Republic of The Philippines Department of Education Region XI Division of Davao Del Norte District of Asuncion - O0o-Asuncion National High School

Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Region XI
DIVISION OF DAVAO DEL NORTE
District of Asuncion
-o0o-
ASUNCION NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Sector : AGRI FISHERY
Qualification Title: HORTICULTURE NC II
Unit of Competency: PRODUCE VEGETABLE CROPS
Module Title: GROWING OF SEEDLINGS
Department of Education
Asuncion National High School
Asuncion, Davao del Norte
HORTICULTURE NC II
List of Competencies
No. Unit of Competency Module Title Code

Conduct pre-horticultural Conducting pre- AGR611101
1. farm operations horticultural farm
operations
Date Developed: Document No.
Horticulture NC II
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Produce Vegetable April 5, 2013 Page 1 of 34
crop Prepared by:
Growing seedling Ariel D. Orcullo
Revision # 01
Produce vegetables Producing vegetables AGR611102
2.
Produce fruit bearing Producing fruit bearing AGR611103
3. crops crops
Perform post harvest Performing post harvest AGR611104
4. operations of major operations of major tropical
tropical fruits fruits
Perform post harvest Performing post harvest AGR611105
operations of major operations of major
5. lowland and semi- lowland and semi-
temperate vegetable temperate vegetable crops
crops

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MODULE CONTENT
UNIT OF COMPETENCY PRODUCE VEGETABLE CROPS
MODULE TITLE GROWING OF SEEDLNGS
MODULE DESCRIPTOR: This module covers the knowledge, skills,

and attitude in selecting good quality seeds,
seed testing, soil components, soil
sterilization, sowing of seeds, and proper
management of seedlings.
NOMINAL DURATION: 60 HRS
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of this module you MUST be able to:
LO 1. Select quality seeds
LO 2. Prepare growing media and sow seed
LO 3. Demonstrate care and management of seedlings
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
1. The seeds selected are free from damage, disease, clean and true-to-
type.
2. The seeds selected have passed 80% or above standard as a result of
seed testing.
3. If the % germination of seeds is lower than 80%, the quantity of seeds
is adjusted.
4. Components of the growing media are gathered and mixed thoroughly
based on the required proportion for vegetable crop production.
5. Growing media is sterilized properly.
6. Methods of sowing seeds are performed based on the set standards of
the VPM.
7. Correct amount of water is provided to the seedlings.
8. Right kind and amount of fertilizer is applied in accordance with the
procedure set in the Vegetable Production manual (VPM).
9. Pricking, thinning, and rouging are properly performed.
10. Seedlings are hardened prior to transplanting to ensure good head
start based on the approved cultural practices described in the VPM.
11. Right kind and amount of pesticides are applied.

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LEARNING OUTCOME NO. 1 Select quality seeds
ASSESSMENTS CRITERIA:
1. The seeds selected are free from damage, disease, clean and
true-to-type.
2. The seeds selected have passed 80% or above standard as a
result of seed testing.
3. If the % germination of seeds is lower than 80%, the quantity of
seeds is adjusted.
CONTENTS:
 Secure and select good quality seeds

 Seed testing and seed treatment
 Percentage germination and adjusting seeding rate
CONDITIONS:
The following resources are needed:

 reference materials
 various vegetable seeds
 seed bed
 seed box
 Petri dish
 seed trays/germinating trays
 piece of cloth
METHODOLOGIES:
 Demonstration
 Lecture
 Group Activity
 Project-based instruction
ASSESSMENT METHODS:
 Written test
 Interview
 Practical Test

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Learning Experiences
Learning Outcome 1 Select quality seeds
Learning Activities Special Instructions

Read the info sheet 2.2-1 Select Read and understand the
quality seeds information sheet and check
Answering self-check 2.2-1 yourself by answering the self-
check. You must answer all
question correctly before
Checking answer with answer key proceeding to the next activity
2.2-1
Read task sheet Task sheet, job sheet will help you
2.2-1 % of seeds germination practice your skill.
The performance criteria checklist
Perform task sheet 2.2-1 % of seeds will guide and help you evaluate
germination your work as practicing your skill.
Check task criteria Evaluate your own work using the
performance
2.2-1 performance criteria. When you are
ready, present your work to your
Read Job sheet 2.2-1 select good
trainer for final evaluation and
quality seeds
recording.
Perform Job sheet 2.2-1
Check performance Criteria 2.2-1

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Information Sheet 2.2-1
SELECT QUALITY SEEDS
Learning Objectives:
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to:
1. secure and select quality seeds ;
2. perform seed testing and seed treatment;
3. determine the percentage of germination of seeds; and
4. recognize the value of seed selection, seed testing and seed treatment.
Let us Define
Seed - a fertilized and ripened ovule which may develop into a plant by
germination.
Seed testing - the operation involved in determining whether or not
seeds are viable, free from diseases, injuries and foreign
matters or their combination.
Germination - the development of the seed into a young plant.
Dormancy - a period in which a plant has no active growth in response
Securing Seeds
There are two ways of securing the seeds to be planted:
1. You can buy seeds from seed stores in your town or order from
reliable seed producers in the city.
2. You can also produce your seeds to plant.
Factors to Consider in Securing your Seeds to Plant.
 Quality of the product
 Adaptation of seeds to ones locality.
Advantages of Producing your own Seeds
 Supply of seeds for your farm is always made available.
 Higher percentage of germination is assured.
 Improvement of quality and quantity of the produce is possible.
Disadvantages of Producing your Seeds
 Seed growing is an exacting work.
 It competes with the normal work in the nursery.
 It calls for knowledge of the principles of plant breeding.
 It calls for keen observation.
 It requires close application of details.

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Farmers are very much aware that the quality of seeds affects the
yield of crops but still many are using low quality seeds. This is because of
the inability of some farmers to secure good quality seeds. Good quality
seeds should possess the following characteristics:
 Damage free –seeds that do not possess cracks, holes and are not
broken
 True- to-type - seeds that carry the desirable characteristics of the
parents
 Viable – seeds that germinate and able to survive until the stored food
in the cotyledon is consumed up to the time it can support itself by
absorbing plant food nutrients from the soil through their root system
 Free from mixtures – seeds that are free from weed seeds and other
foreign matters.
 Free from seed borne diseases
 Properly developed – The size of seeds depends upon the amount of
food stored in it. It is important that the seeds are large, plump and
well developed. If the seeds are small and wrinkled, they may not
contain enough stored food for their initial growth that is why crops
that grow from poorly developed seeds are stunted during the early
stages of growth and never recover sufficiently to produce normal
plants.
After selecting your seeds, you must also test the viability of your
seeds.
Nearly 50% of the local farmers who engage in small-scale vegetable
growing save their own seeds for next planting season. This can be done
provided that the seeds are still viable during the planting season. To be
sure that the seeds are viable, you have to conduct seed testing and
compute for the % germination.
Seed Testing
Purposes of Seed Testing
 Discover whether or not the seed is true to its name, except as to

variety.
 Ascertain whether or not it has been intentionally adulterated.
 Remove the relative proportions of inert material and of foreign seed.
 Disclose the presence of noxious or other weed seeds.
 Find out the percentage of seed germination
 Find out the amount of seeds needed to plant in a given area.
 Economize labor and expenses in re-planting.
 Obtain a uniform stand of crops.
Methods of Seed Testing
 Floating in water. For example in rice, before the rice grains are
sown in the field, farmers usually submerge the seeds in a container
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of water to test the seeds. All floating seeds are thrown away for they
are empty and are not going to germinate. This method is also true to
vegetable seeds.
 Breaking the seed coat. This method is practiced to seeds that have
hard seed coat.
 Winnowing. If you winnow, all the seeds that are blown away or
carried away by the wind are empty.
 Germinating the seeds using the following methods:
a. rag doll
b. seed box
c. petri dish/plate
Seed Germination
External conditions required in the germination of seeds

 Viability or vitality. The seed must be viable with a good alive embryo.
Immature and unhealthy seeds produce weak and unhealthy plants.
 Proper amount of moisture. The soil must be moist. Soil must contain
sufficient quantity of moisture necessary for germination. The seed
absorbs moisture which cause, all the parts to soften and swell to
burst its covering and allow the embryo to come out. If the soil is too
dry the seed could hardly absorb water to hasten its germination.
 Proper degree of temperature and amount of light.
 Suitability of the soil.
Why do some seeds fail to germinate?
 The seeds are in their dormant stage.
 The seed coat is thick and hard.
 The seeds are immature.
 The seeds have dead embryo.
 The ground is too dry
 The weather is too cold
Special treatment for some seeds in order to germinate

 By cracking the seed coat. If the seed has thick and hard seed coat,
crack or file it to allow water and oxygen to get inside the seed. In
cracking the seed, care should be observed so as not to injure the
flesh of the seed which will be the source of infection and rotting that
will cause the seed to decay.
 By heating. If the seed is in a dormant stage, heat it a little. By
heating it up, the embryo becomes active as it starts to grow. Over
heating is also dangerous as it will kill the embryo.
 By better storage facilities. The death of the seed embryo due to faulty
storage facilities may be prevented by the use of better one where
seeds are kept up until planting time.

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When a seed begins to germinate, the root is the first part to grow. It
becomes well established before the other parts of the embryo emerge
above the surface of the soil so that the seedlings may not be easily
dislodged from its position and the parts which are soon to be exposed to
the drying influence of the sun and wind and may continually be
supplied with water from the soil. The seed must be covered with fine soil
more or less as thick as the seed itself.
Determining the Percentage of Germination of Seeds
Below are the rules in computing the % of germination of seeds
Rule 1: If you test 100 seeds, the number of seeds germinated equals the
percentage germination of the seeds.
Example: You tested 100 seeds of eggplant using the rag doll method, 85
seeds germinated. The % of germination of the seeds then is 85%.
Rule 2. If you test less than or more than 100 seeds use the formula below
in computing the % of germination of the seeds.
Example: Mr. X tested 125 seeds of hybrid tomato and 105 germinated.
What is the % of germination of the tomato seeds?
No. of seeds germinated
%germination = _________________________ x 100
No. of seeds tested
105
= x 100
125
10500
= 125
% Germination = 84 %

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Rule 3. If you found out that the % of germination of your seeds is below
80, you need to adjust your seed bulk. Use the formula below in adjusting
the seed bulk.
Amount of seeds needed

Adjusted amount of seed = _________________________ x 100
% germination
Example:
You needed 200 seedlings to plant your garden. You found out that
your seeds have only 75 % germination. How many seeds will you sow?
Let: X = the number of seeds to sow or your adjusted seeds
200
X = ___________ X 100
75
111
= __________ X 100
75
= 266.6 or 267 seeds
LET US REMEMBER
It is important to select good quality seeds to attain quantity and
quality harvest. Likewise, it is also necessary to test your seeds before
planting them to economize time, labor and expenses.
When seeds fail to germinate, treat them to break their dormancy

period and to hasten seed germination.

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Self- Check 2.2-1
A. Filling the blanks. Fill in the blanks by writing a word or group of
words to complete the sentence. Write your answers in your quiz
notebook.
1. The fertilized and ripened ovule which may develop into a young plant
is _____________________.
2. ____________refers to the rest period of seeds.
3. The operation involved whether or not the seeds are viable, clean, free
from diseases and mixture refers to ___________________.
4. An immature plant inside the seed which consists of the radicle and
the plumule is ________________.
5. In germination, the ________________ is the first one to come out in the

seed when planted in the soil.
B. Modified true or false. Write true if the statement is correct and if it

is wrong, change the underlined word or group of words to make the
statement correct.
1. Farmers can plant only seeds purchased from reliable seed stores.
2. Good quality seeds are those that are not viable, clean, true-to-type
and free from seed borne diseases.
3. Seed treatment is performed to determine the viability, cleanliness

and the percentage of germination of the seeds.
4. Seeds fail to germinate if these are immature.
5. To hasten the germination of seeds with thick and hard seed coats, we
can perform special seed treatment like cracking the seed coat.

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ANSWER KEY 2.2-1
A.
1.SEED
2.DORMAN SEED
3.SEED TESTING
4.EMBRIO
5.ROOT OR RADICAL
B.
1. NOT ONLY
2. ARE
3. SEED TESTING
4. TRUE

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TASK SHEET 2.2-1
Title: Select quality seeds
Performance Objective: Given the task and activity
assigned to you, should be able determine the Percentage of
Germination of Seeds by following the operative standard procedures:
Supplies/Materials :Learning Module
Equipment :Seeds testing
Steps/Procedure:
1. Testing the seeds by Rag doll method
2. Prepare a clean rag measuring 5 cm x 15 cm and a stick 5-8 cm
long.
3. Prepare at least 1 tablespoon of seeds for testing. Do not select.
4. Lay a rag on any flat surface and distribute the seeds evenly in
rows on the rag.
5. Roll the rag around the stick for support. Moisten the cloth and
place it in a warn-moist place.
6. Unroll the rag 5 days after. Determine the germination rate
following the formula.
No. of seeds germinated
%germination = _________________________ x 100
No. of seeds tested
7. If the percentage of germination below 80%, adjust the amount of
seeds per kilogram and the number of seeds that you will sow.
Amount of seeds needed
Adjusted amount of seed = _________________________ x 100
% germination
8. Present your work to your trainer
Assessment Method:
Demo

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Performance Criteria Checklist 2.1-1
CRITERIA
YES NO
Does your output have the following
Can prepare a clean rag measuring 5 cm x 15 cm and a
stick 5-8 cm long?
Can prepare at least 1 tablespoon of seeds for testing?
Can lay a rag on any flat surface and distribute the

seeds evenly in rows on the rag?
Can roll the rag around the stick for support. Moisten
the cloth and place it in a warn-moist place?
Can determine the germination rate after 5 days?

Can compute and gather the percentage of germination?
Can Adjust the amount of seeds per kilogram?
Can adjust the number of seeds needed?

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Name: _________________________ Section : ____________
JOB SHEET 2.2-1

Title: Select quality seeds
Performance Objective: Given the task and activity assigned to

you, should be able select quality seeds by following the operative
standard procedures:
Supplies/Materials :learning reference, pencil, paper,
Equipment : seeds
Steps/Procedure:
Get a bulk of seeds from your teacher for you to perform seed selection.
Perform the following:

a. Separate the seeds having the following characteristics:
1. Seeds which are plump and mature
2. Seeds with holes
3. Seeds with cracks
4. Insect infested seeds
5. Disease infected seeds
6. Seeds which are wrinkled and immature
7. Remove foreign materials or matters such as weed seeds, crushed
leaves and stems, small stones, etc.
b. Present your work to your teacher for evaluation.
Assessment Method:
Demo

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CRITERIA
YES NO
Can separate the seeds which are plump and mature?
Can separate the seeds with holes?
Can separate the seeds with cracks?
Can separate the seeds which infested by Insect?
Can separate the seeds which infected by Disease?
Can separate the seeds which are wrinkled and
immature
Can separate the seeds from foreign materials or matters
such as weed seeds, crushed leaves and stems, small
stones, etc.

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Learning Outcome 2. Prepare growing media and sow seed
1. Components of the growing media are gathered and mixed
thoroughly based on the required proportion for vegetable crop
production.
2. Growing media is sterilized properly.
3. Methods of sowing seeds are performed based on the set
standards of the VPM.
CONTENTS:
 Components of the growing media

 Methods of soil sterilization
 Sowing seeds
CONDITIONS:

 sieved sand
 compost
 sawdust
 rice hull
 sprinkler
 water hose
 seeds
METHODOLOGIES:
 Lecture with demonstration

 Group discussion
ASSESSMENT METHODS:
 Interview
 Demonstration
 Observation

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Learning Outcome 2 Prepare growing media and sow seed

Read the info sheet 2.2-2 Prepare Read and understand the
growing media and sow seed information sheet and check
yourself by answering the self-
Answering self-check 2.2-2 check. You must answer all
question correctly before
proceeding to the next activity
Checking answer with answer key
2.2-2
-Read Task sheet 2.2-2 Preparing Task sheet operational sheet will
and sowing seeds box help you practice your skill.
The performance criteria checklist
Perform Task sheet 2.2-2 will guide and help you evaluate
your work as practicing your skill.
Trainer Check task performance Evaluate your own work using the
criteria 2.2-2 performance criteria. When you are
ready, present your work to your
recording.

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Prepare growing media and sow seed
At the end of the lesson you will be able to:
1. At gather and mix thoroughly the components of the growing media;
2. give the importance of soil sterilization;
3. sow seeds; and
4. appreciate the value of prevention through cleanliness and sanitation.
Let us Define
Soil sterilization - the process of subjecting the soil to heat or chemicals

to kill micro organisms and other bacteria.
Sanitation - an activity that reduces the spread of pathogen inoculums,
such as removal and destruction of infected plant parts,
cleaning of tools and field equipment.
Shed - a roof used to protect seedlings and other plants.
Seed beds - especially prepared plots where seeds are germinated.
The best soil for general nursery purposes is a friable loam, rich in
humus with a proper percentage of clay. In cases that these are not
available, the growing media can be prepared by thoroughly mixing the
following components:
 1 part garden soil
 1 part sieved sand
 1 part compost
 1 part sawdust or rice hull
These soil components are thoroughly mixed together and will be
placed in seed boxes, plastic bags, seed trays or germinating trays or to the
seed beds.
To ensure the safety of seedlings from soil borne diseases, sterilize the
growing media. Sterilized soil safeguards the seedlings from the attack of
damping-off which commonly destroy young seedlings in seed boxes or seed
beds.
Methods of Soil Sterilization
1. Burning organic materials on the soil

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A common method of soil sterilization is heating up the soil. The high
temperature will cause the death of many micro-organisms, including
pathogens on the top of the soil and insect pests with soil-dwelling stages
such as cut worms.
2. Pouring boiling water to the soil
3. Solarization- Solarization as a method of soil sterilization uses the sun to
heat the soil. Solarization can control soil borne diseases, weed seeds and
some nematodes including root knot nematodes.
To solarize soil, the soil is covered with clear polyethylene or plastic

sheets. The best time is during the hot season, where there is plenty of sun.
The sun heats up the soil through the plastic and the plastic sheet keeps
the heat inside the soil. The sheets should be left in the field for 4 weeks.
4. Biofumigation
Soil borne pests and pathogens can be suppressed by chemical
compounds that are released during decomposition of certain crops. This is
called biofumigation. The chemical compounds that kill or suppress
pathogens are principally isothiocyanates. Those crops with biofumigation
potentials are used as rotation crop, a companion or a green manure crop.
5. Chemical treatment
Treat the soil with chemicals like Formaldehyde, 1 tablespoon per 1
gallon of water. However, the use of chemicals is not environmentally
friendly because chemicals may kill not only destructive micro-organisms
but also the beneficial ones.
Preparing the Seed Beds/Seed Boxes
In large scale planting, the vegetable seedlings are raised in outdoor
seed beds instead of seed boxes. In this system, the seedlings maybe raised
economically. The seed bed should be carefully prepared by spading and
raking to pulverize the soil. Improvement may be made by adding the
prepared growing media.
A 1 X 10 square meter seed bed is good enough. It is 5 to 10 cm above
the level of the ground
You are through preparing your growing media. The next activity you
will do is to propagate your plants.
Sowing Seeds
Sowing is the most important operation in crop production. The seed
must be placed at a required depth in a moist soil so as to get optimum
condition for its germination.
Too shallow sowing results in thin germination due to inadequate soil
moisture at topsoil layer. Similarly, if the seeds are sown very deep in the
soil, the young seedlings may not be able to push their shoots above

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through thick soil layer. Seed must be sown at proper depth and should be
properly covered with soil so as to get adequate moisture for its germination.
If you are planning to produce seedlings for backyard garden, it is
convenient to sow the seeds in seed boxes, plastic cups, fruit juice
containers, small polyethylene bags or germinating trays.
However, if you intend to plant in commercial scale, it is logical to sow
the seeds in seed beds because one hectare of solanaceous crops requires
52,000 to 68,000 seedlings which need 10 plots measuring 1 X 10 square
meters.
Steps in Sowing Seeds in Seed Boxes and Seed Beds
1. Moisten the soil media.
2. Sow the seeds in rows or broadcast evenly and thinly. Broadcasting is
less satisfactory than sowing the seeds in rows a few centimeters
apart unless pricking is to be done. Broadcasting of seeds, however, is
not advisable because of the following reasons:
 The air circulation between the plants is not sufficient.
 Seedlings dry less quickly, and such a condition is favorable for
the growth of fungi.
 Weeds are harder to control.
 It is hard to produce stocky seedlings because the seeds are not
properly covered with soil.
3. Cover the seeds with thin layer of fine soil sufficient enough to cover
the fine seeds.
4. Press down firmly the whole surface of the seed box or seed bed with a
flat board to ensure compact surface.
5. Water the seed beds/seed boxes using a sprinkler with fine holes or
water hose with fine spray.
LET US REMEMBER
Seed bed preparation and management are the most important
factors in the success of any vegetable planting. The seed bed must be
smooth and weed free because weeds will compete with seedlings for
nutrients, water and sunlight. A smooth clump-free seed bed will guarantee
firm contact between the soil and seed, thus enhancing seed germination.
To prevent soil borne diseases, the soil must be sterilized.

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Self- Check 2.2-2
Matching type: Match Column A to Column B. Write only the LETTER of

your answer in your test notebook.
COLUMN A COLUMN B
1. seed beds a. any activity that reduces the spread of
pathogen inoculums, such as removal
and destruction of infected plant parts,
cleaning of tools and equipment.
2. growing media b. the process of subjecting the soil to heat
and chemicals to kill micro organisms and
other bacteria.
3. soil sterilization c. prepared garden plots primarily for
production of seedlings.
4. sowing seeds d. compose of equal parts of garden sieved
sand, compost and saw dust or rice hull.
5. sanitation e. the placing and depositing of seeds in a
moist soil for good seed germination.
f. a box filled with soil or growing media
where seeds are germinated.

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Answer key 2.2-2
1. C
2. D
3. B
4. E
5. A
Name: ___________________________________ Section: ________________

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TASK SHEET 2.2-2
Title: Prepare growing media and sow seed
Performance Objective: Given the tools and equipment assigned

to you, should be able to prepared growing media and sow seeds by
following the operative standard procedures:.
Supplies/Materials :
Equipment : Tools, seed bed, seed box
Steps/Procedure:
1. Moisten the soil media.
2. Sow the seeds in rows or broadcast evenly and thinly.
Broadcasting is less satisfactory than sowing the seeds in rows a
few centimeters apart unless pricking is to be done. Broadcasting
of seeds,
3. Cover the seeds with thin layer of fine soil sufficient enough to
cover the fine seeds.
4. Press down firmly the whole surface of the seed box or seed bed
with a flat board to ensure compact surface.
5. Water the seed beds/seed boxes using a sprinkler with fine holes
or water hose with fine spray.
6. Report to your trainer that you are done.
Assessment Method:
Practicum and Observation, Performance Checklist

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CRITERIA
YES NO
Can moisten the soil media?
Can sow the seeds in rows or broadcast evenly and
thinly. Broadcasting is less satisfactory than sowing the
seeds in rows a few centimeters apart unless pricking is
to be done. Broadcasting of seeds?
Can cover the seeds with thin layer of fine soil sufficient
enough to cover the fine seeds?
Can press down firmly the whole surface of the seed box
or seed bed with a flat board to ensure compact surface?
Can water the seed beds/seed boxes using a sprinkler
with fine holes or water hose with fine spray?
Learning Outcome 3. Demonstrate care and management of seedlings

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1. Correct amount of water is provided to the seedlings.

2. Right kind and amount of fertilizer is applied in accordance with
the procedure set in the Vegetable Production manual (VPM).
3. Pricking, thinning, and rouging are properly performed.
4. Seedlings are hardened prior to transplanting to ensure good
head start based on the approved cultural practices described in
the VPM.
5. Right kind and amount of pesticides are applied.
CONTENTS:
 Care of germinating seeds

 Care of seedlings
 Pricking out, hardening off
 Thinning and rouging
CONDITIONS:

 seedbeds
 seed boxes
 sprinklers
 fertilizers
 pesticides
 sprayers
 dibbler
METHODOLOGIES:
 Lecture/Discussion
 Group Discussion
 Demonstration
ASSESSMENT METHOD:
 Interview
 Written Test
 Observation
 Demonstration
 Evaluate the project
Learning Outcome 3 Demonstrate care and management of seedlings
Horticulture NC II
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Revision # 01
Read the info sheet 2.2-3 Read and understand the
Demonstrate care and management information sheet and check
of seedlings yourself by answering the self-
check. You must answer all
Answering self-check 2.2-3 question correctly before
proceeding to the next activity
Checking answer with answer key
2.2-3
Read Job sheet 2.2-3 Practices in Job sheet will help you practice
the care and management of your skill.
seedlings The performance criteria checklist
will guide and help you evaluate
Perform Job sheet 2.2-3 your work as practicing your skill.
Evaluate your own work using the
Trainer Check job performance performance criteria. When you are
criteria 2.2-3 ready, present your work to your
recording.

Demonstrate care and management of seedlings
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At the end of the lesson you will be able to:
1. identify what care and management you can give to the germinating
seeds and growing seedlings;
2. perform pricking, hardening, thinning and rouging; and
3. develop diligence, patience and industry.
Let us Define
Hardening - the practice of gradually exposing the seedlings to full

sunlight at least a week before transplanting.
Pricking - the transferring of young seedlings when the seedlings have
already developed the first two true leaves from thickly populated
seed bed or seed box.
Thinning - the process of reducing the number of seedlings in the seed
box or seed bed that are thickly populated.
Roguing - the removal of diseased or heavily damaged seedlings.
Seeds even have their own food supply to start them off at least until
they can extend roots and draw food and water from the soil.
Before sowing water the seed beds, seed boxes, and trays to give the
seeds a good start. There after, these should be watered at least once a day.
The seedlings should also be fertilized as the case maybe, sprayed to control
insect pests and diseases and remove weeds whenever necessary.
Care of Germinating Seedlings
 Protect the seeds sown in seed beds from ants by spraying

insecticides which drive away ants. In the case of seed boxes, let the
legs of the seed boxes stand in cans filled with water and little
petroleum to prevent the ants from reaching the seed boxes.
 Seed boxes should be placed under the shade and should be provided
will temporary shelter.
 Regulate watering. Too much or too little of it may prevent
germination.
Care of Seedlings
 When seedlings are already growing, water them once with 3-4
Horticulture NC II
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tablespoons of ammonium sulfate dissolved in sprinkler of water.
 Expose the seedlings to the morning sun not later than eight o’clock
everyday. The length of exposure depends upon the resistance of the
seedlings to heat.
 Protect the seedlings from excessive heat or strong rain.
 If dumping-off develops, remove immediately the infected seedlings
with the soil surrounding them. Burn the disease infected seedlings
and soil to avoid further spread of the disease.
Pricking
In cases where seedling in seed boxes or seed beds is thickly
populated, practice pricking out. This is done by transferring young
seedlings (when the firsts two true leaves have already developed) to another
seed box or seed bed on individual plastic bags.
The rule in pricking is never handle the plants by their stems which
bruise easily, but always by their seed leaves. Others use a sharpened wood
or a metal device called dibble to separate and ease out the seedlings, taking
care not to damage the delicate roots.
Hardening Off
It will be necessary to harden off your seedlings before transplanting
them into the garden beds. This is accomplished by placing the seedlings
outside in a sheltered location. At this point the seedlings are very tender
and could easily be broken by wind and rain. Start out by placing the
seedlings in full morning sunlight for one hour. Increase the time in full
sunlight gradually adding time each day. Protect your seedlings from wind
and animals to prevent breakage of the tender vegetation. Within a week
your seedlings should be able to withstand full sunlight the whole day
without wilting or burning the tender leaves.
Thinning and Roguing
Some plants with tiny seeds are delicate. They can be sown along a
shallow drill and later some seedlings can be pulled out leaving the healthy
seedlings about 5 cm apart. This is called thinning. Meanwhile, the process
of pulling out disease infected or damaged seedlings is roguing
Thinning is the process of reducing the number of seedlings in the

seed bed or seed box. This should be done as follows:
 Moisten the seed box or seed bed a few hours before thinning.
 Remove the weak, unhealthy and poor-looking seedlings. Press
back firmly the disturbed soil with hands immediately.
 Throw the seedlings being pulled out or burry them into the
Horticulture NC II
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soil.
Value of Thinning
Thinning accelerates the free circulation of air which makes the

seedlings sturdier and healthier.
If the right amount or quality of seeds is sown evenly, there is no need

for thinning.
LET US REMEMBER
The success of producing good quality seedlings depends on how you

managed your nursery work specifically on how you prepared your growing
media, how you sowed your seeds and how you took good care and managed
the seedlings.
Self Check 2.2-3

Horticulture NC II
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Date Revised:
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Revision # 01
A. True or False. Write TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE if it is
wrong. Write your answer in your quiz notebook.
1. An establishment where seedlings are propagated and nursed prior to
planting them in the field is the nursery.
2. The nursery should be totally shaded to protect the seedlings from heat of
the sun and beat of the rain.
3. A good nursery must also have a room for the tools/farm implements
and equipment to be kept or stored when they are not in use.
4. It is important to sterilize the growing media to ensure the seedlings from
soil borne diseases.
5. The nursery should be arranged properly so as to have aesthetic beauty
and ease of work.
B. Filling the blanks. Fill in the blanks with a word or group of words to
complete the sentence.
1. The development of a seed into a young plant is _______________.
2. Exposing the seedlings gradually to sunlight a week before
transplanting is called_________________________.
3. When seedlings have developed the first two true leaves in a thickly
populated seed bed or seed box, they could be _____________________
to another seed bed or seed box.
4. The removal of disease infected and heavily damaged seedlings is
called________.
5. If a farmer raises seedlings to plant a hectare of land, it is advisable to
sow the seeds in the _________________.
Answer Key 2.2-3

Horticulture NC II
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Date Revised:
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Revision # 01
A.
1. TRUE
2. TRUE
3. TRUE
4. TRUE
5. TRUE
B.
1. GERMINATION
2. HARVENING
3. PRICKED
4. ROGUING
5. SEEDBEDS

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JOB SHEET 2.2-3
Title: Practices in the care and management of seedlings
Performance Objective: Given the tools and equipment assigned

to you, should be able to practices in the care and management of
seedlings by following the operative standard procedures:.
Supplies/Materials :
Equipment : seed bed, seed box
Steps/Procedure:
Practices in the care and Poor Fair Good Excellent
management of seedlings (5) (4) (2) (1)
1. Watering at least once a
day
2. Pricking
3. Thinning
4. Roguing
5. Hardening off
1. Perform the practices listed in the above table in your own seed
box. Your teacher will evaluate your work upon accomplishing it.
The teacher will use the same table in rating your work.
Assessment Method:
Practicum and Observation, Performance Checklist

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CRITERIA
YES NO
Watered the plant at least once a day?
Can perform Pricking?
Can perform Thinning?
Can perform Roguing?
Can perform Hardening off?
Can perform the activity excellent?
Can perform the activity following the common the
operative standard procedures?

Horticulture NC II
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Date Revised:
crop Prepared by:
Revision # 01

Republic of The Philippines Department of Education Region XI Division of Davao Del Norte District of Asuncion - O0o-Asuncion National High School

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Republic of the Philippines

ASUNCION NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Sector : AGRI FISHERY

Qualification Title: HORTICULTURE NC II

Unit of Competency: PRODUCE VEGETABLE CROPS

Module Title: GROWING OF SEEDLINGS

No. Unit of Competency Module Title Code

Date Developed: Document No.

UNIT OF COMPETENCY PRODUCE VEGETABLE CROPS

MODULE TITLE GROWING OF SEEDLNGS

MODULE DESCRIPTOR: This module covers the knowledge, skills,

NOMINAL DURATION: 60 HRS

LO 2. Prepare growing media and sow seed

LO 3. Demonstrate care and management of seedlings

Date Developed: Document No.

 Secure and select good quality seeds

The following resources are needed:

Date Developed: Document No.

Learning Activities Special Instructions

Date Developed: Document No.

Date Developed: Document No.

Purposes of Seed Testing

 Discover whether or not the seed is true to its name, except as to

Methods of Seed Testing

External conditions required in the germination of seeds

Special treatment for some seeds in order to germinate

Date Developed: Document No.

Date Developed: Document No.

Amount of seeds needed

Let: X = the number of seeds to sow or your adjusted seeds

= 266.6 or 267 seeds

When seeds fail to germinate, treat them to break their dormancy

Date Developed: Document No.

2. ____________refers to the rest period of seeds.

5. In germination, the ________________ is the first one to come out in the

B. Modified true or false. Write true if the statement is correct and if it

3. Seed treatment is performed to determine the viability, cleanliness

4. Seeds fail to germinate if these are immature.

Date Developed: Document No.

Date Developed: Document No.

Supplies/Materials :Learning Module

Equipment :Seeds testing

Date Developed: Document No.

Can lay a rag on any flat surface and distribute the

Can determine the germination rate after 5 days?

Date Developed: Document No.

JOB SHEET 2.2-1

Performance Objective: Given the task and activity assigned to

Supplies/Materials :learning reference, pencil, paper,

Perform the following:

b. Present your work to your teacher for evaluation.

Date Developed: Document No.

Date Developed: Document No.

 Components of the growing media

The following resources are needed:

 Lecture with demonstration

Date Developed: Document No.

Learning Activities Special Instructions

Date Developed: Document No.

Soil sterilization - the process of subjecting the soil to heat or chemicals

Date Developed: Document No.

To solarize soil, the soil is covered with clear polyethylene or plastic

Date Developed: Document No.

Name: ___________________ Section: