Intern Propagation Workshop 2025 - Washington County Master Gardener Association

June 7, 2025 10:00 am – 1:00 pm (3 hours)

Portland Community College Rock Creek , Building 4, Room 104

17705 NW Springville Road, Portland, OR

In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn fundamentals of asexual plant propagation using plant stem cutting, division, and layering techniques. During group rotations in a lab, in a greenhouse and in a garden, participants will practice making clones using these techniques. Participants will be able to match which technique works with what types of plants and explore how to care for each cloned sample.

Participants, please bring: gardening gloves, pruners, trowel. Dress for the weather (ie.hat & sunscreen or rain jacket) as you will be outside for part of the session.

Stem Cuttings

Using a variety of plant samples, the presenter will demonstrate how to identify nodes and prepare a stem cuttings for planting and give an overview of techniques necessary for the care of stem cuttings.

In small groups, interns will:

observe and take apart successful stem cuttings from samples provided.
select plant samples and work to make and plant stem cuttings on their particular selection.
review with a partner what steps must be observed in monitoring the samples that they take home.

Class Notes for Stem Cuttings

Single node cuttings of clematis laid out on the table

Division

Using a variety of plant samples, the presenter will explain why certain plants are best propagated by division. The presenter will show samples of different types of plant roots and will demonstrate, using appropriate tools, how and when to divide plants.

In small groups, interns will:

Observe different root samples and discuss appropriate division strategies
Using the appropriate tool, divide and pot up sample plants
Determine the type of care necessary for their divided plants.

Class notes for Division

Layering

The presenter will show how to set-up layering using potted and garden plants, and give pointers on when a new clone of a layered plant has been produced.

In small groups, interns will:

observe samples of layered plants provided by the presenter
move to a marked station, and discuss how to layer the chosen plant
use appropriate methods to set up a layering of the plant in situ

Class Notes for Layering:

New Plants from Layering, Purdue University,

Layering Propagation for the Home Gardener, Oklahoma Extension Service,

Plant Propagation by Layering, NC State Extension

Notes for MG Intern Training Workshop

In cooperation with the OSU Extension Service, the Washington County Master Gardener Association (WCMGA) provides relevant, research-based education and outreach to the public about horticulture and household pests. This information promotes sustainable practices that minimize risks to human health and the environment. The Washington County Master Gardener Association (WCMGA) sponsors a wide variety of gardening–related demonstrations, lectures, seminars and workshops in various Washington County Oregon locations. Most of our events are free and open to the public. The WCMGA is a 501c3 non-profit supported by hundreds of volunteers, who work to educate the public about sustainable, affordable gardening.

Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities, and materials without discrimination based on age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran’s status. Oregon State University Extension Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer.