Propagation of deciduous fruit trees and vines by seed, layering and hardwood cuttings

Commercial propagation cannot withstand failure. As such, many fruit trees are grafted, primarily because this method of propagation provides a consistently high rate of success and fast multiplication for new varieties. Grafting is also an alternative where rootstock properties provide an advantage over own rooted trees (ie dwarfism or tolerance to moisture stress, different soils or disease).

Regardless of the reasons, many fruit trees can be easily propagated from cuttings. Grown on their own roots these easily provide additional trees that are the equal of their grafted counterparts. Alternatively, many fruit trees can be grown from seed and either provide a worthwhile tree quite quickly or at least a rootstock for grafting.

Kunzea Baxteri

Kunzea baxteri grows on the south coast of W.A , roughly between Albany and Esperance ; there are a couple of other places but this is its main range. It grows a little bit inland, not right on the coastal sandhills although up in The Barrens at Hopetoun (Fitzgerald National Park) it's growing in a more coasty environment.

Propagation by soft tip cuttings

You've decided to propagate some cuttings from your favourite 'Native' shrub, but you need a few pointers to see if you're doing it correct. I'm no expert, but I will show you how I do it, so first thing is to get your tools together. The most important item is a good sharp pair of secateurs, then pots, labels, pen and of course a hormone treatment if you are using one, plus something to make a hole in potting medium. Before you start, remember "hygiene' will play a big part in what you do, so practice it. Sterilise your pots, tubes and tools.

Worm farming

Worms will eat absolutely anything that was once living. When thinking worms, think compost. The worms only start in on the food once it has begun to break down. Some things break down faster than others. It's a myth that they won't eat citrus peel or onion skins. They will happily eat both. Onion skins though tend to break down slowly so they won't tuck into those straight away, but eventually they will.

Importing Seeds

As you know, the movement of plant material (seeds, live plants etc) is controlled at both federal and state levels. If importing material from overseas, you need to check two sets of regulations: federal and state. If you are receiving material from another state within Australia, you only need to check your state's regulations.

Good Garden Bugs

Following are some photos of your friendly garden helpers-some of them are very small but they all abound in my garden which is where these pics were taken. Parasitic Wasps lay their eggs into aphids and 'mummify' them. You can see the little 'door' in some of the aphid shells where the wasps have exited. If you look closely you will see some of these tiny wasps emerging from the aphid shells.

Pelargoniums

Native pelargoniums bear some resemblance to their highly bred exotic relations: the leaves are similar, so is the odd-shaped fruit which gives them their common name. But the flowers of the native species are smaller then the majority of their exotic cousins.

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