Learning Area TLE - AGRI CROP
W2 Quarter
I. LESSON TITLE
II. MOST ESSENTIAL LEARNING
COMPETENCIES (MELCs)
III. CONTENT/CORE CONTENT
IV. LEARNING PHASES
A. Introduction
Grade Level Nine
Three Date
Dig holes and apply basal fertilizer based on recommended amount
- Digging Holes Preparation
REFERENCE
http://www.fao.org/3/Y4360E/y4360e0a.htm
https://soilsmatter.wordpress.com/2016/03/24/is-there-actually-a-right-way-
to-dig-a-hole-for-planting/
https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/goodliving/posts/2017/07/tree-
planting-tips
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/dig-holes-plants-56122.html
Suggested
Learning Activities
Timeframe
DAY 1 The actual digging of the hole is one of the last preparations before
(1 Hour) planting takes place, but it must be emphasized that this is not the final
preparation for the planting operation itself. This is the point where the
required inputs such as organic materials are worked into the soil.
In most soils, the growth of a plant is improved when the holes are
prepared one to two months before planting. Well-rotted manure can also
be used in holes prepared and irrigated shortly before planting, but extreme
care must be observed when putting the manure (and fertilizers), it must be
deep enough to allow a layer of soil at least 15 to 20 cm thick to be placed
between the manure and the roots of the plant.
INFORMATION SHEET 1
Planting your transplants in the right type of hole can make all the
difference in their success. Look at the difference in the same variety of
tomato planted in holes prepared in different ways. Which tomato would
you prefer to have in your yard?
Tomatoes planted in loose, rich uncompacted soil grow more than
twice the size of their neighbor plant in the compacted soil – and produced
more tomatoes!
Photo Credit: C Robinson & P Scullion
Source: https://soilsmatter.wordpress.com/2016/03/24/is-there-actually-a-
right-way-to-dig-a-hole-for-planting/
There are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Hole size depends upon the height of the plant and the size of the pot. As
the pots and plants get larger, so does the hole. Smaller plants – 3 inches or
less – need a hole that’s 6 to 12 inches deep. For the larger garden plants in
a pot greater than 3 inches, dig a hole at about twice the diameter of the
existing pot and 1.5 to 2 times as deep as you want to plant. Make sure you
have plenty room for loose soil in the bottom of your hole, so roots can
thrive.
 Suggested
IV. LEARNING PHASES Learning Activities
Timeframe

Digging the correct size of hole for your plant’s needs. Credit: C Robinso
Photo source:https://soilsmatter.wordpress.com/2016/03/24/is-there-
actually-a-right-way-to-dig-a-hole-for-planting/

2. Place your plant in the hole. Use some compost under the plant, to bring
the crown just below the surface of the soil. Put the compost into the hole
with about half the loose soil and then mix it together. The compost
enhances soil structure that improves air and water movement, and often
increases water availability to plants.

INFORMATION SHEET 2
Steps in Digging Holes
1. Choose a digging tool that fits the job. If you're digging a hole for a
small tomato seedling, a small garden trowel does the trick. If you're
planting a shrub or tree, a larger shovel or spade works best to dig a
larger, deeper hole.
2. Mark the spots for the holes. If you're digging holes for several plants,
determine the spacing you need in between plants, which varies based
on the type. For small plants, such as lettuce or marigolds, may need only
a few inches between plants, while trees need several feet.
3. Inspect the root ball of the plant to get an idea of how large you need
to make the hole. The width and the depth of the hole should be large
enough so that the roots can spread out in their natural growth pattern.
4. Position the trowel, shovel or spade in the location of the hole. Dig down
and remove the soil in the area to the approximate size needed.
5. Remove any rocks you dig up in the area. Break up dirt clumps
remaining in the hole to avoid air pockets during planting.
6. Place the plant in the hole to check on the size. Spread out the roots as
you would for planting. Make adjustments to the hole. Add more soil if it is
too deep. Dig out more soil if it is too shallow.

B. Development DAY 2 Learning Task 1 Write the words or phrase that can be associated with the
(1Hour) term “Digging Hole”.

Digging Hole

Learning Task 2 Read the following questions and write your answer on a
sheet of paper.
1. How deep will you dig to plant tomato seedling?
2. How deep will dig a hole if the pot of a seedling is 3 inches or less?
3. What does compost do to the soil?
4. What tool is used for digging a hole to plant a seedling?
5. Why is spacing in digging holes vary depending on the type of plant?
 Suggested
IV. LEARNING PHASES Learning Activities
Timeframe

Learning Task 3. Look at the picture carefully. If you’re going to transplant

this tomato seedling. What are the things you would consider? Write your
answer in a sheet of paper.

Photo source: https://riseservicesinc.org/the-benefits-of-gardening-for-

people-with-disabilities/

C. Engagement Day 3 Learning Task 4. Performance Task

(1 Hour) Monitoring Plan (Copy the table in a short bond paper. This will serve as your
journal) Read and follow the instruction below:
Name of seedling plant:
Plant #1- Proper digging of holes Plant #2 Improper digging of holes
Observation: Observation:

1. Select 2 seedling plants that you have access to and would be

interested in transplanting. Transplant the first seedling in a right size of hole
and the other one in a simple hole.
2. Be sure that you have enough information about your plants. Your
journal should include step-by-step procedures for the transplant process
including the digging of holes.
3. You should have finished the digging process and recorded your first
observations in the journal. The journals should be as descriptive and
precise as possible.
4. Be sure that the plant is getting the proper amount of light and water,
and the proper type of soil. The plants should be monitored and
observations (including drawing or photographs) must be recorded at
least once a week.
5. If a plant dies early in the project, you must try again. Note in the journal
that the plant has died, and a new attempt is being made.
6. At the end of two to three weeks, you should know if the transplant was
successful. Write a summary and evaluation of the project as described in
the journal.
7. You should send photos of the plants (dead or alive) in the class group
chat. Again, the assessment of the project is not based on whether or not
the plant survived; it is based on the journal.
8. A suggested rubric is provided with this lesson, however, it must be
adjusted to reflect the aspects of the project that are most appropriate for
the class.

D. Assimilation Day 4 It’s important to dig a hole that is at least twice the size of the existing root
(15 mins) ball of the seedling or tree. Depth is more important than width in most
cases; make sure to dig enough hole so that the existing roots can be
completely covered.
 Suggested
IV. LEARNING PHASES Learning Activities
Timeframe
Learning Task 5 Sequencing. Write no. 1-6 on the line to show the right steps
in digging holes. Write your answer in a sheet of paper.

_____ Inspect the root ball of the plant to get an idea of how large you
need to make the hole.
_____ Position the trowel, shovel or spade in the location of the hole.
_____ Place the plant in the hole to check on the size.
_____ Remove any rocks you dig up in the area.
_____Choose a digging tool that fits the job.
_____ Mark the spots for the holes.
V. ASSESSMENT (20 mins) Draw a Seedling in the line if the statement is correct and Hand trowel if it is
(Learning Activity Sheets wrong. Write your answer in a sheet of paper.
for Enrichment, _____1. Rapid growth of the plant is better when the holes are prepared one
Remediation or to two months before planting.
Assessment to be given _____ 2. The size of the hole depends on the height of the plant and the size
on Weeks 3 and 6) of the pot.
_____ 3. Rocks should be removed during digging.
_____ 4. You can use any tools in digging holes for seedling or trees.
_____ 5. Depth is not important in digging holes.
_____ 6. It is better to inspect the root ball of the plant to get an idea of
how large you need to make the hole.
_____ 7.Spacing varies based on the type of plants.
_____ 8. Spacing for small plants, such as lettuce or marigolds, may need
only a few inches between plants, while trees need several feet.
____ 9. Compost help improve soil structure, air and water movement.
____ 10. Well-rotted manure can also be used in a hole before transplanting.

VI. REFLECTION 20 mins • The learner, in their notebook, will write their personal insights about
the lesson “digging holes” using the prompts below.
I understand that ___________________.
I realize that ________________________.
I need to learn more about __________.
Prepared by: Reviewed/Checked
by: GERALDINE M. CONSTANTINO
ALEJANDRA R. RIVERE
LOUIE L. FULLEDO
TLE_AC9_w2