Crop Planning and Propagation Protocols

The period when a seed is dormant can be influenced by environmental factors such as temperature and moisture. Understanding dormancy helps you choose appropriate treatments like scarification or stratification to help break it and ensure uniform germination.

The initial stage where plants establish their root systems and begin to grow above ground.

The period when plants grow most rapidly, making leaves and branching out.

The final stage where plants harden and prepare for the next stage of their life cycle, whether that's flowering or going dormant.

A detailed plan that outlines the steps of the growing process, from acquiring seeds or cuttings to delivery of finished plants.

Specific instructions for propagating plants, such as methods for taking cuttings or sowing seeds, including optimal conditions for success.

Regularly recording observations about the plants, including daily activities and any changes in their growth.

A mix of materials, including soil, compost, and other ingredients, that provides the ideal environment for plant roots to grow.

A type of growing media used for young trees and shrubs, providing stability and good drainage.

A growing media that is good for plants with high water needs because it can hold water for longer.

A material added to growing media to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging.

Sterile and fine-textured media used to start seeds and ensure they have enough moisture to germinate.

Very porous media used for rooting cuttings, allowing air to circulate and prevent waterlogging.

Media that is typically coarser than seed or cutting media, used for transplanting seedlings or cuttings into larger containers.

Protecting seedlings from adverse weather conditions, particularly during the establishment phase, minimizing the risk of damage and promoting successful germination.

Maintaining a consistent and optimal temperature for seedling growth, tailored to the specific plant species. This is crucial for both the establishment and rapid growth phases.

Watering seedlings to maintain a “moist, but not wet” environment, promoting healthy root growth without risking root rot. It's important throughout all three phases, adjusted based on the stage.

Controlling the amount and type of fertilizer used for seedlings. During the establishment phase, low or minimal fertilizer is preferred. During the rapid growth phase, fertilization increases to encourage growth. During the hardening phase, fertilizer decreases to prepare the plant for the outdoors.

Adjusting the light exposure and day length for seedlings to promote healthy growth and encourage blooming when appropriate. The hardening phase may involve gradual exposure to ambient light and temperature.

Regularly monitoring the health of seedlings for signs of pests, diseases, or problems. This helps identify potential issues early and take appropriate action to protect the plants.

A substance like gibberellic acid that encourages seed germination.

The process of preparing a seed for planting, often involving treatments like scarification or stratification, to break dormancy and promote germination.

The use of materials like coffee filters or ice cube trays to control the environment around germinating seeds.

A layer of material placed on top of the soil to maintain moisture, control temperature, and prevent weed growth.

Propagating plants from cuttings, which are parts of the plant that can develop roots and grow into new plants.

Containers with a shallow depth are suitable for plants that develop a dense, fibrous root system.

Tall containers are ideal for plants with long taproots, such as fruit trees, as they provide enough space for the roots to grow deep.

Wide containers are recommended for plants with multiple, thick, or fleshy roots, as they provide ample space for the roots to spread horizontally.

One-time-use containers are often made from materials like plastic, peat pots, or paper, and are typically discarded after a specific period or upon transplanting.

Single, free-standing containers are individual pots or containers that are not part of a larger system. They are typically made of materials like plastic, ceramic, or metal.

Exchangeable cell containers are small, individual containers that can be placed in a tray or rack for efficient handling and management. These are often used for seed starting or propagation.

Book or sleeve containers are typically made of flexible material, such as plastic or paper, and often have multiple compartments or cells stacked together.

Block containers consist of many cavities or cells, usually made of rigid material like plastic or styrofoam, and are designed to grow multiple plants simultaneously.

Acid treatment helps break dormancy in some seeds. It involves soaking seeds in a solution of acid, often diluted sulfuric acid, for a specific period. This weakens the seed coat, allowing water and oxygen to penetrate.

Safety precautions must be taken when handling acid for seed treatment, including wearing protective gear, handling the acid carefully, and maintaining a safe temperature.