Question
I hope you don't mind if I combine two easy questions into one e-mail.

What is the best medium for starting rosemary from seeds?

Could you suggest some resources (book or online) where I could learn how to care for and propogate "lucky bamboo"? I know it isn't a true bamboo, but it is one of my favorite plants and I would like to grow more.

Thank you so much!!

Baihu

Answer
Baihu, the best medium for starting seeds is a soiless mix comprised of perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss. This sterile medium is light and airy, therefore allowing the young seedlings to receive plenty of oxygen through their roots.  But most importantly, it is sterile, virtually eliminating any chance of damping-off, a fatal disease that can effect new seedlings when the wrong medium is used.  You can purchase seed starting medium at most garden centers and nurseries.

On propagation, there are several books on the market and some websites such as:

http://www.rainyside.com/resources/propagation/cuttings.html
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/propagation/propagation.html
http://www.hcs.ohio-state.edu/mg/manual/prop.htm

Be advised that there are very few books on the market specific to one particular plant.  Most are general propagation methods that will work for all plants.  Attached is a link to my favorite, Plant Propagation, by the American Horticultural Society.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0789441160/104-1484940-3013535?v=glance&n=28315...

In the case of bamboo, I would recommend cuttings.  Cuttings are without question the easiest method of propagation besides harvesting seed.  Simply cut a tender shoot that is at least six inches long.  Remove the lower sets of leaves.  Dip the cutting in a rooting compound.  Stick the cutting one inch into a good potting mix.  Be sure to thoroughly wet the soil prior to planting.  

Finally, cover the pot with a clear piece of lightweight plastic.  Place the pot in indirect sunlight on an east window seal or under fluorescent lighting.  After two weeks, check to see if the plant has rooted by slightly pulling on the stem.  If you feel resistance, remove the plastic covering and be sure to keep the soil moist.  The plant should then be treated as any other seedling.

Atrtached is one more website that outlines various procedures for the propagation of lucky bamboo.

http://www.plantoasis.com/plants/1021_1040/1030_lucky_bamboo.htm

I hope this information helps.  Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike