Propagating with hardwood cuttings are much easier, but it takes considerably longer to establish roots on hardwood cuttings. Also, there are some plants that are difficult to root using the hardwood method. If you are an avid gardener, you might consider setting up an intermittent mist system in your backyard. The amount of space required is very small, but there is an investment in the equipment. Maybe a friend or neighbor is also an avid gardener and would like to go together with you to share the cost of an intermittent mist system.
Intermittent mist makes rooting softwood cuttings like child's play.
As a matter of fact, when my youngest son was in the first grade, he took softwood cuttings, stripped the cuttings, dipped them in the rooting compound, and stuck them in the sand. That's all there is to it, the intermittent mist system does the rest. Below is a list of unique products that can not be found anywhere else in the world, except from Mike McGroarty, the author of this website. This is by far one of my proudest accomplishments. Having people write to me saying that they borrowed my book from their local library and liked it so well that they would like to purchase their own copy, is an experience that is so rewarding words can not describe it.