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The Plant Propagator's Bible
With her reader-friendly, easy-to-follow directions, a veteran horticulture teacher demonstrates all the ways to cultivate new plants—whether from seed or cuttings or with techniques such as layering, grafting, and budding
Creating new plants from existing ones is one of the most rewarding aspects of gardening. But to many, the idea of propagating plants seems like a feat that only the most experienced gardeners can master. The Plant Propagator's Bible strips away the mystique and makes multiplying plants easy even for the novice.
Drawing on her many years as a horticulture teacher, Miranda Smith explains the natural process and conditions in which plants grow and reproduce, and shows gardeners how to use these systems to propagate any plant that grows in their garden or greenhouse—or even on their windowsill. The book
• an A to Z directory of more than 1,000 individual plant species—with appropriate propagation techniques for aquatics, ornamental plants, houseplants, shrubs, trees, vegetables, and wildflowers
• "What Can Go Wrong" advice for each type of plant, explaining potential problems and how to prevent or fix them
• detailed, step-by-step illustrations and annotated photographs
Including information on essential tools and equipment, this is an indispensable addition to every gardener's bookshelf.
Creating new plants from existing ones is one of the most rewarding aspects of gardening. But to many, the idea of propagating plants seems like a feat that only the most experienced gardeners can master. The Plant Propagator's Bible strips away the mystique and makes multiplying plants easy even for the novice.
Drawing on her many years as a horticulture teacher, Miranda Smith explains the natural process and conditions in which plants grow and reproduce, and shows gardeners how to use these systems to propagate any plant that grows in their garden or greenhouse—or even on their windowsill. The book
• an A to Z directory of more than 1,000 individual plant species—with appropriate propagation techniques for aquatics, ornamental plants, houseplants, shrubs, trees, vegetables, and wildflowers
• "What Can Go Wrong" advice for each type of plant, explaining potential problems and how to prevent or fix them
• detailed, step-by-step illustrations and annotated photographs
Including information on essential tools and equipment, this is an indispensable addition to every gardener's bookshelf.
192 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2007
332 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
About the author
Miranda Smith
17 books1 followerMiranda Smith teaches organic and sustainable methods of growing herbs, vegetables, and fruits at the New England Small Farm Institute. She lives in Belchertown, Massachusetts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 21, 2021
This is a clear and well illustrated guide to ways of propagating plants, from seed starting to layering. I am familiar with most of these and have had moderate success. In some cases the book makes it seem easier than it is and it also doesn't go into some details that I think would help (how long to expect before roots, what season, specifics for types of plants) but honestly a good garden forum (not Facebook, the old school garden forums like Dave's Garden) will give you the best nitty gritty details. Since this covers everything, a lot of it was unnecessary for me (like all the information about how to start seeds) and there was not room for specific plants I'd have liked explored more fully. I also would have appreciated more "quick and easy" ways to propagate or hacks like how to propagate herbs and veggies from the grocery store. Still an excellent guide though, especially for the more technical aspects.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
February 10, 2022
A rather professional approach to an unprofessionally practiced home activity!
I have been a plant parent for a good amount of time by now. And all through the while, this book got to be my very first read in gardening.
Plant care has always stood at an experiential stage in my hierarchy of hobbies that I thought perhaps it was time to up my game by finally picking up some related books! So when I came across this title while browsing through NetGalley, it was an instant request.
Honestly I never suspected that a little windowsill gardening would require handling such a variety of tools and supplies to choose from.
I mean, I'm just used to poking my finger in my regular peat moss/perlite potting mix to simply put a cutting in! And that basically works for all my regular selection of easy rooting plants.
But then again, for those other plants that tend to rot rather than root, I'd solely add a "dip into rooting hormone powder" step (which I find that the book also recommends) to the regular routine the second time around and voila! No sweat!
Seeding, however, has never worked for me and I find it too much of a hassle to try again even after reading about some of the easier and more suitable methods mentioned in this book. Yet, if I ever did feel like giving it a try, I'd know where to look for an adequate guide.
So, I am still holding up my stance that this practice is not something to go by the book with; And observing that my methods work in all their imperfection and flaws, reading this book has not been very useful for me in its practical content but I did benefit a lot from its plant biology sections and scientific information as it has helped me be more mindful of my plants' needs and moods.
A review copy was kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have been a plant parent for a good amount of time by now. And all through the while, this book got to be my very first read in gardening.
Plant care has always stood at an experiential stage in my hierarchy of hobbies that I thought perhaps it was time to up my game by finally picking up some related books! So when I came across this title while browsing through NetGalley, it was an instant request.
Honestly I never suspected that a little windowsill gardening would require handling such a variety of tools and supplies to choose from.
I mean, I'm just used to poking my finger in my regular peat moss/perlite potting mix to simply put a cutting in! And that basically works for all my regular selection of easy rooting plants.
But then again, for those other plants that tend to rot rather than root, I'd solely add a "dip into rooting hormone powder" step (which I find that the book also recommends) to the regular routine the second time around and voila! No sweat!
Seeding, however, has never worked for me and I find it too much of a hassle to try again even after reading about some of the easier and more suitable methods mentioned in this book. Yet, if I ever did feel like giving it a try, I'd know where to look for an adequate guide.
So, I am still holding up my stance that this practice is not something to go by the book with; And observing that my methods work in all their imperfection and flaws, reading this book has not been very useful for me in its practical content but I did benefit a lot from its plant biology sections and scientific information as it has helped me be more mindful of my plants' needs and moods.
A review copy was kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2021
The Plant Propagator’s Bible, by Miranda Smith, is a great resource for those wishing to learn all about plants from start to finish. As a newbie to planting, this book provides me with what I need to know to learn how to start plants from seeds and cuttings. Very informative and I like how there are options for all types of vegetation.
Thank you to NetGalley and Cool Springs Press for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Cool Springs Press for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.
September 24, 2012
This is a great basic book on propagating. Very easy to learn from.
July 27, 2017
Not as comprehensive as they claim but about as thorough as you can find. I would have liked them to share more low budget tips and trick.
January 20, 2024
Really helpful. I can’t wait to incorporate some of these tips into my garden this spring!
March 19, 2021
The Plant Propagator's Bible: A Step by Step Guide to Propagating Every Plant in Your Garden by Miranda Smith is a really good read, especially for those who are new to plant propagation. The text is clear, concise, and easy to understand. However good it is for beginners, I think it also has a place on the bookshelves of advanced gardeners as well. The basics are covered along with techniques that I would consider to be tricky at best, but they are described in a way that I think even I could attempt them.
There are several topics listed for each type of propagation. We are given the name of the procedure, plants that it is appropriate for, detailed and diagramed instructions, a checklist of needed items and the time of year the technique is appropriate for, and a what can go wrong section. One of my favorite features is that each section of instruction has a “What can go wrong?” section. This guides you through what may have happened to cause your propagation technique to fail. I believe most gardeners have dealt with a few losses over the years. This is invaluable information if you are the type to dust yourself off and try again. This book can give us the courage to do just that and hopefully be successful the second time around.
Another favorite feature is the plant directory. It lists each plant, the zones it grows in, appropriate methods of propagation, and issues you may have trying to propagate each plant. This book is just so valuable in so many ways. I would absolutely add this to my collection as soon as possible. It is chock full of useful information for anyone who would like more plants. What gardener do you know who would not want more plants? My recommendation? Go get this book now; you won’t regret it.
There are several topics listed for each type of propagation. We are given the name of the procedure, plants that it is appropriate for, detailed and diagramed instructions, a checklist of needed items and the time of year the technique is appropriate for, and a what can go wrong section. One of my favorite features is that each section of instruction has a “What can go wrong?” section. This guides you through what may have happened to cause your propagation technique to fail. I believe most gardeners have dealt with a few losses over the years. This is invaluable information if you are the type to dust yourself off and try again. This book can give us the courage to do just that and hopefully be successful the second time around.
Another favorite feature is the plant directory. It lists each plant, the zones it grows in, appropriate methods of propagation, and issues you may have trying to propagate each plant. This book is just so valuable in so many ways. I would absolutely add this to my collection as soon as possible. It is chock full of useful information for anyone who would like more plants. What gardener do you know who would not want more plants? My recommendation? Go get this book now; you won’t regret it.
August 26, 2021
"The Plant Propagator's Bible" described many different plant propagation techniques. The first part of the book detailed these various techniques and included a general description of each technique, a list of plants that it works on, step-by-step instructions and illustrations showing how to do the technique, and brief advice about how to handle what can go wrong. The techniques included starting from seeds (including soaking, scarification, stratification, etc.), dividing plants, taking cuttings, layering, and grafting. The book also contained a plant directory for flowering plants and ornamentals, which included information on where the plant is grown, the easiest way to propagate it, other methods that can be used, and potential problems specific to that plant.
I thought that the step-by-step section did a good job of showing how to do the technique. I've done some of these in the past, and I'll try some new ones in the future. I was a little disappointed that the focus seemed to be on non-food plants since the subtitle mentioned "every plant in your garden." I also sometimes felt that the author made propagation sound more difficult than it is. For example, years ago I bought morning glory seeds, simply planted them, and the resulting morning glories have been reseeding themselves in the same spot for years without any action on my part. According to this book, though, you need to scarify the seeds in order to get them to sprout. Overall, I recommend this informative book to anyone interested in learning new plant propagation techniques.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through Amazon Vine.
I thought that the step-by-step section did a good job of showing how to do the technique. I've done some of these in the past, and I'll try some new ones in the future. I was a little disappointed that the focus seemed to be on non-food plants since the subtitle mentioned "every plant in your garden." I also sometimes felt that the author made propagation sound more difficult than it is. For example, years ago I bought morning glory seeds, simply planted them, and the resulting morning glories have been reseeding themselves in the same spot for years without any action on my part. According to this book, though, you need to scarify the seeds in order to get them to sprout. Overall, I recommend this informative book to anyone interested in learning new plant propagation techniques.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through Amazon Vine.
April 1, 2022
Everyone has tried propagating plants at some stage, everyone like a free plant for a little work.
This book won't disappoint, it is very well written, illustrated and provides excellent information on doubling or more your garden planting.
Seeds is the first method which is talked about (me I'm rubbish at growing anything by seed) There are many methods and lots of detail to seed propagation, so I may have another try.
The ones I like best are cuttings, divisions, air roots and leaf cuttings, which this book goes into very useful detail on how, and what can go wrong. There are many other methods that are explained in the book, all beautifully presented and illustrated with photos. The last area is in grafting which is extremely interesting and the instructions make the whole process look doable.
A book to dip into may times with lots of practical information and photos.
This book won't disappoint, it is very well written, illustrated and provides excellent information on doubling or more your garden planting.
Seeds is the first method which is talked about (me I'm rubbish at growing anything by seed) There are many methods and lots of detail to seed propagation, so I may have another try.
The ones I like best are cuttings, divisions, air roots and leaf cuttings, which this book goes into very useful detail on how, and what can go wrong. There are many other methods that are explained in the book, all beautifully presented and illustrated with photos. The last area is in grafting which is extremely interesting and the instructions make the whole process look doable.
A book to dip into may times with lots of practical information and photos.
July 11, 2021
I received a copy of this book through the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest review.
This is a thorough book!
This book has lots of information about propagating plants from seeds, existing plants, roots, and other ways. The book includes what tools you need for each kind of propagation. There are drawings and pictures throughout the book that are helpful guides.
The book also has a list of different kinds of plants and how you can propagate them. There's lots of helpful information in this book about collecting seeds, saving seeds, and what can go wrong with growing something from seed as well as other helpful information for growing plants.
A very helpful guide for gardeners!
This is a thorough book!
This book has lots of information about propagating plants from seeds, existing plants, roots, and other ways. The book includes what tools you need for each kind of propagation. There are drawings and pictures throughout the book that are helpful guides.
The book also has a list of different kinds of plants and how you can propagate them. There's lots of helpful information in this book about collecting seeds, saving seeds, and what can go wrong with growing something from seed as well as other helpful information for growing plants.
A very helpful guide for gardeners!
April 17, 2021
The Plant Propagator's Bible; A Step by Step Guide to Propagating Every Plant in Your Garden by Miranda Smith does what it says on the tin. It has lots of lovely photos, and tells you all about how to grow plants from seed, dividing, from cuttings and so on.
It's really helpful, and gives you lots of information like the humidity, the tools you need and the soil you need.
The Plant Propagator's Bible was published on 29th June 2021, and is available on Amazon , Waterstones and Bookshop.org .
I was given this book in exchange for an unbiased review, so my thanks to NetGalley and to Quatro .
It's really helpful, and gives you lots of information like the humidity, the tools you need and the soil you need.
The Plant Propagator's Bible was published on 29th June 2021, and is available on Amazon , Waterstones and Bookshop.org .
I was given this book in exchange for an unbiased review, so my thanks to NetGalley and to Quatro .
July 14, 2021
Beautifully illustrated reference for gardeners of all levels. Sections on growing from seed, dividing plants, growing from cuttings, layering and grafting, as well as a section listing specific plants and their characteristics.
This book is intended for North American growers, however many, if not most, of the techniques could be transferred to gardening in the tropics. I am in Guanacaste, Costa Rica where, during rainy season, many plants can be propagated simply by putting a stick in the ground!
This book is intended for North American growers, however many, if not most, of the techniques could be transferred to gardening in the tropics. I am in Guanacaste, Costa Rica where, during rainy season, many plants can be propagated simply by putting a stick in the ground!
July 27, 2021
The Plant Propagator’s Bible by Miranda Smith is a wonderfully organized and detailed resource to learn about propagating plants. As someone who is relatively new to propagating, this book was incredibly helpful. The book provides information on growing from seeds and cuttings, dividing plants, layering, and grafting, important requirements, illustrated instructions, which techniques will work with which plants, characteristics of plants, and what could go wrong. Highly recommended to all levels of plant people! #ThePlantPropagatorsBible #NetGalley
May 10, 2021
Wow! This book has way more information than I was expecting, all presented in a clear, comprehensive, and accessible way. You'll learn all kinds of propagation techniques with step by step illustrated instructions, as well as what plants will work with each technique, and what could go wrong. If you're interested in increasing your plants, from houseplants to trees, this is the book you want!
#ThePlantPropagatorsBible #NetGalley
#ThePlantPropagatorsBible #NetGalley
January 28, 2019
Great book on the multitude of propagation techniques, some I had never even heard of! I learned a lot of new techniques. I wish the list of plants to propagate for each technique was more comprehensive, but I guess having it at all is good. Lots of photographs and illustrations. I'll look into this book again when I'm wanting to increase the plants in my garden.
December 27, 2022
I've always enjoyed a bit of gardening but when the pandemic hit I was able to really spend time growing my own veg, gathering seeds to sow the following year and learning more about my plants and flowers. This book came in very handy so if you want to garden on a budget and learn how to take cuttings, when to prune and what plants give a wealth of free seeds then give this book a read.
June 20, 2021
Great resource! One I may have to buy for my shelf instead of borrowing from the library again.
January 17, 2022
Great photos, illustrations, and content about propagating. Relies heavy on the scientific names of plants, which made looking up plants by the names I know a bit difficult.
June 28, 2022
This is an excellent reference book on propagation. I will use it in school and at home in my own, and maybe other gardens.
November 22, 2022
Helpful book with lots of hints and tips for propagating lots of different plants.
February 12, 2023
Very informative step by step guide for plant noobs like me
Want to read
October 12, 2023RK KINDLE
September 16, 2024
Very intense explanation with lots of pics and explicit instructions on how to propagate all the plants in your life.
November 29, 2025
Sooo useful. Bought this book so I can refer to it often.
March 24, 2021
Spring is here and I am seriously chomping at the bit to get my garden going. The Plant Propagator's Bible could not have come along at a more opportune time.
I seriously cannot wait to try some of these techniques. As a plant person, ('cause you just are or you aren't a plant person) getting clippings and cuttings of plants is like a dream. Sometimes things work for me, sometimes I forget about them and well... ya' know. So I'm super excited. The weather is getting warmer and I am so down for all the plants!
Miranda Smith provides a seriously in-depth study of plants and how to make more of them. I am absolutely that type of person that will grab extra leaf at the Home Improvement store or from pretty plants I see on a walk. And on a few occasions, I've rung a neighbors door to ask for a cutting or two. The author provides use with fairly easy but in-depth steps to make the best out of propagation techniques for a plethora of your favorite plants for your very own dream garden. I also loved the index in the back listing every plant and the best types of growing and propagation techniques for each.
I loved this book and I'm really excited to try my hand at grafting techniques this spring. This is definitely a great resource for those of use plant people out there.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
I seriously cannot wait to try some of these techniques. As a plant person, ('cause you just are or you aren't a plant person) getting clippings and cuttings of plants is like a dream. Sometimes things work for me, sometimes I forget about them and well... ya' know. So I'm super excited. The weather is getting warmer and I am so down for all the plants!
Miranda Smith provides a seriously in-depth study of plants and how to make more of them. I am absolutely that type of person that will grab extra leaf at the Home Improvement store or from pretty plants I see on a walk. And on a few occasions, I've rung a neighbors door to ask for a cutting or two. The author provides use with fairly easy but in-depth steps to make the best out of propagation techniques for a plethora of your favorite plants for your very own dream garden. I also loved the index in the back listing every plant and the best types of growing and propagation techniques for each.
I loved this book and I'm really excited to try my hand at grafting techniques this spring. This is definitely a great resource for those of use plant people out there.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
January 12, 2026
There are better books about propagation out there! Avoid this one.
July 21, 2024
This book is such an amazing resource! I started it on Kindle unlimited and quickly realized that this book needed to have a home on my bookshelf.
February 20, 2021
I would love a paper copy of this book, getting a copy excited me so much! The book has a huge wealth of information on seed propagation and seedlings. Any one interested in homesteading will love the information in this book!
What did I like? While the file I received was less than navigational, I know I would love a paper copy. From cultivating to sowing this book has everything I could think of for propagation. I love the cover! The title grabbed me because I’m sowing my own seeds this spring, and the blurb cinched my decision to ask for it.
Would I recommend or buy! Yes, to both. Something about the title reassured us this is a one stop shop for learning propagation and once I had a look inside I was sure I could finish many jobs in my garden I have planned with this knowledge.
I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left a review
What did I like? While the file I received was less than navigational, I know I would love a paper copy. From cultivating to sowing this book has everything I could think of for propagation. I love the cover! The title grabbed me because I’m sowing my own seeds this spring, and the blurb cinched my decision to ask for it.
Would I recommend or buy! Yes, to both. Something about the title reassured us this is a one stop shop for learning propagation and once I had a look inside I was sure I could finish many jobs in my garden I have planned with this knowledge.
I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left a review
May 20, 2011
This was a really superb book on how to propagate plants many different ways. There was a page or two on each method and then a list of plants that would respond well to that method of propagation. There was also section with a list of common plants to propagate and the methods that worked best with them. And the index was great. And there were great pictures in it. There was also some blah blah blah at the front of the book about tools needed and probably why it was so great to grow plants etc but I obviously skimmed over that. This would be a good reference book to have or to check out from the library.
October 23, 2011
I checked this out from the library. I found it useful but here's the deal... there is not much middle-ground. The simple stuff is too simple. You don't really need a book to tell you how to do it. Maybe it's good though just to give you a bit of confidence. But then the harder stuff is kind of intimidating. If I were going to tackle the trickier techniques then I'd need to own the book as a reference. It's sort of like - seed saving, grafting, etc. are easy enough that anyone could do it by reading this short book. BUT when you read it you realize how much really is involved. I'm not sure I have the patience for some of it at this point in my life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews