Thailand calling--Just learned what y'all have probably always known

maupin · March 26, 2011

Here in Thailand we have 4 season farming. A couple of weeks ago my farm partner approaches my flowering Uncle Mark Bagby, pulls out his knife and cuts off a sucker. He then dips in in pond water and plants it.

Since back in the world we only have one season tomato farming this skill was never revelaed to me, and I was incredulous. He looked at me like I was the only guy on the planet who did not know you could root propogate.

(Now I know that some folks would suggest rooting hormone-- ain't got much of that in these parts.)

Fast forward two weeks-- the suckers are growing nicely.

I am thinking about the political economy in the developing world of root propogation vs. purchasing seed. It would have profound consequences. Way cool.

On an unrelated topic-- we have Neem trees on the continent where they are native, but I cannot buy Neem oil. We are experimenting with different Neem recipes. Will let you know.

March 26, 2011	#1
maupin Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Northern Thailand Posts: 77	Thailand calling--Just learned what y'all have probably always known Here in Thailand we have 4 season farming. A couple of weeks ago my farm partner approaches my flowering Uncle Mark Bagby, pulls out his knife and cuts off a sucker. He then dips in in pond water and plants it. Since back in the world we only have one season tomato farming this skill was never revelaed to me, and I was incredulous. He looked at me like I was the only guy on the planet who did not know you could root propogate. (Now I know that some folks would suggest rooting hormone-- ain't got much of that in these parts.) Fast forward two weeks-- the suckers are growing nicely. I am thinking about the political economy in the developing world of root propogation vs. purchasing seed. It would have profound consequences. Way cool. On an unrelated topic-- we have Neem trees on the continent where they are native, but I cannot buy Neem oil. We are experimenting with different Neem recipes. Will let you know.