R2104 2.1 Describe the process of growing seeds in containers

Question 1

Sowing: Begonia semperflorens Cultorum Group

Method/container/pricking out/ potting off/ aftercare

Fine seed. Half hardy annual

Answer 1

1. Sow later winter / early spring under cover. Heated propagators can be used
2. Fine layer of compost in seed tray
3. Seed is mixed with silver sand for even distribution
4. Sow thinly on surface of compost.
5. Do not cover seed with compost as light is required for germination
6. Prickout when first true leaves are produced
7. Place in a further seed tray or modular tray
8. Carefully handle seedlings by holding cotyledons, never touch stem
9. Make holes with a dibber and lower seedling into hole

Question 2

Sowing: Lactuca sativa

Method/container/pricking out/ potting off/ aftercare

Medium seed

Answer 2

1. Will not germinate if temperature to high (25 degrees C for butterheads and 30 degrees C for crispheads)
2. Sow singly in modules or seed tray for pricking out
3. Prepare seed tray with compost and sow evenly
4. Thin layer of compost is sieved over top of seeds to cover them - depth similar to depth of seeds OR cover seeds with a thin layer of vermiculite
5. Prick out when first true leaves appear

Question 3

Sowing: Cucurbita pepo

Method/container/pricking out/ potting off/ aftercare

Large seed

Answer 3

1. Sow singly in small pot at min temperature 13 degrees C about four weeks before last frost is predicted
2. Sow seeds on edge with flat sides vertical to help prevent seeds rotting

Question 4

Aftercare of plant seeds / seedlings

Answer 4

1. Regularly check for pests and diseases
2. Damping off can be common. Remove affected seedlings and check for air flow, drainage and temperature
3. Do not allow to dry out, particularly if in a glasshouse.
4. Keep compost moist without over watering
5. Prick out seedlings if appropriate when true leaves appear
6. Pot off seedlings that out grow their containers
7. Harden off before planting out

Question 5

Avoiding pest and disease for seedlings

Answer 5

1. Always use clean water. Avoid water from water butts that may harbour disease
2. Keep containers clean
3. Use sterile growing media. Local authority green waste compost are no good as they have high nutrients and pH. Home made potting media not very suitable as it is hard to control nutrient levels and any fungal pathogens. Best to use peat free composts mixed with inorganic matter such as perlite.
4. Sowing density should be appropriate for the size of seed, but a thick layer of seedlings should be avoided.
5. Over crowding leads to damping off diseases
6. Prevent Botrytis be removing dead material promptly. Reduce humidity by improving ventilation and do not over crowd plants

Question 6

Damping off (two forms)

Answer 6

1. Caused by soil borne fungi e.g Pythium
2. ‘Post - emergent’ once seeds have pushed through soil and fungi attack base of stem. Seedings collapse and dies
3. ‘Pre-emergent’ fungi attack underground so that seed appears not to germinate.
4. Problem greatest under glass
5. Diease encouraged by cool humid conditions and overwatering

Question 7

Sciarid Fly

Answer 7

1. Larvae feed on plant roots
2. Adult flies transmit diseases and fungal spores
3. Attracted to organic matter and decaying plant tissue
4. Particularly a problem in a warm, humind glasshouse
5. Plants attacked will be weakened and stunted. Young roots eaten away.
6. Can capture using sticky yellow traps. such as rollar traps
7. Avoid overwatering or use tops dressing or mulch to prevent sciarid fly from breeding
8. Keep capillary matting and plants clean
9. There are biological controls - Hypoaspis mites