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 TARGETSI 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?

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

Plugs Seeds

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!