Ground layering is the most forgiving vegetative propagation method for woody plants. Instead of removing a cutting and fighting to keep it alive while it forms roots, layering roots a branch while it's still attached to the parent plant. The parent provides water and carbohydrates throughout the process. Failure is rare.
The technique is ancient — it works because of the same mechanism that causes low-growing branches to root when they rest on moist soil — but understanding why it works helps you do it deliberately and consistently.
