Vegetables and fruit cuttings of Propagating?

I have taken and bent down one or two branches to the soil--still attached to the main plant and "u"-pinned it firmly to the soil, leaving the leaves intact until roots begin to grow on it's underside. Once the new roots are strong, then I cut it from the main plant. You can use rooting powder on the end of clippings and plant them in soil until they take root just follow the instructions on the package. I have also grown new roots between two damp cotton balls, or sprouted seeds that way. I noticed that for the branches, I could't cover the over with soil on the top side but they need to stay in contact with soil on the under side while getting light. It has made me wonder if rooting in water gel crystals would work because the moisture would be controlled and the light would while through it. They swell to hold water. Your local extention office or a college botany teacher may have excellent advice for you, as well as local gardening clubs. In fact I bet Yahoo Groups has a free gardening club.