ABSTRACT
An environment suitable for plant growth must be provided during propagation, taking into account the reduced capacity of the plant to take up water without a root system. Of primary concern is that desiccation must be prevented until the plant becomes sufciently established to endure the rigors of the real-world environment. By thoroughly understanding seasonal growth patterns and weather cycles, and with a good measure of luck, people have propagated plants for centuries with little or no special equipment. In today’s economy, a variety of structures, such as greenhouses, cold frames, and hot beds, are employed to increase control over the environment to maximize the likelihood of success.
