I'm using a mist system which cost me about $110 for the parts. The timer is the most expensive. You can root cuttings without a mist system, but if you are doing large numbers it is the way to go. I've got hardwood cuttings started in a bed of sand outside all winter, but it takes about a year to get them to root. As for rooting hormone, I like the liquid because you can vary the strength for softwoods and hardwoods. Either Dip n grow or Woods is what I use. Mike McGroarty has an upside down fish tank method that he shows you how to make on his website freeplants.com also has a lot of tips on how to root many different kinds of things. Check it out. Corse sand or a mix of perlite and peat will work. The sand gets pretty heavy when it is wet. I use snad in my winter propagation beds and my propagation flats because I can buy a half a yard for $10 and it fits in the back of my pick-up.