Propagation techniques more information

This is probably a lot to ask, and perhaps it has been before, but here goes.

I was looking at an old thread, recently revived: http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/233863/.

It made me wonder, could there be a searchable database with entries for each technique and detailed instructions for each method? Maybe a list like Garden Watchdog with each technique, a definition and maybe even some pictures to show the technique being performed?

I bring this up because I've been looking at/for a good book on propagation and thought it would be great if it was searchable online.

Does this make sense?

Yep. At one time, someone (Wingnut, maybe?) was helping me put together a description of each propagation technique (to be posted in Garden Terms) and the plan was to hyperlink from PlantFiles to the technique in Garden Terms.

I have to admit that it is QUITE possible I dropped the ball. If I did, I can only humbly apologize. If anyone wants to take another stab at it, here's what needs to happen:

1) Each propagation technique listed in PlantFiles needs to have a Garden Terms entry. (It should probably be succinct - one word or short phrase.)

2) Each term needs to be defined. That can be done by one or one hundred people - if there are 100 unique (and legitimate) ways to define the term. (My point is that this part of it can have multiple entries, if people have a slightly different take on a particular technique. Most important - PHOTOS. A picture on how-to-accomplish a particular technique is worth at least 1,000 words ;o)

3) Once that's done, the hard part is over. I can easily set up the hyperlinks from the PlantFiles options. And I'd be happy to do so!

Terry,

Is it possible that the techniques could be set up (like the plants are entered in plantfiles) and then people can see what needs to be filled in? Like a seperate database with a separate entry for each of the techniques that we have so far in Plantfiles. I think I'm asking for the moon, now, but even a seperate tab specifically for propagation techniques?

I guess one of the things I'm trying to figure out how to compile the information for you and then how to access it.

Also, how do we distinguish between different techniques that are prefered methods for certain plants
eg: seed sowing method A, seed sowing method B, etc?

Terry, if you ever get to work on this again, please think of us poor unfortunate folks in the southern states who miss out on freezing winters with tons of snow and ice.
There needs to be a category for sowing seeds any time of the year by
a) broadcasting and keeping ground from drying out.
b) spreading seed on the ground and covering with 1/8 inch layer of soil or peat.
c) inserting seed approx. 1/2 inch deep in ground and keeping moist.
etc, etc.

Also, whatever I can do to help, I will. This would be so great, and I would learn a lot in the process, too.

Ulrich - when you tell me you're ready to go back through 100,000+ entries and check off that box on each affected entry, I'll be happy to add it. (You're persistent, but see....I've got a long memory, too! chuckle...)

MaryEv, here are the current options for propagation techniques:

By dividing the rootball
By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)
By dividing the bulb's scales
By scoring the base of the bulb to promote new bulblets
From leaf cuttings
From herbaceous stem cuttings
From woody stem cuttings
From softwood cuttings
From semi-hardwood cuttings
From hardwood cuttings
From hardwood heel cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; start outdoors mid-winter in covered containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse
From seed; stratify if sowing indoors
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
From seed; direct sow after last frost
From seed; germinate in a damp paper towel
From seed; germinate in vitro in gelatin, agar or other medium
Scarify seed before sowing
By grafting
By budding
By simple layering
By air layering
By tip layering
By serpentine layering
By stooling or mound layering
Plant is viviparous
From spores
From bulbils

Here's where I'm envisioning you (and/or others could compile propagation information, using the same (or similar) words and phrases I've underlined below: http://davesgarden.com/terms/

By dividing the rootball
By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)
By dividing the bulb's scales
By scoring the base of the bulb to promote new bulblets
From leaf cuttings
From herbaceous stem cuttings
From woody stem cuttings
From softwood cuttings
From semi-hardwood cuttings
From hardwood cuttings
From hardwood heel cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; start outdoors mid-winter in covered containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse
From seed; stratify if sowing indoors
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
From seed; direct sow after last frost
From seed; germinate in a damp paper towel
From seed; germinate in vitro in gelatin, agar or other medium
Scarify seed before sowing
By grafting
By budding
By simple layering
By air layering
By tip layering
By serpentine layering
By stooling or mound layering
Plant is viviparous
From spores
From bulbils

Some of these are already in Garden Terms; most are not. But once they are added and have at least one definition, then I can hyperlink to them from PlantFiles.

Okay, I think I see where you're going. I'll start to do what I can.

Why would it have to be retroactive? There are zillions of unchecked boxes from the past until now and will continue to be in the future. It is better to start now with improvements rather than never and it surely could do no harm.
Or am I missing a point somewhere?

Yep, and I'd really like to see us all focus on getting some of those finished up before we add any more checkboxes. (This sure does remind me of my childhood, when my mean ol' mom wouldn't let me go back through the potluck or buffet line until I made an effort to eat most of what was already on my plate. ;o)

Tery. this has been brought up before, but I will reiterate. There are many checkboxes that are not appropriate, especially for vegetables. We check the ones that are closest, but sometimes there is not one. Example: English peas, beets, etc that are typically sown " as soon as the ground can be worked" for most parts of the country. That means as soon as it dries out a bit after the spring thaw. The two options that we currently have, sow indoors before last frost, and direct sow after last frost don't come close, so I leave that one blank and hope every one can the directions on thier seed packet.

You could add that in the comment for do-dos like me farmerdill.
Thanks,
sidney

Okay, all the terms from Terry's list are entered. Now, I just hope others will help fill in the missing definitions!!!

I'll enter what I can.