Seeds Flashcards
(134 cards)
1
Q
What is a seed?
A
A seed is the product of sexual reproduction.
Seed is produced from a fertilised ovule following pollination.
2
Q
What is the function of the fruit?
A
The function of the fruit is to protect and distribute the seeds.
A fruit is defined as the ovary containing the seeds.
3
Q
What is the definition of propagation?
A
The horticultural practise (ie; human controlled) method of increasing plants in number.
4
Q
What are the external parts of the French Bean called?
A
Testa - tough hard outer coating of the seed. Protects the seed.
Hilum - Area outside of the testa where the seed was attached to the ovary. No function. It’s a scar.
Microphyle - This is a small pore in the testa opposite the tip of the radicle. Water enters via the micropyle during imbibition which is the first stage of germination.
5
Q
What are the internal features of the French bean? (Phaseolus vulgaris)
A
Cotyledon - a cotyledon is a seed leaf. In Dicots there are 2 and in monocots there are 1.
Plant embryo - Occupies the buik of the seed interior. It is made up of Radicle, hypocotyl, epicotyl, cotyledons and plumule.
Plumule - Part of seed which will form the first shoot which will become stem & leaves.
Epicotyl - part of the seed which is above the cotyledons. It will form the stem and leaves.
Radicle - part of the seed which will form the first root. First part of seed to grow and pushes down into the soil to anchor the plant and access water.
6
Q
What is the botanical name for French Bean?
A
Phaseolus vulgaris
7
Q
What are the benefits to the plant of sexual reproduction by seed?
A
Because genetic material is being mixed there is more variation.
Variation gives the plant a better chance of survival, because they are not all the same. So less chance of extinction.
Seeds are dispersed by various means - can be dispersed far away from the parent plant by wind or animal. Gives them greater chance of survival not in shadow of parent plant, also different habitats increases chance of survival.
Less risk of transfer of pests and diseases compared to vegetative reproduction - therefore greater chance of survival.
A way of creating lots of offspring which can colonise an area quickly as some plants release 1000s of seeds. Especially weeds.
They can remain dormant when conditions of growth are unsuitable. Eg. over winter for some trees and shrubs.
8
Q
What are the Horticultural benefit for propagation by seed?
A
Genetic variations create new cultivars which can boost sales of bedding and vegetable plants. The grower can hand pollinate and select certain characteristics.
Growers can select cultivars that resist certain pests and diseases, so yields are higher.
Growers can create F1 cultivars by inbreeding parents for characteristics and then crossing them so all the same first generation. This means uniform germination, same height, colour and hybrid vigour.
They can be stored easily for long periods of time.
Get large numbers of plants relatively cheaply.
Only method for some annuals and biennials.
Can avoid virus transmission. (virus’ not normally found in seed).
9
Q
What are the limitations of propagating from seed?
A
They may not come true to type due to variation. (some plants will come true to type if they are self pollinated - eg. beans, tomatoes, peas)
Some will not produce viable seed. (Seed that will germinate.
Lack of uniformity (unless they are F1 Hybrids)
Some seeds do not store easily (recalcitrant seeds such as oak and horse chestnut).
Some have various types of dormancy and are difficult to germinate. Knowledge for specific types of dormancy for specific plants is required.
10
Q
What 3 vegetable plants are usually propagated from seed?
A
Daucus carota (carrot) Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) Phaseolus vulgaris (French bean)
11
Q
What bedding plant is usually propagated from seed?
A
Lobelia erinus ‘Sapphire’
12
Q
What annual is usually propagated from seed?
A
Nigella damascena. (love in a mist)
13
Q
What lawn seed is usually sown from seed?
A
Lolium perenne (perennial rye grass)
14
Q
What tree is usually propagated from seed?
A
Quercus robur - English oak
15
Q
Which herbs are propagated from seed?
A
Chives, coriander and basil.
16
Q
What are the benefits of propagation by seed? (for the gardener)
A
Produces variation from which new cultivars can be produced.
Is the only available method for some species. (Phacelia tanacetifolia - green manure)
May get large numbers of seed from each plant, therefore large numbers of plants.
Seed can easily be stored.
Can avoid virus transmission.
Can sow seeds when gardener wishes. ie. for timed flowering/cropping.
Economical
Germination rates fairly certain for vegetables.
17
Q
What are the limitations of Propagating plants from seed?
A
Open pollinated seeds will probably not come true to parent.
Takes a long time to maturity. (Compared to grafting an apple tree)
Germination may be complicated and require certain environment conditions.
Some plants may not produce viable seed.
Some seeds do not store easily. (recalcitrant)
Takes up space to grow from seed.
Lack of uniformity in resulting plants. (unless F1 hybrid)
Seeds may have a dormancy mechanism that must be overcome.
18
Q
What does seed viability mean?
A
This is the ability of a seed to germinate under ideal conditions.
The seed is viable if it contains a living embryo and will germinate if conditions are right.
Different seeds remain viable for different lengths of time if stored correctly.
Eg. parsnip can remain viable for up to 1 year, cucumber is 10 years.
19
Q
What are the four key requirements for seed germination?
A
- Moisture
- Temperature
- Oxygen
- Light/dark
20
Q
Why is moisture needed for germination?
A
Required for imbibition to break testa and provide water for biological processes involved in growth and cell division.
21
Q
What is average temperature needed for seed germination? Are there any exceptions?
A
Average germination for many seeds is 15-21 degrees C.
Varies between species.
Lettuce goes dormant over 25 degrees.
22
Q
What is oxygen needed for in seed germination?
A
Required for respiration of carbohydrates stored in seed to fuel cell division and growth.
23
Q
Why is light/dark significant in germination of seeds?
A
Can trigger or prevent germination depending on seeds.
Salad - Lactuca sativa need light
Nigella damascena need dark
Not all species are light sensitive.
24
Q
What changes take place in a germinating seed?
A
Imbibing of water. (taking in of water) Water slowly enters through the microphyle and testa.
Rising respiration rate. Aerobic respiration occurs & rapidly rises as cell division and growth continues.
Breakdown of food store - to provide energy for cell division.
Rapid cell division for the growth of the radicle (root) and plumule (shoot)
The splitting of the seed coat more fully with water absorption
Emergence of the radicle.
Emergence of the plumule..
25
What are the two different types of germination called?
Epigeal and hypogeal.
26
What type of germination occurs with Phaseolus vulgaris? (French bean)
Epigeal - cotyledons grow above ground.
27
What type of germination occurs with Vicia faba? (Broad beans)
Hypogeal - cotyledons stay below ground.
28
What is the botanical name for Broad beans?
Vicia faba
29
How can the horticulturalist provide ideal moisture conditions for germination?
Water compost before sowing, or carefully after so as not to disturb the seeds.
Soak seed prior to sowing so as to soften the coat. Eg. Lathyrus odoratus
Important not to overwater, as this will reduce oxygen available and could cause seed to rot.
Cover seed with lid or glass to retain moisture.
Irrigation - stand trays on capillary matting, sand beds or use a mist bench.
30
How can the horticulturalist provide ideal temperature conditions for germination?
Ambient temperature can be provided in a greenhouse with hot water pipes, or electric heater.
Localised heat in the form of electric cables in a bottom heat mat or a sealed propagation unit with a lid is an economical way of providing heat where needed.
High temperatures can be lowered with shading, ventilation or damping down (seeds like lettuce become dormant over 25 degrees.
31
How can the horticulturalist provide ideal oxygen levels for germination?
Open compost which has a good air filled porosity.
Allows oxygen to reach the seed for respiration to occur. Add sharp sand, vermiculite or perlite.
Do not compact the soil when sowing.
Do not over sow as there will be competition for oxygen.
32
How can the horticulturalist provide ideal light conditions for germination?
Keep uncovered by compost in an open position so that they receive light. Vermiculite covering allows some light through but helps with moisture absorption.
Artificial lighting
33
How can the horticulturalist provide ideal dark conditions for germination?
Closed cabinets
Seed covering with compost and depth of covering.
Place a sheet of toughened glass over the tray and then cover the glass with newspaper.
34
Describe what seed dormancy is?
Dormancy is demonstrated when a viable seed fails to germinate even though all conditions have been met.
The seed may have a physiological or physical dormancy. Eg. Lathyrus odoratus hard seed coat.
Important to note use of word 'viable' - as a non viable seed is dead and will therefore never germinate.
35
What is the purpose of seed dormancy?
This ensures germination does not occur when favourable conditions will not be sustained. (Eg in Winter
36
What is meant by the term physical dormancy?
Physical dormancy – a thick or impervious seed coat prevents water from entering seed. ‘Physical’ is something that can be seen overtly like the seed coat.
37
What is meant by the term physiological dormancy?
Physiological dormancy – requires a period of time spent under specific environmental conditions eg chilling or requires exposure to light to break dormancy. ‘Physiological’ means functions happening within the seed which cannot be seen.
38
How can you break physical dormancy of a seed?
Scarification - deliberate damage to the seed coat to allow water to enter. Lathyrus odoratus - soak before sowing to soften the coat, or nick the seed with a knife.
39
How can you break physiological dormancy?
Stratification - some seeds need a period of cold before they germinate, which would happen naturally in the wild. The grower will place seeds in a bag of moist sand or vermiculite and keep in a sealed container in the fridge for 1-2 months.
This process breaks down the chemicals within the seed that inhibit germination and stimulates embryo development.
40
When is a seed ready to harvest and what should you check when harvesting seeds?
Most seeds must be harvested when they are fully ripe. (there are some exceptions)
Seed must be prepared for storage by cleaning off any debris and checking for damage/disease.
Cleaning & checking prevents pests or diseases being harboured in the stored seed.
Cleaned seed easier to store - takes up less space.
Also important to make sure the seed is not contaminated by other seeds - eg. wildflower seed may contaminate grass seed.
41
How to harvest Phaseolus vulgaris seeds? (French Beans)
On a dry day.
Ensure pods are fully ripened - brown and papery. Rattle sound.
Remove pods from plant.
If conditions wet, remove entire plant and hang upside down in a warm dry room to finish drying.
Save seeds from the healthiest plants which are true to type. Do not save any seeds which look different, damaged or marked.
Leave seeds in a clean dry tray in a warm room to dry out. (Not too hot or direct light)
42
How to harvest seeds from Nigella Damascena? (Love in a mist)
On a dry day.
Select a healthy pest and disease free plant.
Seedpods should be completely dry - brown and papery.
Look as if they are about to split.
Cut off the entire seed head into a paper bag which is labelled with species name and date.
Place pods in the seed bag in a dry place for the seeds to ripen.
Check when pods are all open, empty entire contents into a seed tray.
Separate the seeds from the chaff with a fine sieve (finer than the seed) Or winnow on a gentle breeze.
43
How to pack and store Phaseolus vulgaris harvested seeds?
Package up securely in labelled envelopes with cultivar and date.
Keep stored in a cool, dry location.
Paper envelopes can be stored in a plastic box with a silica gel packet.
Exclude mice!
44
How to package and store Nigella Damascena harvested seeds?
Package up securely in labelled envelopes with cultivar and date.
Keep stored in a cool, dry location.
Paper envelopes can be stored in a plastic box with a silica gel packet.
Exclude mice!
45
How to harvest tomato seeds Solanum lycopersicum?
Pick fully ripe fruit true to type and healthy.
Do not save fruit that looks markedly different to the rest of the fruit.
Cut off individual fruits into a labelled bag or tray.
If fruits not ripening, they can be cut and placed with a banana!
Cut open tomatoes, and scoop out seeds and pulp and place in a jar of water.
Leave in a warm dry place to ferment.
Fermentation removes compounds which inhibit germination, and destroys seed borne diseases.
After a few days a layer of mould can be seen. Open jar and remove mould.
Tip seeds into a sieve and clean with running water.
Place seeds back in a jar of water. Any which float are not viable and can be removed.
On a commercial scale tomato fruit are macerated by machine to release the seed and their gelatinous gel.
46
How to dry, and store harvested Solanum lycopersicum seeds? (tomato)
Drain viable seeds in a sieve, and spread rinsed seeds in a single layer on greaseproof paper to dry out in a warm dry place - away from direct sunlight.
Package up securely in envelopes which are labelled with the species, variety name and date.
Keep stored in a cool dry place. Seeds can last for 6 years.
Seeds stored in envelopes can be kept in an air tight container with a silicon gel packet to absorb any excess moisture.
47
What is an Orthodox seed?
A dry seed.
A seed which can withstand drying and storage as they age slowly.
Ageing is slowest when conditions are cool and dry.
Can be stored for long times.
Eg. Phaseolus vulgaris, Nigella damascena, Solanum lycopersicum, Lobelia erinus, Daucus carota.
48
What is a recalcitrant seed?
```
Recalcitrant seed is moist and fleshy.
Cannot withstand drying and freezing temperatures as they have a high water content.
Requires cool, moist storage conditions.
Can only be stored for short periods.
Eg. Quercus robur (Oak)
Horse Chestnut.
```
49
What are the horticultural benefits of propagation from seed?
New cultivars boost sales.
F1 hybrids can be created - form uniform offspring.
Relatively cheap.
Easy to store.
Growers can breed disease resistant varieties
Can avoid virus transmission.
50
What are the limitations of propagating from seed, compared to vegatative propagation?
Dormancy - many seeds require a particular treatment to break the dormancy before they will germinate. Grower needs to know specific requirement.
May not come true to type - the same as the parent plant.
Some do not produce viable seed.
Some do not store easily - recalcitrant.
51
How to harvest recalcitrant seeds?
Example of recalcitrant seed - Quercus robur - Oak.
When harvesting the seed should be true to type, free from pathogens, undamaged, and of reasonable size.
Seeds are collected when they are ripe in the autumn and fall from the trees.
Seed can be placed in a polythene bag to ensure it does not dry out with plant name & location & date.
After removing the husks from the seed it can be mixed with either moist peat, sand or vermiculite and placed in a polythene bag.
Seed should be stored in rodent proof containers no longer than 3-4 weeks. Or in the refrigerator 4-5 degrees.
52
What happens to a seed stored over time?
Over time the food is slowly metabolising, and may use up food reserves.
Seeds can also become over dry and non viable over time.
Viability decreases over time.
53
How does the storage temperature affect the viability of seed germination?
If too hot seeds may dry out, and become non viable.
Cool temperatures slows respiration to promote longevity in storage.
Viability decreases as temperature increases.
54
What affect does moisture have on a seed?
Moisture facilitates germination and respiration of food sources.
Moisture content decreases viability in storage.
Store seeds at low humidity in sealed foil packets.
Make sure seed is completely dry before putting it in storage container.
55
What small/fine sized seed can be sown in a container?
Begonia semperflorens culturum
Digitalis purpurea
Lobelia erinus 'Sapphire'
56
What medium sized seed can be sown in a container?
Lactuca sativa
Daucus carota
Nigella damascena
57
What large sized seed can be sown in a container?
Cucurbita pepo - pumpkin
Lathyrus odoratus
Phaseolus vulgaris
58
What is the botanical name for Pumpkin?
Curcurbita pepo
59
Why do you need holes in a container you're planting seeds in?
So that water can drain freely, and it doesn't become waterlogged.
A capillary mat can also be used which allows an even uptake of water, without disturbing the seeds on the soil surface.
60
Why is the size of a container important when sowing seeds?
Too large a container wastes compost, and will take up too much space in the greenhouse.
Too small a container and seedlings will be over crowded, and may need thinning out before they are ready.
Also more susceptible to disease. (damping off disease)
And will dry out more quickly.
61
Give 6 examples of container types which can be used in sowing seeds?
1. Modules
2. Pots
3. Seed tray
4. Half tray, half pots.(good for most seeds which are not deep rooted, and keeps them nearer a heat mat) Not Lathyrus odoratus.
5. Pans - a container that measures more in diameter than in depth. (similar to half trays/half pots).
6. Long toms.
62
What are the 3 key rules to follow when sowing seed?
Clean containers
Clean growing environment
Sterile growing medium
63
What is the sowing density and depth dependant on?
The size of the seed.
64
Why should you avoid having seeds sown too close together?
Increases risk of damping off disease.
Makes pricking out more difficult.
Means seedlings may need to be pricked out earlier than they are ready, if they are competing for water and nutrients.
65
What are the 9 steps of sowing seeds?
1. Overfill container.
2. Tap to settle compost.
3. Strike off.
4. Consolidate press to just below rim
5. Sow at recommended rate
6. Cover (if required) to appropriate depth
7. Label (variety, date)
8. Water (can also do it after step 4)
9. Place in a suitable environment for the species & variety
66
How should you sow seeds in a half tray?
Sow half the seeds across the tray, then rotate 90 degrees and sow the other half the seeds. This will give a more even distribution.
67
What type of water should you use to water seeds?
Clean fresh tap water as it is pest and disease free. (Harvested water may contain pathogens.
68
What example of a small seed do you need to know?
Begonia semperflorens Culturum group
69
What type of container should you sow Begonia semperflorens Cultorum?
A half tray or small pot.
70
When should you sow Begonia semperflorens Culturum?
Mid January to mid March.
71
How do you sow Begonia semperflorens Culturum?
Begonia seeds are dust like.
Open packet over a white sheet of paper, carefully opening 3 sides and opening out flat.
Combine seed with fine horticultural sand.
Overfill container with compost, tap to settle, strike off and consolidate to just below the rim of the container.
Soak tray of compost to saturate.
Sow thinly over surface using 90 degree rotation technique in 2 passes.
Leave uncovered - needs light to germinate.
72
What is the botanical name for lettuce?
Lactuca sativa
73
What size seed is Lactuca sativa?
Medium sized seed.
74
What type of container should you use to sow Lactuca sativa?
Half tray or full seed tray.
75
What type of compost is best used for sowing Begonia semperflorens Culturum?
Very fine graded seed compost. Perhaps sieved.
76
What type of compost is best used for sowing Lactuca sativa?
Fine free draining seed compost.
77
When can you sow Lactuca sativa?
February onwards undercover. (to plant out later)
| All year round if you can grow under glass and have supplementary heat and lighting
78
How do you sow Lactuca sativa seeds?
Overfill container with compost, tap to settle, strike off and consolidate to just below the rim of the container.
Soak tray of compost to saturate.
Sow thinly over surface using 90 degree rotation technique in 2 passes.
Cover with vermiculite to allow light to penetrate - needs light to germinate.
A clear sheet of plastic or cellophane can be placed around the container to maintain moist conditions.
79
What temperature do Lactuca sativa best germinate at?
10-15 degrees C
| Over 20 degrees inhibits germination.
80
What should you do once Lactuca sativa have germinated?
Once germinated and have their first true leaves grown, prick out into modules and grow on in well lit area.
Plant out into prepared bed after hardening off.
81
When sowing seeds what are the things we need to consider?
```
Time of year.
Depth
Density
Cover/not cover
Spacing
Uniform coverage
Tilth of growing medium.
```
82
Give a large seed example?
Curcurbita pepo - pumkin
83
What type of container should you use for sowing Curcurbita pepo?
9 cm pots or individual modules.
84
What type of compost should you use for sowing large seeds?
Free draining seed compost. Does not have to be fine.
85
When should you sow Curcurbita pepo?
April - May.
| These are very tender so do not sow too early.
86
How should you sow Curcurbita pepo?
Sow singly or in pairs at depth of 2cm. Then thin out the weakest.
Place seed horizontally with narrow edge uppermost. If flat water can settle on seed and it can rot.
87
What temperature does Curcurbita pepo need to germinate?
Place at 20-25 degrees c.
| Germination takes 5-7 days.
88
What should you do once Curcurbita pepo has germinated?
Grow on undercover in cooler conditions, until all risk of frost has past.
Harden off before planting out.
89
What is pricking out?
Once seedlings have germinated and developed their first true leaves, they will need transplanting to more nutrient rich compost with more space.
This is called pricking out.
90
How do you prick out seedlings?
Using a dibber to ease out each seedling, lifting it out by the leaves, and retaining as much root and compost as possible.
Seedlings are then placed in individual modules or pots, in pre prepared hole, with seed leaves just above the hole. They are firmed in gently using the dibber and watered in.
Watering the seedlings before you prick them out makes them easier to lift with roots intact.
91
What other tips are there for pricking out seedlings?
Choose the strongest seedlings, as weaker plants less likely to survive transplanting.
Never hold seedlings by the hypercotyl stem or roots, as you can easily damage the plant.
Rest the roots on the dibber to carry the weight so the seed leaves don't break off and plant fall.
Transplanted seedlings should be spaced 4cm apart.
Water using a fine watering rose and place in an environment suitable for seedlings.
Feed pricked out seedlings & plug plants with a balanced liquid fertiliser once every 2 weeks.
92
What does potting off mean?
When young rooted cuttings or seedlings are moved from trays into pots.
"’The initial placing of seedling of plants in pots is known as potting-off or potting up"
RHS dictionary.
93
What does potting on mean?
When the more advanced plants are transferred from a small pots to bigger pots.
"Moving potted plants to larger containers is known as potting on"
RHS dictionary
94
What 3 fungal pathogens are seedlings prone to?
Damping off disease.
Botrytis
Powdery Mildews
95
What 4 measures can be taken to prevent disease in seedlings?
1. Clean water from a tap. Harvested water may contain disease/pathogens.
2, Hygienic conditions - clean pots, sterile growing media & growing environment.
3. Sowing density - seeds sown too close together are more at risk of botrytis and damping off.
4. Over watering makes ideal conditions for damping off or botrytis so careful irrigation is needed.
96
What is damping off disease?
Warm moist conditions that propagators provide ideal for damping off disease.
A range of pathogens can infect seedlings and cause them to collapse and decay.
Early attacks can cause seedlings to fail to appear all together.
Symptoms - collapsed emerged seedlings with white fungal thread visible which spreads through container. Or seedlings fail to emerge at all.
97
Why can overwatering increase the risk of damping off disease?
Fungi thrives in damp conditions so damping off may occur if plants are overwatered
98
Why should you use tap water when sowing seeds?
Does not contain fungal spores so preferred to water butt water
99
Why should you use sterile compost when sowing seeds?
No fungal spores or limited
100
Why should you use clean containers when sowing seeds?
No fungal spores.
101
Are there any chemical treatments of Damping Off disease?
No fungicide available to the amateur gardener.
102
Why should you avoid excessive humidity when sowing seeds?
Good ventilation helps to reduce the risk of damping off disease.
103
What 5 factors do you need to include in the description of soil preparation for sowing seed in open ground?
```
Weed control
Nutrition
Levelling
Consolidation
Tilth
```
104
What is primary cultivation?
First stage of cultivation.
Tools - spade, fork.
Soil dug into large clumps.
Grit sand or organic matter may be added.
Weeds are removed by hand, or a systemic weed killer such as glyphosate can be applied 3 weeks prior to digging to allow it to work.
Clay soils primary cultivation carried out in Autumn, to allow frost to help break it down.
105
What is secondary cultivation?
In spring the soil is broken down into a fine tilth for sowing and planting.
Only upper layer of soil is worked.
Large clods forked over to make them smaller.
Raked over roughly.
Consolidation to remove any air pockets.
Soil is raked again in two directions to get an level, and even fine tilth for a seedbed.
106
What can you add to the soil for nutrition prior to planting?
120g per square metre of Superphosphate applied as a base dressing worked into the soil to encourage root growth.
107
What should the tilth of the soil match when preparing it for seed sowing?
The size of the seed.
Fine tilth for medium seeds like Daucus carota.
Large tilth for Phaseolus vulgaris
108
What are the 5 stages of ground preparation?
1. Weed control
2. Nutrition
3. Tilth
4. Level & consolidate
5. Rake to fine tilth.
109
Describe the stale seedbed method?
Good to use on newly cultivated land, or if top soil has been imported.
When dug over many weed seeds will germinate after they have had a flash of light and dormancy has been broken.
Prep seed bed as per normal in early spring.
Then leave for 2-3 weeks.
Hoe off any weeds which have germinated, careful not to disturb the soil which would bring another flush of weed growth.
Sow seeds in drills so you can distinguish between weeds and crops, should any further weeds germinate.
110
What is meant by broadcast sowing?
Scattering seeds mechanically or by hand.
Generally for a large area.
Example is Lolium perenne. (Grass seed)
111
How do you sow Lolium perenne?
35g per square metre.
Broadcast sow - half in one direction, then the other half the other direction. This will help distribute seeds evenly.
Rake over lightly.
112
When is the best time to sow Lolium perenne?
Early Autumn or Mid Spring.
Ideal temperatures is 9-12 degrees C
Germination takes 7-10 days.
113
How should you water in Lolium perenne?
Seasonal weather should provide sufficient.
| But use a light sprinkler in needed, or a fine watering can on a small area.
114
How should you manage weeds when sowing a new lawn and once it's established?
Weed carefully prior to sowing seeds.
| Selective weed killer may be used when lawn is established or remove by weeding tool.
115
What should you do once Lolium perenne has established to 5cm?
When grown to 5cm, high roll gently to firm in.
Then mow off 1/3 of the height once over 5cm.
Avoid using as a lawn for a season.
116
What seeds would you sow in a drill and how?
Daucus carota.
Sow March - June depending on variety.
Narrow defined trench to receive small seed, 1cm deep formed using the hoe.
Use a string and line to mark drill, and use as a guide for the corner of the hoe.
Water drill before sowing.
Cover with soil and lightly firm.
Label.
Thin to 10cm apart. Dispose of thinnings carefully as can attract carrot fly.
Weed carefully by hand in between, or between rows with a hoe.
Cover with fleece to protect from Carrot fly.
117
How and what would you station sow in groups and why?
Parsnips - slow to germinate and short shelf life, so this makes process more reliable.
Sow 3-4 seeds at each point, 15cm apart, 1cm deep.
Sow mid March-April when soil has warmed up.
Pre water soil.
Thin out weaker seedlings as they emerge, leaving one at each station.
Weed by hand or light hoe in between rows.
Ensure you keep moist.
118
What is meant by station sowing?
Station sowing is the sowing seeds at defined points along a line where they will grow and be harvested. (not transplanted).
119
What is station sowing in a trench?
Sowing seed at defined points in a trench.
120
What and how would you station sow in a trench?
Peas are station sowed in a trench or drill.
Sow in March/April - June
Make a flat bottomed trench 5 cm deep and 15cm wide. A draw hoe is ideal for this.
Sow seeds evenly 5cm apart..
Distance between rows will vary depending on the height of the pea variety.
Cover with soil and firm lightly.
Water with a fine rose watering can after sowing.
Thin out if overcrowded once they germinate.
Weed carefully between rows by hand or hoe.
Water well when the flowering begins and 2 weeks after.
Support will be needed apart from dwarf varieties, such as canes/trellis/netting.
Alternatively peas can be sown in a V shaped drill 5cm deep and 5cm apart.
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What reasons can outdoor sown seeds fail to thrive?
Damping off disease if weather very wet.
Gardener may have to water if dry spell of weather.
The soil surface is disturbed by animals such as cats/foxes and bury/expose seeds.
On a slight slope heavy rain could wash them away.
Birds can eat the seeds such as grass seed.
Large seed such as peas or beans may be eaten by mice. Mice love peas!
Slugs will devour many young seedlings.
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Why might a gardener prefer to sow seeds undercover rather than direct sow outside?
There is a lot less control of environmental conditions outside which is why gardeners may start them off under cover and then transplant then outside - but this is time consuming and cannot be done large scale.
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How do ferns propagate?
Spores not seeds.
They are asexual.
The sexual part happens once they are sown and only when they are exposed to water.
Dampness and humidity are required for fertilisation to happen.
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When are Fern spores ready for propagation?
Check that the spores are at the right stage of ripening-not pale green not pale rusty brown (as they will have already fallen)
Look for dark brown/black colour.
Fern fronds will have spores at different stages of ripening along the frond.
Tapping a leaf and seeing if a cloud of spores is produced is also an indicator of ideal ripening stage.
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How to collect Fern spores for propagation?
Put spore bearing fronds in a paper bag and let spores disperse into the bag over a couple of days in a warm dry room.
Spores will settle in the bag as a powder.
Can be done all year round but most likely in Autumn (Depends on species of fern)
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What type of growing medium do you need when propagating Ferns?
Recommended mix of 50% sharp sand + 50% organic bark based growing medium.
Peat free organic growing medium - bark based compost ideal, as retains moisture and replicates it's natural growing medium.
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How can you sterilise the soil before sowing Fern spores?
# Fill a container with compost - mix of 50% sharp sand and 50% organic bark based compost.
Cover with a piece of newspaper and pour boiling water through the compost until it is draining out the bottom very hot.
Leave to cool.
Remove newspaper before sowing.
This method of sterilisation prevents moss and weed germination.
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What is the method of sowing Fern spores?
Surface sow thinly and evenly. They are dust like so may need to be distributed in silver sand.
Seal in a plastic bag or cover with glass or plastic lid immediately- they must not dry out!
Place in Indirect sunlight
Depending on fern type temperature should be 15-20 for cool temperate (tropical 21-27)
So 21 ° C is a good average (however the RHS says a ‘cool’ environment)
Must be kept moist at all times as the fertilisation process requires moisture for the male and female gametes to unite.
Label!!
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What are the first stage of Fern propagation called?
Prothalli
The first stage (prothalli) looks like a mass of green liverwort type growth. Fertilisation occurs at this stage. Keep moist at all times Be patient! The fern fronds may take some time to appear.
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What is meant by 'patch off' in relation to ferns and propagation?
When 2-3 fronds appear ‘patch off’ where clumps are transferred to individual pots into sterilised compost.
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What must you maintain when propagating Ferns?
A humid atmosphere, by covering with plastic lid or enclosing in a plastic bag.
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What can the change of microclimate do to the ferns when you come to pot them off?
Change of microclimate - The shock of transfer to open air after being enclosed in a sealed environment may result in some losses so handle carefully, mist regularly and harden off gradually.
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When do you pot up Ferns singly?
Pot up singly when 5-8cm tall. Grow on until pot is filled with roots. Then transplant to permanent growing position.
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How long does the process of propagating a fern from sowing to transplanting take?
1-2 years!
