Making More Plants: The Science, Art, and Joy of Propagation

by Ken Druse

For people who love gardens, propagation is gardening itself, the practice of growing whatever you want, whenever you want. Whether you crave healthy, vigorous plants, wish to grow new ones to share with friends, or hope to produce scores of them to fill your own beds and borders -- for free -- Making More Plants will help fulfill your most vivid garden dreams. Ken Druse, one of America's foremost gardening authorities, an award-winning photographer, and the author of the best-selling Natural Garden series, presents innovative, practical techniques for expanding any plant collection, with more than 500 full-color photographs.

Based on years of personal research, Making More Plants is a practical manual as well as a beautiful garden book, presenting procedures Ken Druse has tested and adapted, as well as photographed step by step. In clear, nspirational language Ken takes the mystery out of seemingly complex practices such as seed conditioning, bulb division, leaf and stem cutting, grafting, and more. Whether focusing on techniques as easy as creating multiple plants from a single perennial using a common kitchen knife or on more complicated practices such as air layering, Ken's advice will inspire both novice and experienced gardeners to turn their homes and gardens into personal nurseries.

Supplementing the text and photographs is a comprehensive appendix charting methods for propagating more than 700 different plants, listed by both common and Latin names, an invaluable resource unmatched by even the most thorough of propagation manuals.

Straightforward advice, gorgeous photographs, and Ken's own engaging voice all combine to make Making More Plants an indispensable guide for every passionate gardener and plant lover.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Reference, Plants, How To, Horticulture, Science

256 pages, Hardcover

First published November 14, 2000

Reviews

[Steve H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful, inspiring, and informative. This book could have been a dry manual on propagation, but instead it makes all manner of techniques seem accessible, and the multitude of color photos of the steps in the process make a sometimes dirty process look like works of art. The only criticism I have is about the two column layout, which when interrupted by the marvelous photos and juxtaposed with the informative captions, is sometimes hard to follow.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful reference book. It is aimed at novice gardeners. The tone is scientific without sacrificing accessibility. There are abundant photographs, including step by step illustrations of described procedures. The glossary of terms, and the list of genera and propagation techniques, is useful. Finally, the text and photos are laid out so the reading experience is fluid and relatively uninterrupted, a rare and pleasant editing achievement.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both awe-inspiring and practical, this book gives step-by-step descriptions of how to collect & sow seeds, divide perennials, create new bulbs, use leaf cuttings, graft, and many more methods of propagation. The text is clear and engaging and includes personal notes - what is recommended by other sources as well as what worked for the author.

Worth the pricetag.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good overview of the different propagation techniques. I wish there were more plant specific details. A novice like me could use a picture of a plant, what it's seeds look like, and how to best prepare them. Grafting might be more universal, but even that might be better suited to certain plants (e.g. woody ones)

[Richard T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. I've read a tonne of gardening books during the pandemic and this is right up there with the best. An extremely knowledgeable gardener with a pule of substance and gorgeous photos.

[Kacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is wonderful WINTER reading, when the gardening enthusiasm runs high while we wait for spring. I have not put into practice any of the ideas for propagation; however, I feel that I have gained practical knowledge for "some day". This book was purchased after I saw it referenced in one of Nora Roberts' books.

[Jonna Gjevre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dearly love "Making More Plants." Great explanations of plant propagation; breath-taking photographs. Every time I open this book, I imagine my future garden. I have probably read this book at least four times.

[Nita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! It WILL motivate you to "make more plants." The book that "started it all" for me in plant propagation. Did I mention that it is absolutely beautiful, too?

[Amy Wyckoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

All you could ever need to know about propagation. This book is a reference book for serious gardeners.

[Cate (Kate) Caruso · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book - even if all you do it devour the photography. I will check it out again in the Fall when it is time to do more propagating.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most lovely gardening books I've seen. Useful and a prized possession.

[Jaime Brannon Haney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a beautiful book all around. The photography is lovely and the information is down to earth and useable. My top go-to book for propagating any plant. Packed full of information.

[Ashley Millet · Rating 5 out of 5]

The photos in this book are so so beautiful. It also has a great and wonderful amount of information on plants and plant sex and well....making more plants.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT book!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid guide on plant propogation, and a primer on botany. This book focused primarily on temperate zone outdoor plants, but many of the techniques can be applied to exotic houseplants too.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated, this book answered many of my questions regarding propagation!

[Alyssa Bohon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intensive, comprehensive, and resplendent with photography. In reading this, I really feel that I have furthered my own horticultural education.

The beginning is a bit thick with praise of evolution - one must praise something for these marvels of reproducing life, but is it evolution as a force in itself? How about a brilliant creator? Anyhow, that fades out into the nitty gritty of a very experienced gardener sharing loads of plant multiplying advice and step-by-step instruction.

I am inspired. I bought a bag of perlite. I need grafting wax. I am dreaming of spring.

[Matty-Swytla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview of the most common propagation practices - collecting seeds, cuttings, layering, division. Helpful photos and each method explained in more detail on most common plants in the garden. A very useful alphabetical plant guide with descriptions of most sucessful propagation methods for them is included at the end, with glossary for common and latin names. Very good starting point for a new gardener.

[Tiamat_the_red · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely book. Lots of clearly presented information and good photos. I look forward to making more of my own plants!

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is waaaay too advanced for me; more for nursery owners.

[Juli Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This felt a little too broad and unfocused for my particular purposes.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a clearly explicated and stunningly illustrated guide to propagating your own plant (FREE PLANTS!!!) -- I just don't seem to have the attention to detail that is required for a lot of the propagation techniques.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent text to learn the basics of propagation. Anyone interested in gardening will find ways to have astounding gardens with little expense and a few months patience, and the joy of trading both cuttings and seeds with other gardeners

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of inspiring ideas for propagating plants and tons of beautiful photos