Home Propagation AHT106

Achieve expert plant propogation at home! This subject aims to develop a basic understanding of the principles of plant propagation, an overview of propagation techniques and equipment and a general knowledge of the methods of propagation of the more commonly cultivated plants.

This is a starter course, designed for people who have no prior experience in propagation. Starting from the basics, this course covers all aspects of propagating plants and shows you what\'s involved in starting and running your own propagation nursery, including: seed, cuttings, grafting, division, layering, materials and equipment.

Lesson Structure There are 10 lessons in this course:

1. Methods of Propagation
2. Propagating Structures and Techniques
3. Propagating Materials
4. Seed Propagation
5. Propagating by Cuttings
6. Miscellaneous Propagating Techniques
7. Budding and Grafting
8. Propagation of Specific Plants
9. Nursery Management
10. Layout and Organisation of a Propagating Area

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school\'s tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

Aims

• Obtain leaflets or catalogues plus prices for a range of plant containers.
• Obtain samples of at least 6 different potting soil components and make up a mix which could be used for general potting of outdoor shrubs and trees into 6 inch pots.
• Collect samples of at least six types of plant labels.
• Collect at least three different types of seed to plant and germinate.
• Obtain catalogues or price lists from at least six companies or organisations which supply seed.
• Put in cuttings of at least three different types of plants.
• Use diagrams to explain how you would grow four different cuttings.
• Contact a bulb or herb farm to research the type of propagation program they have.
• Carry out aerial layering.
• Practice budding and grafting.
• Prepare a work schedule for a propagation set up.
• Design the layout for a new nursery or propagation area which would be ideal for your purposes.