Plant Propagation Classes

Plant propagation is one of the most rewarding skills a habitat gardener can learn. In these hands-on classes, participants explore practical techniques for growing new plants from seeds, cuttings, and divisions while working directly in the gardens and nursery at Home Ground Habitats.

Students learn how to recognize the best times to collect plant material, how to handle and prepare cuttings and seeds, and how to create the conditions that help young plants thrive. Classes combine garden walks, demonstrations, and practical work so participants leave with both knowledge and new plants to grow at home.

What You’ll Learn

Home Ground Habitats has been featured in publications that highlight the importance of native plants, pollinator habitat, and ecological gardening.

Start native plants from seed
Take and prepare cuttings from mother plants
Propagate plants through division
Understand plant phenology and seasonal timing
Select growing mediums and containers
Create simple propagation environments (“life support systems”)

Participants also gain insight into how propagation supports
habitat gardening and ecological restoration.

Example Classes

These classes reflect the types of propagation workshops offered at Home Ground Habitats.

Plant From Pieces

Learn how to propagate plants from cuttings while exploring the gardens to identify suitable “mother plants.” Students practice taking cuttings, preparing them for rooting, and potting already-rooted starts. The class also discusses cloning plants, rooting aids, and creating conditions that improve success rates.

Plants by Division

Dividing plants is one of the easiest and most effective propagation techniques for many species. This class explores which plants respond well to division and how proper timing helps ensure healthy new plants while invigorating the original mother plant.

Propagation Workshop

A full-day hands-on workshop covering multiple propagation techniques. After reviewing seeds, cuttings, and divisions, participants collect plant material from the gardens and work together to clean seeds, strike fresh cuttings, and pot up new plants.

Instructor

Classes are led by Home Ground founder Charlotte Torgovitsky, who often jokingly describes herself as a “compulsive plant propagator and seed collector.”

Charlotte has spent decades working with native plants and habitat gardening. Through careful observation and experimentation in the demonstration gardens, she shares practical knowledge that helps gardeners successfully grow and propagate plants at home, fostering resilience and biodiversity.

Meet Charlotte

Learning Environment

Classes take place in Home Ground Habitats’ outdoor classroom and nursery, where students work under a covered canopy with access to tools, worktables, and propagation materials. Using the same equipment and systems as the Home Ground nursery—including soil mixes, containers, and propagation setups—participants gain hands-on experience and often take home seeds, seedlings, or newly propagated plant starts.

Explore Our Nursery

Past Classes

Previous propagation classes have included:

Plant From Pieces — August 31, 2024
More Plants by Division — September 28, 2024
Propagation Workshop — postponed to a future season

Additional classes are expected to be announced in upcoming program schedules.

Location

Home Ground Habitats Nursery
1875 Indian Valley Rd
Novato, California

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Upcoming Classes

Plant propagation classes are offered periodically throughout the year. Check back for new program announcements or contact Home Ground Habitats to learn about future workshops.

Learn how to grow native plants from seed, cuttings, and simple nursery techniques.