November 4, 2004
Purdue plant propagation CD acts as take-home teacher
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - One of the most cost-efficient ways to add new plants to any garden is through plant propagation, but it's hard to learn the techniques from a do-it-yourself book, according to Purdue University experts.
Mary Welch-Keesey, a Purdue Cooperative Extension Service horticulture specialist, teamed up with Purdue Extension horticulturist B. Rosie Lerner and the university's Department of Agricultural Communication to address the problem by creating "Plant Propagation," a CD-based course that's a complete how-to on propagating new plants.
"Plant Propagation" covers the botanical and horticultural basics of propagation, seed propagation and plant propagation using stems, leaves and roots.
"If you can't find a hands-on course or don't have the time to take one, this CD-based course is the next best thing," Welch-Keesey said. "It's like having an adviser in your home making sure you're doing things correctly."
She added that in some ways the CD is better than a hands-on course.
"Because the course is on a CD, the information is always available when you want to review a technique or learn something new," she said. "And the course is designed so you can learn the different techniques in the order that best fits your needs."
The CD employs numerous visual elements. Photos and animations show close-up details, videos guide gardeners through each technique and interactive quizzes help gardeners apply what they've learned.
"Using a CD had other advantages," Welch-Keesey said. "Not only could we describe each technique, but we also showed how to do the technique. The camera could zoom in close, showing details that might not be apparent in a propagation class."
"Plant Propagation" is a tool for beginning gardeners who want to expand their skills or for experienced gardeners who need a refresher course.
"Whether you want to grow new plants from seeds or from plants you already have, this course gives you all the information you need to be successful," Welch-Keesey said. "You'll be able to analyze the plant, evaluate different methods and select the propagation technique most likely to succeed."
"Plant Propagation" is available for $40 from Purdue Extension's online education store. It's also available by calling (888) EXT-INFO or e-mailing media.order@purdue.edu. The product code is CD-HO-3. To preview the course, go online.
Writer: Kay Hagen, (765) 494-6682, kjh@purdue.edu
Source: Mary Welch-Keesey, (317) 630-3257, mwelch@indyzoo.com
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722; Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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