is outside.
We will also be working with potting soils and cut plant material in almost every single class, gloves will probably be desired. Dress so that you can comfortably get dirty and still stay dry. Dressing in layers is probably the best idea when it comes to being outdoors at The Learning Garden.

Course Purpose

This course is an introduction to the principles and practice of plant propagation, both sexual and asexual, and the science and art of grafting and budding.

Course Objectives

  1. Understand the care and safe use of tools in plant propagation.
  2. Understand the biology of sexual and asexual propagation of plants.
  3. Understand and use the different styles of propagation of plants.
  4. Be able to create or craft and use a plant propagation system.
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of the above by propagating different species of plants.
  6. Understand the physiology of plants sufficiently to be able to successfully bud and graft a variety of plants.

Application

The materials presented in this course will enable the student to start plants from seeds and cuttings, in an amateur or professional setting and graft woody plants with a working understanding of the scientific underpinnings of the process. While we are working mostly with food plants, these techniques cross easily to ornamental plants.

Texts for this course

Plant Propagation A to Z – Bryant; Firefly Books, 2003 It is readily available online. This is onlyl one of many texts that are useful references for all kinds of plants. You may choose a different reference that suits you, they are all about the same.
The Grafter's Handbook – Garner; Chelsea Green Publishing, 2013, is the current edition. It has been and still is the most authoritative book on propagation in or out of print. This book is a wonderful reference book for someone involved in grafting. Unlike the modern books that only show a few grafts, this one shows grafts for all kinds of plant work and as such, is essential for one who wishes to make this work a part of a skill set.
The Home Orchard – UC Press, Agriculture and Natural Resources Publication 3485, 2007 – While primarily a growing guide to deciduous fruit and nut trees, pages 101 to 122 cover budding and grafting. It does not go deep but the photos and hand drawings are excellent (as they are throughout the book) and this is a clear introduction to the art. If you intend to have a home orchard, this is the book for Californians.
There will be additional handouts from the instructor. There will be assigned reading.
All material for in class will be available online at http://lagardennotes.blogspot.com/. Additionally, I invite all of you to join the group, Greener Gardens, on Facebook. Handouts are put there as well, and students use the group to contact one another – I also post other items of interest for you. I try to not have handouts in class to avoid wasting paper printing handouts you may not care to keep and I will occasionally link to internet site allowing the use of videos (especially of grafting) you may find helpful.

Class Meetings

To each class meeting, in addition to any note-taking tools you deem necessary (paper, camera, tape recorder etc), each student should bring propagation tools that will be described in our first class meeting; please don't purchase a lot of stuff until then. You will need pruners, a grafting knife, a regular pocket knife (or one knife with two blades for different purposes), a black, permanent Sharpie, a sharp pencil and a sturdy pair of gloves – leather preferred. If you are unsure of what to buy, buy NOTHING until after the first class meeting – we will not be using most of these items until later.

Grading

Your grade in this class is based on a checklist you will keep and one or two short exams. You need to be able to perform each of the tasks on the log with sufficient skill and understanding of the process in order to receive a passing grade in this course. The completed checklist must be turned in the last day of class unless other arrangements have been made before hand with the instructor. I reserve the right to administer quizzes throughout the course to insure comprehension. They will count in your participation score.

Instructor’s Office Hours

Please avail yourself of my willingness to meet with you at any time to discuss your progress in the course or to clarify instructional material or to answer any difficulties you are having. My preference is to meet with you at my office at The Learning Garden where we can cover material without distraction but I am willing to meet with students anytime, anywhere to assist you in learning; after all, that is the point your taking the class and my teaching it. It is my wish that all students learn and are profited by their enrollment in this course. Do not struggle; I am here to help.

At The Learning Garden:

THE FIRST AID KIT IS LOCATED DIRECTLY ON THE LEFT OF THE FRONT DOOR AS YOU ENTER my office

Remember its location.
I’m very serious... So far only three students have had to have emergency medical treatment. I don't like adding to that number. It's hard enough to get students without killing them off.

A garden is filled with uneven surfaces, rocks, plants with thorns and other armaments and an infinity of possibilities for injury; most of the time in this course we will be using very sharp tools which deserve your utmost attention at all times, please give due attention and consideration of this. Remain on pathways and do not walk into planted beds unless it is absolutely necessary. Do not pick anything without permission.

Food and drink are allowed, but the removal of any trash or waste is entirely incumbent on the eator and/or drinkor. I will hold you responsible.

We will probably have hot tea and coffee to mitigate the cool weather we anticipate needing to endure. Bring your own cup or mug and any eating utensils you feel you need. I drink it black – if you want sugar or cream, it's on you.

Appropriate clothing is essential. Remember, Venice can be hot and cold by turns. Layering is suggested; a jacket or sweater close at hand is essential, pay attention to the forecast, but remember, this close to the ocean, we are usually 10ยบ cooler. We will meet regardless of weather. If it is a light rain/mist, we will continue work. If it is a gully-washer (as though we get those in Southern California), we will meet in the classroom and carry on.

Point Assignment

For Credit Students. It is more important to me that you learn the material above all other considerations. I will endeavor through point assignment, lecture and demonstration to teach you in a way that will facilitate learning the material. If you aren’t understanding, please allow me to help you. Tools You Will Need
Each student should provide:

Pair of pruners – secateur type, like Felco #2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12 or 13. No anvil pruners allowed EXCEPT for those students with hand pain or arthritis that must use the ratcheting type of pruners. Felcos can be bought on the internet (eBay) for much less than most local sources; I am also a Felco distributor and carry several models at a very competitive price. Coronas and other secateur pruners are OK, although if you have ever used Felcos, you can appreciate why I am so fond of them.

Pruning knife – only used for plants. It is suggested that everyone also have a second knife for all the other needs in a garden. If one does not plan on doing a great deal of propagation needing a sharp knife, an inexpensive knife with break-away blades available from many local stores may be used. Grafting knives and horticultural knives are also found for reasonable amounts on eBay and other internet connections; I also have a selection of inexpensive pruning knives from Swiss Army. No one should feel pressured to buy my items – I only have them because they can be hard to find locally and often all you can find are the really expensive Felcos which you don't need.

A utility knife – for all other cutting needs.

Pair of gloves – leather is preferred, some folks like to have more than one.

Sharpie – fine point, only black will not wash off

Pencil sharp, wooden (the Learning Garden does have a sharpener)

You will need to take notes, so paper is necessary – may I suggest you take notes in pencil because it won’t run if it gets wet and a pencil is a small dibber in a pinch.

The Garden (or instructor) will provide as needed:
Cactus mix and potting soils
Watering devices
Pots
Root stimulating gel
Other tools and supplies as needed
Oil, sharpening devices, cleaners and rags for pruner and knife maintenance
Alcohol wipes, Listerine and hand soap.
Plant material/seeds
First aid kit
Plant markers


PLEASE NOTE:  TWO DATES IN FEBRUARY WERE INCORRECT IN MY ORIGINAL SYLLABUS - 
they are changed here....
Date
Mtg.
TOPIC
01/21/18
1
Lecture: Introduction – roll, Extension policy, meeting time and place, attendance and tardiness, tools etc. Tour Garden. Tool selection, care and safety. Sexual and asexual propagation defined. Introduction to the different arts of propagation. Botany as applied to propagation.
Demonstration: Cutting scions for the exchange
Practical: Harvesting scionwood
01/28/18
2
Lecture: Meristematic tissue and the principles of propagation by cuttings; Pages 92-113; soil mixes for propagation; knives and tools, care of etc
Demonstration: Different kinds of cuttings
Practical: Making cuttings - Lycium chinensis
02/04/18
3
Lecture: General Propagation Methods and Application; Pages 47-91; pests and diseases and methodology to deal.
Demonstration: Division of perennials
Practical: Dividing perennial plants
TEST: Primarily on Cuttings and Safety *
02/10/18
4
Field Trip to California Rare Fruit Growers
>>> NOT TO BE MISSED <<< your Valentine will forgive you....
02/11/18
5
Lecture: Seeds, structure, germination and viability, collection, storage. Propagation, pages 47-74; seed starting problems and their solution.
Demonstration: Scarification/Seed sowing
Practical: Sowing seeds of different sizes
02/18/18
6
Lecture: Grafting
Demonstration: Grafting
Practical: Practice Grafting
02/25/18
7
Lecture: Budding
Demonstration: Budding
Practical: Grafting
03/04/18
8
Lecture: California Native Propagation
Demonstration: Fire scarification of a California native
Practical: Transplanting seedlings
03/11/18
9
Lecture: Propagating ornamentals; Katarina Ericksen
Demonstration: Ornamental propagation
Practical: Propagating something unusual.
03/18/18
10
Lecture: Uses and Varieties of Grafting
Demonstration: Air Layering
Practical: Air Layering
TEST: Grafting Principles and Seeds
03/25/18
11
Field Trip: TBD

Our Class Meeting Locations


The Learning Garden

13000 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90066
310.722.3656 (my cell)
The Garden is located on the south east corner of Walgrove Avenue and Venice Blvd. It is the first gate on Walgrove south of Venice – there is a small amount of parking inside the gate, there is no other secured parking, other than those few spaces, you are on the street and on your own. DO NOT PARK ON THE CAMPUS PROPER. If parking on the street is onerous for you (i.e. you have a cane etc) see me.

California Rare Fruit Growers, West Los Angeles Chapter

Scion Exchange meeting on February 11 10:00 AM, Veteran's Community Building, Overland Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90232

Tool Suppliers: Search online at eBay and other buying services, but the following companies, in addition to myself, reliably have the tools you need and prices that are competitive.
A.M. Leonard (AKA The Gardeners Edge) www.gardenersedge.com They have everything and they make good house brands of knives and pruners. Frost Proof Garden Supply www.frostproof.com A good source for many common garden tools including pruners and grafting knives and associated supplies. Peaceful Valley Farm Supply www.groworganic.com Felco and Corona pruners, inexpensive Swiss Army grafting knives. A good choice.
Scoring For Grading in This Class Grading is as follows:

Class Participation
30.00%

A
100-90
In class exams
20.00%
B
90-80
Checklist
50.00%
C
80 and <80 p="">
TOTAL
100.00%



If you forget your pruners or knife, I do have a few of each, and while I do have gloves, a pair that fits your hand is preferred (and a pair of gloves are somewhat personal too). I can sharpen your pruners and knives and we will learn how in this course.

* Please note: ALL students take any test or quiz even the not-for-credit students, I want to gauge your learning/my effectiveness in teaching this material. The same is true of pop-quizzes when given.

Checklist for Plant Propagation

    Name _________________
    Term _________________­_

This paper must be turned in the last day of class to receive course credit!

Please note: not all tasks will be checked. I do know what I have assigned and you will only be graded on those tasks.

Seeding


Task
Date
Results
Sow small seeds (one six pack)




Sow medium seeds (one six pack)




Sow large seeds (one quart)




Pot on seedlings
























Division

Task
Plant Type
Date
Result
Divide perennial 1






Divide perennial 2






























Cuttings

    Task
Plant Type
Date
Results
    1st rose






2nd rose






Fig tree ( 4 cuttings)






Grape (6 cuttings)






Pomegranate (4)






Root stock (8)






Leaf cutting































Grafting (three only)

Task
Scion/Root stock
Date
Results
Chip Budding






T-budding






Saddle graft






Cleft or Bark Graft






Whip Graft






















david
















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