R2104 2.1 Methods of Propagation from Seed

Question 1

Describe sowing of fine seed with named example

Answer 1

Begonia semperflorens or Papaver orientalis
Use a specially prepared soilless seed compost which has 50% grit/perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage
Ensure compost has no large lumps by crumbling between fingers.
Take a clean 9cm pot and overfill with compost
Tap the pot on surface to reduce air gaps.
Firm compost with pressing board to 5mm below rim
Water pot with upturned fine rose.
Add a teaspoon of a carrier such as fine sand to get an even distribution. Sow thinly
Firm the seed into the surface of the compost with a presser
Label
Cover with plastic bag or glass sheet.
Place in temperature of 18-21 and out of direct sunlight.

Question 2

Describe the process of sowing medium seed with named example

Answer 2

Lettuce salvia Solanum lycopersicum
Use a specially prepared soilless seed compost which has 50% grit/perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage
Ensure compost has no large lumps by crumbling between fingers.
Take a clean 9cm pot and overfill with compost
Tap the pot on surface to reduce air gaps.
Firm compost with pressing board to 5mm below rim
Sow thinly over whole surface of compost
Firm the seed into the surface of the compost with a presser
Cover the seed to twice its depth with compost or vermiculite
Water with upturned rose but don’t overwater.
Label
Cover with plastic bag or glass sheet.
Place in temperature of 18-21 and out of direct sunlight.

Question 3

Describe method of growing large seed in container and example name

Answer 3

Phaseolus vulgaris or cucurbita pepo
Use a specially prepared soilless seed compost which has 50% grit/perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage
Ensure compost has no large lumps by crumbling between fingers.
Take a clean tall 9cm pot or modular tray and overfill with compost
Tap the pot on surface to reduce air gaps.
Firm compost with pressing board to 5mm below rim
Insert 1 or 2 seeds into soil to depth advised on seed packet approx 1cm down
Firm compost around the seed.
Cover with grit
Label
Cover with plastic bag or glass sheet.
Place in temperature of 18-21 and out of direct sunlight.

Question 4

Aftercare of container grown seeds

Answer 4

Do not allow compost to dry out

When seedlings emerge remove lid or bag and allow maximum light without direct sunlight

Question 5

Describe process of pricking out

Answer 5

As soon as seedlings are large enough to handle prick out into modules or pots.
Use a potting compost similar in character to your seed compost.
Overfill modules and strike off
Tap on bench
Ensure tray of seedlings is moist
Make holes with dibber in prepared modules and then tease seedlings out holding on to one true leaf and supporting with dibber and place in hole.
Very lightly firm in with dibber. Seed leaves should almost be resting on compost surface.
Water with fine rose
Shade from sun for a few days
Check moisture regularly.
Grown in greenhouse, cold frame or windowsill.

Question 6

How to avoid pests and diseases when growing in containers from seed.

Answer 6

Hygienic conditions! 
Sterile growing media
Wash out all containers 
Water with tap water
Sow thinly 
This avoids damping off disease

Question 7

Describe ground preparation for sowing outside

Answer 7

Prepare a stale seed bed (no weeds) by hoeing or use of weed killers such as glyphosate 3-4 weeks in advance
Addition of organic matter such as well rotted farmyard manure
Prepare a good tilth no more than 3mm crumb structure by
Raking to break up soil
Level and firm with back of the rake
Repeat this process until you get the required tilth.
Water ground and allow to drain before sowing

Question 8

4 different ways of sowing seed outside and example plant

Answer 8

Broadcast - lolium perenne
Drills - Daucus carota 
Station - groups pastinaca sativa
                 Deep Trench - pis up sativum 
Individual - Phaseolus vulgaris

Question 9

Describe sowing in drills

Answer 9

Stretch a garden line between two canes.
Take corner of hoe and draw along line to create a row.
Water if dry
Sprinkle seeds very thinly along bottom
Cover with soil
When emerge thin out as soon as possible to about 10 cm apart
Water
Keep weeds down
Mulch once established

Question 10

Describe propagation of ferns by spores

Answer 10

In summer examine back of fronds to see sporangia.
Cut off a frond and lay on a piece of paper in a warm dry place
The spores will shed looking like brown dust.
Sterilise a pot of seed compost by pouring boiling water over or putting in microwave.
Allow to cool
Sow spores thinly over surface of pot and cover with cling film or heated propagator.
Mist spray regularly with cool boiled water
Remove film when moss like Prothali appear.
Lift small pieces of moss into new pots of sterile seed compost.
Spray with cooled boiled water
Cover again and wait for plantlets to appear spraying daily with Luke warm water