Teaching Organic Farming and Gardening

Propagation/Greenhouse Management

Unit 1.3 | 31
Instructor’s Demonstration 6 Outline

Demonstration 6: Seedling Development and

the “Hardening Off” Process

for the instructor

OVERVIEW

This demonstration shows students

how to prepare seedlings for field

transplanting.

PREPARATION AND MATERIALS

• Seedlings at varying stages of maturity

PREPARATION TIME

0.5 hour

DEMONSTRATION TIME

0.5 hour

DEMONSTRATION OUTLINE

A. The Hardening Off Process

1. Define the hardening off process and its role in seedling
   maturation and survival


2. Discuss characteristics of seedling maturity (see
   appendix 9)


3. Discuss regional importance and influence on duration
   of hardening off process. Greater temperature
   differences between greenhouse and field conditions will
   require a longer hardening off period.


4. Discuss and demonstrate the various propagation
   structures and techniques used in the hardening-off
   progression
   a) Highly controlled environment of greenhouse settings
   b) Partially moderated conditions: Hoophouses
   c) Outdoor benches approximating field conditions


5. Provide examples of seedlings prepared
   for transplanting