As the first frost threatens, gardeners anxious to preserve their favorites for the next season take cuttings and propagate as many plants as they can care for. The process is not complex but new plants have to be kept in a place where there is light and a relatively constant temperature. Coleus and geraniums are relatively easy to root and grow indoors. Take a sharp knife or clean pruner and choose a shoot approximately 6 inches long that has some end growth known as a growing tip. As soon as you cut it, place the cutting in tepid water. One method of propagation is to leave the cuttings in water until roots grow. If you choose this method, place the container with the cutting on a window ledge or a place in the sun or partial sun. Be sure not to place it too close to the windowpane because the glass can become quite cold and this can damage your cutting. When the roots are formed, the cutting must be placed in a soil mixture and allowed to grow. Another method is to use rooting hormone to get your plants started. In this method, you still place the cuttings in water as they are cut, but then they are dipped in rooting hormone and planted directly in a soil mixture.

In either case, the pots and the soil mixture must be prepared. You need small pots to give your plants a chance to root. Sometimes I use the pots that I start seedlings in or the pots that my annuals have come in. These should be about 4 inches deep and 3 inches in diameter for most cuttings. The pots have to be cleaned and disinfected unless they are new. Wash them in a mild solution of warm water and Clorox (3 parts water to 1 part Clorox). Allow them to air dry thoroughly. Fill the bottom half of the pot with a mixture of 50% perlite and 50% vermiculite for drainage. Fill the remainder of the pot with potting soil and moisten. Then place the cuttings rooted in water or those that you have dipped in rooting hormone carefully in the pot. Then place the newly planted cuttings in a sunny spot or under a grow light. Check frequently and keep the soil moist but not wet.

If you have room and appropriate growing conditions, you can bring in larger plants after repotting. Most growers recommend that you treat the plants that you intend to bring in with an insecticide such as Safer Insecticidal Soap or at least rinse them with water to try and remove any bugs or other “beasties” that might take up residence in your house. It is good to repot the plant using a new pot or one that has been sterilized as described above. If your plant has grown larger during its summer vacation, repot it using a pot that is only 1 size larger. Shake off as much old soil as possible without disturbing roots too much and put in fresh potting soil. If the weather is still mild, you can leave the pots out for a few days to let the plants adjust to the repotting and then bring them in where they will be for their winter vacation. Keep a close watch on the plants. Some leaf dropping is normal, water them regularly, but try not to get the plants too damp. Coleus and geraniums do not like to be wet.

Other plants that can be preserved for the next growing season are colocasia (elephant’s ears), dahlias and cannas. Colocasia can be removed after the first frost. Dig them up carefully and shake off all the dirt. Cut back the tops to about 3 inches and allow them to dry in a sunny spot for several days. When they are dry, place them in a cardboard box or paper bag. Keep in a cool place no colder than 34 degrees F. They will be started again in pots indoors in early April. Cut dahlias back to four to six inches above the soil after a slight frost. Dig them out carefully. Hose them off and dry in a slightly shady area. Label and store them in boxes (not air tight) packed with a medium of peat moss or saw dust at about 34 to 45 degrees F. Cut canna tops to within 14 inches of soil after first killing frost. Dust individual clumps with a fungicide, and store them stem side up at 40 to 50 degrees F. Keep roots dry.

It is sad to have the blooming season end, but both plants and gardeners need a rest before the next season. Clean up all those leaves and cut back your perennials, then take a well-deserved rest until next year. Make some notes to yourself about what changes you want to make, what did well or what new plantings you want to try. Every year is different in the garden, and we all enjoy the adventure and experimentation.

Gardens by Judy,

If you have any remedies or products that have worked for you, and that you would like to share, email me at gardensbyjudy@townedigest.com

Have your garden questions answered by Judy. Questions and answers will be included in the monthly column. Send an e-mail to: gardensbyjudy@townedigest.com

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About the author: Judy is a certified Master Gardener with Cornell Cooperative Extension who loves sharing the joys of gardening with others. She helps garden hobbyists solve their problems and is happy to provide information and suggestions about garden planning and maintenance.

Gardens by Judy prides itself in helping the home owner and garden enthusiast plan and maintain that special garden. Judy works cooperatively with the gardener. She evaluates each garden visited and consults with the gardener about his/her goals. She helps in the design of new gardens and in the re-creation and improvement of present gardens. Judy also creates beautiful container gardens to enhance decks, porches and landscapes.