Workshop Module 5: Seed Saving and Nurseries 157Field activity : Make good quality potting soil
Method : Making good quality potting soilTools : Soil ingredients, tools, and containers as described belowReferences : PC Book MOD 5 – Seed Saving and NurseriesObjective : Participants learn how to make good quality potting soilIn the “Soil mixtures” section of the PC Book MOD 5 – Seed Saving and Nurseries
there are several different soil mixture compositions described. Use ingredients that are
available locally and make 1 soil mixture for vegetable seedlings and 1 for tree seedlings
to show the differences. If possible make several different mixtures so the results can be
compared. Note: The facilitator should take the time to explain why good soil mixtures
for nurseries are different to ground soil and how it will benefit the plants.
The most important part of making a good soil for seedlings is to make sure that the
plant roots can grow easily and that water can drain easily. Usually soil from the ground
is too dense and needs to be mixed with other ingredients to provide drainage and root
growth space. It is also important to provide a small but steady supply of nutrients for
seedlings. All plant seeds contain the food needed by the plant for the first few weeks
of growth.
Preparation
Photocopy enough of the “Soil mixtures” section from PC Book MOD 5 – Seed Saving
and Nurseries so that each participant can take one set of references home.
Collect the materials and tools needed for:
- Making the soil mixtures.
- Putting it into containers.
Create the soil mixtures with the participants. Put it into plant containers.
For detailed instructions on making soil mixtures including:
- Ingredients needed.
- Ratios of ingredients for different needs.
See the “Soil mixtures” section of the PC Book MOD 5 – Seed Saving and Nurseries.
Note: This exercise could be combined with the following exercise on making banana
leaf and banana trunk plant containers.
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ACTIVITYPARTICIPATORY