PLANTING PLUGS BELL RINGER Write the answer to

PLANTING PLUGS

BELL RINGER Write the answer to the questions in your notebook. GET STARTED!!! What is a plug? What is the difference between a plug and a seed.

LEARNING TARGETS I can understand the importance of plugs. I can describe the difference between plug and seeds. I can follow the steps to plant a plug.

WHAT IS PLUGS? Seedlings grown in a fine textured artificial soil mix in special plastic trays containing numerous small cells. Trays can hold 128 to 800 seedlings.

WHY IS PLANTING PLUGS IMPORTANT? Rapid mass production of seedlings Transplantation shock is almost nonexistent Root masses are stable Increased growth rate MONEY!

OKAY, SO PLUGS ARE IMPORTANT! WHAT ABOUT THE ADVANTAGES? Cost of soil is low Fertilizer is done with water soluble plant foods Seedling environment is controlled by manipulation Simplest method for plants that are hard to germinate

WHAT IT THE DIFFERENCE? Plugs Seeds Small plant grown in a tray Has separate cell of compost Smallest are mini-plugs Largest are maxi-plugs Ripened plant ovule containing an embryo A source or beginning of a plant

PETUNIAS

BEGONIAS

GERANIUMS

WHAT WILL THE PLUGS BE TRANSPLANTED IN?

DO I NEED ANY MATERIALS? Plug plants Dibble or pencil Potting soil Watering cans Trays or pots

STEP 1: REMOVE PLUGS FROM TRAYS! Plugs arrive, water and store them in a cool place Fill your tray or pot up with soil DO NOT COMPACT SOIL Use the end of your pencil to GENTLY push the plug out of the tray

STEP 2: PLANT UP IN MODULES Make a small hole in the center of the pot or tray cell Insert the plug Push the soil around the plug firmly DO NOT COMPACT SOIL Leave about 1/8 in headspace from the top of the rim

STEP 3: WATER THE NEWLY TRANSPLANTED PLUGS Make sure the soil is moist to the touch Soil should not be drenched PLANT CAN DIE FROM OVERWATERING Color of soil should be dark Too light color of soil needs more water

ARE YOU READY TO START? Is fun and easy! You will benefit from planting plugs through the FFA Spring Sale! Tell you parents and family! It will help to support trips and activities!