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- 1 –GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL HORTICULUTRE

LEVEL 1Workbook :

Propagate Ornamental Plants from Seed

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© AgriSeta.

AgriSETAIssue date : June 2006 Version 2


LEVEL 1Workbook :


A c k n o w l e d g e m e n t s

Developed by

Lifestyle College

With special thanks to:Tasha Tollman

Rick Smit from Dynamic Solution Synergies



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DESCRIPTION PG NOStudy Session Overview 4The Unit Standard : Propagate Ornamental Plants from Seed 7Introduction 13Lesson 1 : Germination 15Lesson 2 : Prepare for Seed Sowing 29Lesson 3 : Sow Seeds 52Lesson 4 : Water Seeds 64References 74


Contents Page


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Purpose

The purpose of this study session is to equip you with the skills and

knowledge necessary to propagate ornamental plants from seed.

This study session forms part of the General Certificate in Horticulture, NQF

level 1 and is aligned with the Unit Standard: Propagate Ornamental Plants

from Seed, which carries 5 credits.

Who is it for?

This study session and unit standard form the knowledge base for people

working with plants within the ornamental horticulture or landscaping industry

and gives the learner the skills and knowledge necessary to:

Prepare for seed sowing.

Sow seeds manually.

Apply water to sown seed.

Maintain an environment for germination.

Monitor the germination process.


Study Session Overview


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What's in it for you?

The skills acquired in this study session will equip you with the skills and

knowledge needed to be able to propagate plants from seed. These skills and

knowledge form the basis of your horticultural studies and help you to:

Select the appropriate growing media and containers.

Fill seedling containers.

Prepare a seedbed.

Explain the importance of correct labeling and documentation.

Explain the importance of sowing seeds at the correct spacing or density.

Sow various seed types.

Explain the reasons why an adequate soil cover must be laid over seeds.

Apply soil covering.

Describe the process of batch separation and labeling.

Explain the necessity of attaining the correct moisture content of the

growth media.

Explain the importance of selecting the correct equipment for the

application of water on the seedbed.

Identify examples of sprinklers and hand held sprays that are suitable for

watering a seedbed.

Identify examples of watering cans equipped with suitably fine nozzles.

Demonstrate the methods of applying water to ensure that seed

displacement will be prevented.

Describe the factors that affect the rate of germination.

Explain the importance of monitoring the development of the radicle.

Inspect the status of the radicle.



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What about assessment?

If you can successfully prepare to propagate ornamental plants from seed and

answer all the knowledge questions in the summative assessment, you will

receive credits for a competent rating on your assessments.

These credits contribute 1 unit standard and 5 credits towards the General

Certificate in Ornamental Horticulture, at NQF Level 1.

The laid down policies and procedures with regard to assessment,

moderation, RPL and appeals govern this assessment.

You will be rated "Competent" or "Not Yet Competent" against the assessment criteria.



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Unit StandardTitle Propagate Ornamental Plants from Seed Number 119704Level 1Credits 5Field Agriculture and Nature ConservationSub field HorticultureIssue date 2006-02-09Learning assumed to be in place

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of communication and Numeracy at Abet level 3.

Specific Outcomes Assessment Criteria

1. Prepare for seed sowing.1.1. Select the appropriate growing

media and container.1.2. Fill seedling containers.1.3. Prepare the seedbed.1.4. Explain the importance of correct

labeling and documentation.

2. Sow seed manually.

2.1. Explain the importance of sowing seeds at the correct spacing or density.

2.2. Sow various seed types.2.3. Explain the reasons why an

adequate soil cover must be laid over seeds.

2.4. Apply soil covering.2.5. Describe the process of batch

separation and labeling.

3. Apply water to sown seed. 3.1. Explain the necessity of attaining the

correct moisture content of the growth media.

3.2. Explain the importance of selecting the correct equipment for the application of water on the seedbed.

3.3. Identify examples of sprinklers and hand held sprays that are suitable for watering a seedbed.



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Specific Outcomes Assessment Criteria3.4. Identify examples of watering cans

equipped with suitably fine nozzles.3.5. Demonstrate the methods of

applying water, to ensure that seed displacement will be prevented.

4. Maintain the germination environment and monitor the process.

4.1. Describe the factors that affect the rate of germination.

4.2. Explain the importance of monitoring the development of the radicle.

4.3. Inspect the status of the radicle.

Embedded Knowledge

Embedded knowledge is reflected within the assessment criteria of each

specific outcome and must be assessed in its own right, through oral and

written evidence. Observation cannot be the only assessment.



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Critical Cross Field Outcomes

Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible

decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made – specific

outcome 1 and 2.

Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or

community. Specific outcome embedded in the learning for this level of

learner.

Organise and manage oneself and one’s activities responsibly and

effectively. Specific outcome 1 and 2

Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. Specific

outcome 1 and 2.

Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills

in the modes of oral and/or written presentation. Specific outcome

embedded in the learning for this level of learner.

Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing

responsibility toward the environment and health of others. Specific

outcome 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by

recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

Specific outcome 1, 2, 3 and 4.



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Unit Standard Accreditation and Moderation Options

1. Internal moderation.

2. External moderation.

3. Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA,

according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification the

agreed ETQA procedures.

4. Internal assessment.

5. External assessment with the relevant registered/accredited industry

body/ETQA.

6. An Assessor accredited by the relevant ETQA, will assess the Learner’s

competency.

7. Formative and summative assessment of qualifying Learners against this

unit standard should be in alignment with the requirements of the NSB.

8. Practical assessment activities will be used that are appropriate to the

contents in which the qualifying Learners are working.

9. Assessment will include self and peer assessment, practical and oral

assessment, observations, questions and answers, etc.

10.Direct observation is required in simulated or actual work conditions.

11.Reporting skills are demonstrated by effective communication, using

verbal and/or writing skills.

12.Assessment is to be structured to include formative and summative

component, as well as the submission of a Portfolio of Evidence.

13.The assessment should ensure that all the specific outcomes, critical cross

field outcomes and embedded knowledge are assessed.

14.Specific outcomes must be assessed in their own right, through oral and

practical evidence and cannot be assessed by observation only.



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Essential embedded knowledge must be assessed in their own right, through

oral and practical evidence and cannot be assessed by observation only.

15.Special outcomes and essential embedded knowledge must be assessed

in relation to each other.

16. If qualifying Learners are able to explain the essential embedded

knowledge, but are unable to perform the specific outcomes, then they

should not be assessed as competent.

17. If qualifying Learners are able to perform specific outcomes, but are

unable to explain the essential embedded knowledge, they should not be

assessed as competent.

18.Evidence of the specified critical cross-field outcomes should be found,

both in performance and in essential embedded knowledge.

19.Assessment activities must be fair, so that all Learners have equal

opportunities. Activities must be free of gender, ethnic or other bias.

20.This unit standard can be assessed together with any other relevant

registered unit standard.



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Who does what?

You are expected to actively take part in the lessons by:

Asking questions.

Planning and preparing for your training and assessment.

Completing the assessment tasks that you are given.

Telling your trainer when you need help or don’t understand.

Your learning will be supported in the following ways:

Your trainer will provide you with all the necessary training material.

Your trainer will manage the learning process during the training.

The assessor will plan and prepare you for assessment, assess your

competence and provide feedback to you and arrange any follow up

assessments that may be necessary.



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Our learning journey today begins as all good stories do with “once upon a time….

Once upon a time there was a little seed who loved to play with the wind and roll in the meadows with the other seeds. One night the wind blew wildly in every direction and the little seed was blown all around the valley. When the wind finally died down the little seed was all alone. She was too small to play with any of the other forest creatures and she began to think that she wasn’t much use to anyone at all.

Many months passed until one day a strong gust of wind blew the little seed all the way across into Blueberry valley. “Wow,” she thought to herself, as she looked across at all the different trees.

“Is that you little seed?” asked one little tree. When little seed looked at the tree closely she saw that it was one of her seed friends Birch, except Birch was no longer a seed, she was a little Silver Birch tree.

“Hello Birch,” said our little seed looking amazed. “How did you become a tree? Please tell me your secret so that I can become a tree.”

“I don’t know,” said Birch. “It just sort of happened and it’s hard to explain. Ask Willow on the mountain side. Maybe she can help you.”

“I think it’s different for every seed,” shouted Willow from the mountain side. “Some seeds like the Begonia, Primula, Lobelia and Petunia are so small that they are almost dust-like. Other seeds like the Magnolia, Walnut, Paeony, and Camellia have an oily content and need to find a place to grow as soon as possible after they ripen or they will shrivel up and die. Seeds like the Broad Beans, Runner Beans and chestnuts develop a hard outer skin or coat with time and need to be soaked in warm water for 24 hours before they can grow”. Perhaps Oak who is the oldest and wisest of us all will know more.


Introduction


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Oak who was on the far side of the valley told them, “all seeds grow in their own special way but most begin by finding a piece of warm, wet soil. As the seed takes up the water and warmth from the soil it begins to soften and swell and very soon, before you know it, the seed gets an urge to burst out of its coat. As the seed stretches and ‘pops’ a young root, called the radicle breaks through the seed shell. This feels so good to the little seed that it stretches again and again and in no time at all the seed doesn’t need to hide anymore and a bright green stem, called the plumule shows itself and stretches upwards. But not all seeds find the right place to grow. I have thrown tons of acorns onto the ground below me but just one of my seeds has grown into a beautiful tree.”

The purple foxglove on hearing Oak started to cry, “I have produced over a quarter of a million seeds but none of my seeds have grown, I wish someone could help my seeds to grow.”

Would you like to learn how to help seeds grow?

Then let’s begin our learning journey.

Adapted from The Secret Story by Wynne Cohen.



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Specific outcomes of this lesson :Maintaining the germination environment and monitor the process.

After you have worked through Lesson 1, you should be able to:

Describe and monitor the factors that affect the rate of germination.

Explain the importance of checking the development of the radicle.

Inspect the status of the radicle.

IntroductionFlowering plants begin their life cycle as a seed which is nature’s most common way of producing new plants, this is called propagation. These seeds contain an embryo, which is basically a miniature plant within the seed and it is from this embryo that a new plant will grow.


Lesson 1 : Germination


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Let’s take a look at the life cycle of a plant grown (propagated) from seed.

The Life Cycle of a Plant

1. The plant begins its life as a seed.

2. Germination begins with the seed taking up water and warmth which causes the seed coat to soften, swell and split. The young root, called the radicle is the first part of the seed to appear. Once the young root appears germination is over. The process of germination does not include the growth of the seedling, which will only start when germination ends.

3. Once the root is sufficiently formed, the stem, called the plumule comes out and the plant now begins its life as a young seedling.

4. As the young seedling grows in develops into a young plant.

5. As the young plant grows in develops into a mature plant.

6. The mature plant then produces flowers.

7. The flowers are pollinated by insects or by wind, which causes fertilization to occur.

8. Fertilization of the flower causes the plant to produce fruit, in which you will find the seeds.

9. The seeds are then dispersed from the plant so that the next generation of plants can be produced.

Annual plants like Pansies will carry out this life cycle in one year and biennial plants like Lupins will carry out this life cycle in two years.



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Checking on the Germination ProcessTo grow (propagate) new plants from seed, you need to understand what factors have an effect on the rate of germination.

The rate of germination means: How long it takes for the seed to germinate and How many seeds will successfully germinate?

Factors that affect the rate of germination are:

Water/Moisture

Seeds need moisture to begin the process of germination. As the seed takes up water, it begins to soften and swell and this helps the seed coat to split. The young root called the radicle then appears. Too little water/moisture will cause the seed to shrivel up and die and too much water/moisture will drown the seed.

Correct Temperature and Humidity

Temperature also controls how long it will take for the seed to germinate and how many of the seeds will successfully germinate. Research has shown that fewer plants will germinate at a lower temperature than at a higher temperature. The best temperature for germination is about 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, although the best temperature for germination varies from seed to seed and is generally determined by where the seed comes from. Seeds that come from colder climates need less heat than those that come from tropical climates. To make sure that lots of your seeds germinate you need to control both the humidity and temperature conditions during the germination period.



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Air

Seeds require air to breathe and most seeds if surrounded by too much water will be starved of air (oxygen), which will affect the germination process. Moisture and air enter the seed through a small hole called the micropyle, which is only visible with the aid of a microscope. The micropyle is found in the seed coat near the scar or hilum where the seed was originally attached to the parent plant. Air movement also helps to stop the seed from getting attacked by pest and diseases.

Light

The seeds of Impatiens, Begonias, Petunia, Alyssum, Saintpaulia and many grasses need light to start the process of germination. Other seeds like Phlox and Delphiniums need darkness to start the process of germination and need to be sown in deeper soil. Once the young leaves emerge light is needed by all plants to produce food for their growth.

Nutrients

Seeds require nutrients to grow. The first nutrients needed by a plant to germinate are supplied by the plant's endosperm.

Stabilizing Agent

Seeds require a medium to hold the plant upright and from which the plant can draw nutrients at a later stage.



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Disease Control

There are a number of fungus, virus and bacterial diseases that can attack seed. Seeds need room to grow and develop properly and overcrowding makes the seed weak, increases the seeds susceptibility to the soil-borne fungal infection known as “damping off”, which is usually fatal. The risk of damping off is also increased by poor ventilation.

Remember it is important to check on all these factors because they affect the rate of germination.

While your seed is germinating keep checking on when the seed skin (called the testa) bursts open and gives rise to the root (called the radicle). This is an important stage of germination because it tells us that germination has been successful. How we look after the seedling from this point will in most cases change.

Let’s take a look at what can go wrong in the germination process?



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Common Germination Problems

Non-Germination Patchy Germination Slow Seedling Growth

Cold

Draught

Old seed

Badly prepared seed bed or seed tray

Attack by pests

Birds

Rotting due to fungal disease

Water logging

Sowing too deeply

Uneven sowing

Irregular surface of soil or compost

Flooding

Pest or disease infesting the seed

Damping-off disease

Particles of soil or compost not fine enough

Old seed

Low night temperatures

Dry soil

Dull light

Naturally slow-growing seed

Yellowing

Poor root system

Lack of nitrogen

Water logging of soil

Cold



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Your Turn…

ACTIVITY 1Let’s conduct a number of experiments so that you can check for yourselves how the different factors affect when and how many seeds germinate.

Group 1 – Experiment 1:Place a piece of cotton wool onto a flat dish. Now place a bean seed onto the cotton wool and cover the bean seed with another piece of cotton wool. Don’t wet the bean seed or the cotton wool. Over the next few days, watch what happens to the bean seed.

Group 1 –Experiment 2Place a piece of cotton wool onto a flat dish. Now place a bean seed onto the cotton wool and cover the bean seed with another piece of cotton wool. Wet the cotton wool and bean seed so that they are moist but not standing in water. Over the next few days, watch what happens to the bean seed.

Group 2 –Experiment 3:

Place a piece of cotton wool onto a flat dish. Now place a bean seed onto the cotton wool and cover the bean seed with another piece of cotton wool. Wet the cotton wool and bean seed so that they are moist but not standing in water. Now place the bean seed and dish in the coldest part of the room.



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ACTIVITY 1Over the next few days, watch what happens to the bean seed.


Place a piece of cotton wool onto a flat dish. Now place a bean seed onto the cotton wool and cover the bean seed with another piece of cotton wool. Wet the cotton wool and bean seed so that they are moist but not standing in water. Now place the bean seed and dish in the warmest part of the room. Over the next few days, watch what happens to the bean seed.


Place a piece of cotton wool onto a flat dish. Now place a bean seed on top of the cotton wool, do not cover the bean seed. Wet the cotton wool and bean seed so that they are moist but not standing in water. Over the next few days, watch what happens to the bean seed.


Place a piece of cotton wool onto a flat dish. Now place a bean seed onto the cotton wool and cover the bean seed with another piece of cotton wool.



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ACTIVITY 1Wet the cotton wool and bean seed so that they are standing in water. Over the next few days, watch what happens to the bean seed.



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Your Turn…

ACTIVITY 2

Describe the factors that affect the rate of germination.



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Your Turn…

ACTIVITY 3

Why is it important to check on the development of the radicle?



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Lesson Checkpoint

Now that you have worked through this lesson, please check that you are able to do all the specific outcomes and meet the assessment criteria:

I can describe and monitor the factors that affect the rate of germination.

I can explain the importance of checking for the development of the

radicle.

I can inspect the status of the radicle.



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Notes:



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Specific outcomes of this lesson :

Prepare for seed sowing.


Select appropriate growing media and containers for your seed sowing.

Fill seedling containers.

Prepare a seedbed.

Explain why it is important to correctly label and document the seeds you have sown.

Introduction

Before you can sow your seeds you will need to:

Choose the right tools and equipment to sow your seeds. Choose the right container or seedbed for your seeds. Choose the right growing media for your seeds. Prepare the container or seedbed.

Let’s take a look at each one of these points in detail.


Lesson 2 : Prepare for Seed Sowing


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Choosing the right tools and equipment to sow seeds

Tools and Equipment Use

Dibber A Dibber is normally made of wood and has a tapered point. The

Dibber is used to make holes in the growing medium into which the seeds will be placed.

Watering Can You will need the traditional type of watering can with a long neck and a very fine rose.

Wooden Presser

A wooden presser is a flat piece of wood with a handle and is used to level off and lightly compact the growing medium that you will put into your seed containers.

Sieve Sieves of different grades are used to sieve the growing medium so that the soil grain’s size matches the seed size.

Labels Plastic labels and pencils are used to record the date and type of seed being planted.

Greenhouse Greenhouses are generally covered in glass, plastic or fiber glass

and face east/west to allow for maximum light and are used to control the conditions under which the seed will be germinated.



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Sowing into Containers or In-situWhen choosing the right container for your seeds you need to decide whether you will be sowing your seeds into:

A container or In-situ (this word means straight into the area where the seeds are to

be grown).

As a general rule seeds which are sown in-situ are more robust and can be sown directly into the area where they are to grow. Examples of these seeds would include carrot, beetroot, spinach, African daisies and marigolds.

An important rule to remember when sowing in-situ is that you can’t control the germination conditions and so the time of sowing is very important.

As a general rule you will sow your seeds into containers if the seeds are susceptible to changes in:

Temperature. Water levels. Light conditions.

For example the seeds of the Primula, Pansy and Cinereria will need to be germinated in a hot house where you can control the germination conditions.

Choosing the right container for your SeedsWhether the container you choose is a tray, a pan or a pot you need to make sure that the container:

Is of good quality plastic. Has good drainage. Can be cleaned and/or sterilised. Is deep enough for the root structure of the seed you will be sowing. The

deeper the root structure the deeper the container needs to be. For example a Primula will not need as deep a container as a tree.

Has no cracks.



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………….....Hot Tips

Seed sowing trays with one large planting space are ideal for sowing large numbers of seed which are to be used in beds and are most suitable for seedlings that do not mind being transplanted.

Modular, multi-cavity trays are best suited for seedlings that do not like their root ball to be disturbed.

Plastic pots are best suited for seeds other than bedding plants, if they happen to be more convenient for that application

.



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Your Turn…

ACTIVITY 4Choose a container in which to sow your seeds. Why is this the best container for your seeds?

Choosing the right growing medium for seedsGarden soil is not a good growing medium to use when you are sowing seed into containers because garden soil is often compacted and this creates poor drainage for the seeds. Garden soil can also have pests and diseases in it which will infect the seed.



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Different materials and mixtures of materials can be used for germinating seeds depending on the type, size and water requirements of the seeds being germinated.

There are many specially made growing mediums used for sowing seeds. When choosing the right growing medium for your seeds you need to think about the seeds requirements for germination. Ask yourself these questions:

1. Is the growing medium mixture firm and dense enough to hold the seeds in place during germination?

2. Will the growing medium mixture hold enough moisture to avoid having to water the seed too often?

3. Is the growing medium mixture porous enough to allow for drainage?

4. Will the growing medium mixture allow enough air to reach the seed?

5. Is the growing medium mixture free from weed seeds, pests and diseases?

6. Does the growing medium mixture have the right particle size and texture for the size of the seed being sown?

Today we often use what is known as soil-less growing media and there are many different recipes on the market.

For example:The University of California growing medium mix which uses a mixture of 50% fine sand and 50% peat moss with different fertilizer being added into the mix depending on when the mix will be used.

Let’s begin by taking a look at what materials can be used in the recipe to make growing media.



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Mixture Ingredient

Uses

Sand

Sand consists of small particles formed by the weathering of various

rocks; its mineral composition depends on the type of rock it is made

from.

Sand is required in your growing medium because it:

Allows the water to drain through the growing medium so that

the seed gets the right amount of water.

Allows the seed or plant to get the air (oxygen) that it needs.

Adds stability to the mixture.

Quartz sand which is mainly made up of a silica complex is usually

used for seed sowing.

Peat Peat is the remains of aquatic, marsh, bog or swamp vegetation,

which has been preserved under water in a partially decomposed

state. The lack of oxygen in the bog slows bacterial and chemical

decomposition of the plant material. There are three different types of

peat:

Moss Peat, which is the least decomposed of all the peat and is

made from sphagnum and other mosses. It varies in colour from

light brown to dark brown and holds moisture for a long time. Moss

peat comes from Canada, Ireland or Germany.

Reed Sedge Peat, which is made from the remains of grasses,

reeds, sedges and other swamp plants and is not used for

horticultural purposes.

Peat Humus, which is well decomposed and made from moss or



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Mixture Ingredient

Uses

sedge peat.

Due to environmental pressure most of these are being phased out of

the industry and bark or palm peat is being introduced as a substitute.

Peat is added to the mixture because it holds moisture for a long time.

Sphagnum Moss

Dehydrated young residue or living portions of acid-bog plants in the

genus Sphagnum can be added to the mixture and also holds

moisture for a long time.

Vermiculite

Vermiculite is also added to the growing medium because it breaks

down easily and absorbs and holds moisture for a long time. The

problem with vermiculite is that it cannot be re-used because it breaks

down so easily, becomes soggy with age and attracts algae in large

quantities.

Perlite

Perlite is a gray-white material, volcanic in origin and mined from lava

flows. The raw material is crushed and heated to temperatures of 760

C. Perlite and peat are popular rooting mediums and are often added

to the growing medium because it doesn’t break down quickly and is

lightweight.

PolystyrenePolystyrene can also be added to the sowing mixture to create air

spaces. It is lightweight, adds bulk to the mixture, can be re-used and

is cheap.



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The kind of soil-less growing medium mixes that are most commonly used here in South Africa have a bark base and are made available in small bags in retail outlets and in bulk supply to plant growers.

It is important that you are able to identify (and possibly mix, if required) the right sowing medium for your seeds and your place of work will have a process and procedure to tell you how they like this to be done.



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Your Turn…

ACTIVITY 5

Choose a sowing medium for the seeds you have been given.

Now test that this is the right sowing medium for your seeds by answering these questions.

Test:

Is the growing medium mixture firm and dense enough to hold the seeds in place during germination?

Is the growing medium mixture free from weed seeds, pests and diseases?

Does the growing medium mixture have the right particle size and texture for the size of the seed being sown?

Water the growing medium mixture and then answer the following questions:

How long does it take for the water to drain through the growing medium mixture?

How long does it take for the surface of the growing medium mixture to dry out?

How long does it take for the bottom of the growing medium mixture to dry out?

Will the growing medium mixture allow enough air to reach the seed?



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Your Turn…

ACTIVITY 6

Find out what growing media is used by your work place: What is this growing media made up of? Why is this the best growing media for the seeds your workplace

sows?



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HygieneHygiene is very important in the seed sowing area and every workplace will have a process or procedure that will tell you:

What disinfectants and fungicides need to be applied to the work surfaces?

How often these disinfectants and fungicides must be applied to the work surfaces.

What to do to keep the work place neat, tidy and free of diseased plant material and pests.

Your Turn…

ACTIVITY 7

Find out:

What disinfectants and fungicides need to be applied to your work surfaces?

How often these disinfectants and fungicides must be applied to your work surfaces?



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ACTIVITY 7

Find out:

What to do to keep your work place neat, tidy and free of diseased plant material and pests.



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Preparing the Container

When sowing into a container you need to sterilise the container and the sowing media. There are various ways of doing this:

Heat Treatment/PasteurizationHeat treatment or pasteurization of the growing medium is generally the best method to use.

Fumigation

Fumigation with chemicals is very poisonous and should only be done by someone trained to use chemicals. If you are fumigating remember to always take the necessary precautions as stated in the instructions

Buy ready mixedWhere small quantities of growing medium are required, it is probably better to buy a ready mixed seedling media available in your area.

Once your container and sowing mixture is sterilised, pour the sowing media into your container.

Push your sowing mixture into each corner of your container using your thumbs.

Now fill your container with more sowing media so that it is mounded above the tray. Tap your container onto a solid surface to remove any air pockets.

Take your presser board and turn it onto its side. Scrape any excess sowing media from your container, so that your sowing medium is filled to the lip of your container. Now use your presser board to lightly compact the sowing media. Make sure that the sowing media is level and 1cm from the lip of the tray.

If your sowing media is not level, water run off will occur and the water will also tend to lie in certain parts of your container. This will cause problems for your seeds.



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If you are sowing fine seeds, take a fine horticulture sieve and sieve your sowing media to make sure that your mixture is as fine as the seeds. This is especially important for the mixture that you will use to cover the seeds.

Water your container of seed sowing media with a proprietary fungicide as instructed to in your workplace procedures.



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Your Turn…

ACTIVITY 8

Prepare a container for seed sowing.



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Preparing the SeedbedWhen you are sowing in-situ you need to choose a site that:

Is acceptable to the type of plant you are going to sow e.g. shade/sun loving, etc.

Is free of pests, diseases and weeds. Has suitable drainage for the type of plant you are going to sow. Can be watered easily. Has the right soil conditions for the type of plant you are going to sow.

To prepare the soil:

Dig over a spade’s depth of soil and remove any large stones and all weeds.

Breakdown lumps or clods of soil and make sure that the soil tilth is acceptable to the size of the seed.

Add compost as instructed by your workplace procedures. Moisten soil but don’t make it wet.



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Your Turn…

ACTIVITY 9

Prepare a seedbed for sowing.

Correct Labeling and DocumentationIf you don’t label containers or beds of sown seed it will be very difficult later on to know what seed has been sown into the container or bed. You then won’t know:



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What treatment to give the seeds to encourage germination and further growing conditions?

When the seed should germinate? How many seeds should have germinated?

When documenting and labeling your seeds you will need to use the stationary provided in your workplace for the plant labels and place these labels with the correct sown seed according to your workplace procedures.

Labels usually show information about:

The name or code that represents that particular seed (the name usually refers to the plant genus, specie and variety).

Date of sowing.

The label is usually placed in the middle of the short side of the container.

………….....Hot TipsIt is always a good idea to write your labels before your start sowing the seed and place them with each different kind of seed. Double check that they are correct. It wastes time to have to stop, wash your hands and write the labels. Or if you don’t clean your hands you end up with dirty labels.



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Your Turn…

ACTIVITY 10Find out how your workplace wants you to label and document the seeds that you sow and then make a label for your sown seeds.

Your Turn…

ACTIVITY 11

Explain why it is important to correctly label and document the seeds you



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have sown.

Lesson Checkpoint


I can select the right growing media and container.

I can fill the seedling containers.

I can prepare the seedbed.



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I can explain why it is important to correctly label and document the

sown seed.



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Notes:



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Sow seeds manually.


Explain why it is important to sow seeds at the correct spacing or density.

Sow various seed types.

Explain why an adequate soil cover must be laid over the sown seeds.

Apply the soil covering.

Describe the process of batch separation and labeling.

Now that you have prepared your seeds and your seedbed you are ready to sow your seeds.

Sowing seed into containers

Whether you are sowing into trays or pots, the process is the same. Always sow your seeds thinly and evenly to allow enough room for the seedlings to grow.

If your workplace doesn’t have a seed dispenser or the seed dispenser is not the best tool to use for sowing your seeds, then follow these tips and guidelines.


Lesson 3 : Sow Seeds


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Seed Type Examples Sowing Method

Very small seeds Lobelias

These seeds are often mixed with a ‘carrier’ mix, for example mielie meal which separates the seeds and allows you to more evenly scatter the seeds over the surface. Cover the seeds with a very fine layer of sieved medium.

Medium sized seeds Pansies

These seeds are often scattered evenly over the surface and then ‘ploughed’ in using a pencil or pointed stick to break up the surface and bury the seeds beneath it. These seeds can also be covered with a layer of finely sieved medium instead of being ploughed in.

Larger seeds Sweet peasThese seeds are much more easily sown in evenly spaced rows and covered with a suitable (thicker) layer of the medium

………….....Hot TipsVery often a piece of paper or cardboard folded into a ”V” shape will allow easier control when you are sowing your seeds. The seed is placed into the “V” and slowly tipped towards the tray and if necessary prodded and encouraged with a stick to slowly and evenly fall onto the medium as you move it up and down the width of the tray.

Choose the method that is most suitable for your seeds and then sow your seeds evenly over the area.



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Correct spacing of Seeds

It is important to sow your seeds at the correct spacing so that the seedlings are not sown:

Too close together causing overcrowding or Too far apart this wastes growing space.

In trays that have separate spaces for each seed to develop it is often not cost effective to sow more than one seed in each space.

Covering seeds

How deep you plant the seed is an important factor that determines the rate and perhaps density of the sown seed:

If seeds are sown too shallow, the seed may be so close to the surface that it dries out quickly.

If the seed is planted too deep the germinating of the seedling will be delayed.

Different types of seed will require varying depths of sowing. If exposure to light is necessary, seeds should be planted closer to the surface.

When covering the seed try to use a finely sifted medium. Generally you need to cover the seed with the same amount of sowing media, as the seed is thick or as per instructions in your workplace.

Covering the seed also makes sure that when you water the seed it does not get displaced (especially fine, light seeds).

Do not smoke whilst sowing the seeds as this can result in tobacco mosaic virus in certain plants.



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Your Turn…

ACTIVITY 12Choose the method that is most suitable for your seeds and sow your seeds into your prepared container.

Sowing In-situThere are three main ways to sow seeds in-situ:

Broadcast which is the scattering of seeds over a wide area and is the method used to sow annuals.



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Rill/Drill Planting which is the sowing of seeds in rows and is the method used to sow most vegetables.

Space sowing which is the individual planting of seeds into a specific space and is the method used to sow pumpkin, mielies, etc.

Choose the method that is most suitable for your seeds.

To sow in :

DrillsMark out the drill using a garden line stretched between canes.Draw out a shallow drill with the back of a hoe. A depth of 1 cm suits most seeds. Sow your seeds evenly over the area.

BroadcastingRake the soil to an even tilth with parallel rake lines in one direction. Scatter the seed evenly and thinly over the surface. Rake in the seed in a direction at right angles to the first. Rake very gently to avoid dislodging the seed.



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Correct spacing of seeds

The rate of correct sowing is important when you sow directly in-situ so that the correct plant spacing is reached. The recommended rate is the minimum application needed and can be changed to balance expected losses in the seedbed as determined by previous experience of that site.

Rates will vary dependant on the spacing pattern. Field crops or lawn seed may be broadcast (spaced randomly) or drilled at give spaces. Other crops like vegetables may be row planted and in this case the amount of seeds and the spacing between them will need to be determined. If you are sowing light fluffy and easily blown away seed e.g. Gazania, wet the surface of the sowing media and the seeds will stick to the wet surface.

Do not smoke whilst sowing the seeds as this can result in tobacco mosaic virus in certain plants.

Covering seeds

How deep you plant the seed is an important factor that determines the rate and perhaps density of the sown seed:

If seeds are sown too shallow, the seed may be so close to the surface that it dries out quickly.

If the seed is planted too deep the germination of the seedling will be delayed.

Different types of seed will require varying depths of sowing. If exposure to light is necessary, seeds should be planted closer to the surface.

When covering the seed try to use a finely sifted medium. Generally you need to cover the seed with the same amount of sowing media, as the seed is thick or as per the requirements of your workplace.

Covering the seed also ensures that when watering is done the seed does not get displaced (especially fine, light seeds).



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Your Turn…

ACTIVITY 13

In your own words:

Explain why it is important to sow seeds at the correct spacing or density.

Explain why an adequate soil cover must be laid over the seeds.

Batch separation and labelingBatching means that the seed from one variety of plants will be labeled after they are sown and before seed from another plant is sown. This is an important part of the production process. Often a batch will be made up of a set number of trays in each workplace, for example 5 trays to each batch.



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Batching and labeling makes sure that batches of plants:

Are separate from one another. Can be identified from one another. Can be given the right treatment needed to germinate. Can be given the right positioning to be germinated, for example in the

germination room does the seed need bottom heating or it is a shade loving plant? etc.

This is done by labeling and recording the batches. Once again each work place will have their own processes and procedures that need to be followed. These processes and procedures will tell you:

What to write on a batch label. How many containers to batch together. How to record the batches being produced.

Usually a batch label will have the following information written onto it:

A batch number (often linked to a date). Number of containers in the batch. Sometimes the name or code of the seed supplier.

Often the batch label is the same as the plant label and will also have the:

Name/code of the plant. Date of sowing.



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Your Turn…

ACTIVITY 14Find out how your workplace wants you to batch separate and label the seeds by asking the following questions:How many containers to batch together?

What to write on a batch label?

How to record the batches being produced.

In your own words describe the process of batch separation and labeling.



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ACTIVITY 14



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Lesson Checkpoint


I can explain the importance of sowing seeds at the correct spacing or

density.

I can sow various seed types.

I can explain why an adequate soil cover must be laid over the sown

seeds.

I can apply the soil covering.

I can describe the process of batch separation and labeling.



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NOTES:



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Apply water to sown seed.


Explain the necessity of attaining the correct media moisture content of the growth media.

Explain the importance of selecting the correct equipment for the application of water on the seedbed.

Identify examples of sprinklers and hand held sprays suitable for watering a seedbed.

Identify examples of watering cans equipped with suitably fine nozzles.

Demonstrate methods of applying water to make sure that the sown seeds will not be displaced.

Once you have finished sowing your seeds, fill a watering can which has a very fine rose. Tip the watering can onto the ground and start to water away from the seedling container. Once the water is in full flow, tip backwards and forwards over the seedling container until the growing medium is damp.

This way of watering prevents your seeds from being displaced. Keep in mind that each different kind of seed will have different water requirements for example Verbena seed requires very little water, if any to germinate. So always check the seeds watering needs with your team leader or supervisor.


Lesson 4 : Water Seeds


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Whether you are using a watering can or a hose-pipe with a specially fitted fine nozzle that can be regulated, the watering must be applied in the following way:

The water needs to be delivered as a low pressure application, therefore nozzles that have a regulation valve on them are ideal because they can be set as a low pressure spray.

The nozzle needs to have a fine rose attached to it which will allow a fine droplet size for ‘soft’ watering of the seed bed/container.

The required volume of water must be applied. Too little water will not wet the medium through and too much water will wash the top layer of the medium over the lip or to one corner of the container and more than likely the seed with it too.

Whilst your seedlings are germinating it is important to keep them moist but not wet. Never allow the soil to dry out completely. As the seedlings develop, watering can taper off because the root system becomes strong enough for the plants to absorb their water requirements from the soil.



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Your Turn…

ACTIVITY 15Why is it important to choose the right equipment to apply water to the seedbed?



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Your Turn…

ACTIVITY 16Look at these different types of sprinklers and hand held sprays and then identify which are suitable for watering a seedbed.



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Your Turn…

ACTIVITY 17Look at these examples of watering cans and identify which are suitable for watering your seedlings.



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Maintaining the correct media moisture content for germination.Maintaining the correct moisture content over the germination period is very important. The growing medium must never be allowed to dry out because this could lead to a surface crust being formed. The growing medium must also not be so wet that damping-off (a fungal disease) becomes a problem.

If containers are not in a green house they are often covered with glass or plastic to keep the surface of the medium from drying out. An alternative is to use fine intermittent mist sprays set for about 18 seconds of water every ten minutes during the day although this can vary.

If containers are covered be careful not to expose them to direct sunlight, since excessive heat build up will injure the seedlings.



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Your Turn…

ACTIVITY 18

Give your seeds water and then discuss how you made sure that your seeds were not displaced.



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Your Turn…

ACTIVITY 19

Explain why it is important to reach the right media moisture content.

Lesson CheckpointAgriSETAIssue date : June 2006 Version 2


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I can explain the necessity of attaining the correct moisture content of

the growth media.

I can explain the importance of selecting the correct equipment for the

application of water on the seedbed.

I can identify examples of sprinklers and hand held sprays that are

suitable for watering a seedbed.

I can identify examples of watering cans equipped with suitably fine

nozzles.

I can demonstrate the methods of applying water to make sure that the

sown seeds are not displaced.



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Notes:



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References Bob Price, Plant Propagation, Grananda Publishing Limited in

Mayflower Books, 1980. L.V. Brown, Applied Principles of Horticultural Science, Second

Edition, Butterworth-Heinemann, 2002. Peter Thompson, Creative Propagation, Timber Press, 1992. Mitchell Beazley, The Complete Book of Plant Propagation,

Octopus Publishing, 1997. Hudson T. Hartmann Dale E. Kester Fred T. Davies, Jnr, Plant

Propagation Principles and Practices, Fifth Edition, Prentice Hall Inc, 1990.

Wynne Cohen, The Secrete Story, Can-Can-Kidz International.


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