Homeowner Forum / Lawn and Garden / January 2008

I live in upstate NY, in Otego, right near Oneonta.  I'm located
halfway between Albany and Binghamton.

I plan to start trying to propagate this year but haven't found any
advice specifically for my area.

First, I wonder if I could take cuttings as early as April (we're not
sure that there won't be a frost here until mid May).

Second, do I need to keep all the cuttings from one bush in one
container or can I mix the cuttings (I have about 8 varieties and
don't know if they like to be separated or will do just as well mixed
with their field mates. Also should the cuttings in each container be
stuck in at approximately 2" X 2" intervals?

Once the cuttings have rooted (about 4 weeks?) can they be planted in
permanent beds, outside on the blueberry hill,
or do they need to be transplanted into intermediate larger containers
for the winter?

In either case, (on the hill or in containers), do I plant several
cuttings together or does each rooted cutting make it's own bush?

If I can plant directly on the hill, do I dig a hole approximately 8"
across and 8" deep, line it with potting mix of sand/peat moss/and
pine bark 1:1:1; and put the root ball into that, mulching the top
with wood chips?

Thank you in advance for any advice you can give me,
Janet Sutta