Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
CARAGA REGION
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF AGUSAN DEL SUR

Learner’s Activity Sheets

TVL-AFA
Agricultural Crops Production NCII
Grade 11
Quarter 3 (2ND Semester – Week 1-3)
Prepare Growing Media

D.O Plaza Government Center, Patin-ay Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur

depedagusandelsur@deped.gov.ph
(085) 839-5456
TVL-AFA – Grade 11
Learner Activity Sheets
Quarter 3 –2nd Semester (Week 1-3): Prepare Growing Media
First Edition, 2020

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Development Team of the Learners Activity Sheets

Writer/s: MARYJOY G. RUBRICO
Editor/s: Virginia T. Mahinay, Clifford P. Flores, Ricky Orozco, Ruth Gause
Illustrator:
Layout Artists:
Lay-out Reviewer: Blessy T. Soroysoroy
Management Team: Minerva T. Albis
Lorna P. Gayol
Lelani R. Abutay
Robert L. Ugay
Learner’s Activity Sheets
TVL-AFA
Agricultural Crops Production NCII
Grade 11
Quarter 3 (2ND Semester – Week 1-3)
Prepare Growing Media
 LEARNER’S ACTIVITY SHEET IN TVL-AFA 11
Quarter 3 (2ND Sem) Week 1-3
Name:___________________________ Grade Level and Section:______________
Date:_____________________________ Score: ____________________________

I. Title: Prepare Growing Media

II. Learning Competency:
• Prepare growing media according to prescribed mixture and crop
requirement (TLE_AFAACP9-12PNO-IIj-IIIa-b-19)
• Perform placing of growing media in prescribed containers according to
crop requirements (TLE_AFAACP9-12PNO-IIj-IIIa-b-19)
• Perform placing growing media in prescribed containers according to
crop requirements(TLE_AFAACP9-12PNO-IIj-IIIa-b-19)
• Prepare seedbed based on crop species
(TLE_AFAACP9-12PNO-IIj-IIIa-b-19)
III. Instruction:
The learner must read and understand the information sheets and
answer all the activities provided.
IV. Activities
Components of the Growing Media
Definition of Terms:
Compost – decayed plant and animal matter
Soil sterilization – the process of subjecting the soil to heat or chemicals to kill
micro-organisms and other bacteria
This lesson discusses the components of the growing media. It includes
gathering, mixing, and sterilizing the soil that will ensure the success of the growing
seedlings. One of the important factors to consider in growing seedlings for fruit-
bearing crops is the preparation of the growing media. Just like vegetable seeds, fruit-
bearing crop seeds need the same attention in the preparation of the media where
they are to be germinated. A successful fruit crop grower must gather the soil media
and mix them thoroughly before they are placed in seed beds, seed boxes, or in
individual plastic bags. The components of the growing media and their proportion are:

1 part loam soil + 1 part composed manure + 1 part rice hull (or coir dust or saw dust)

+ +
= ideal soil mixture
1 part clay soil + 2 parts composed mixture + 1 part rice hull (or coir dust or sawdust)

+ +
= ideal soil mixture

After the components are mixed thoroughly, the growing media should be
sterilized. Sterilization could be done by:
○ burning organic materials above the soil;
○ pouring boiling water into the soil;
○ roasting the media using a half-cut drum with set fire under it; and
○ using chemicals like formaldehyde at the concentration of 3-5 tbsp
per gallon of water and drenching the media in the solution.
After the soil media is sterilized, it is ready to be placed in the seed beds, seed
boxes, or in the individual plastic bags.

How to place the Soil Media in the Seed Box

1. Put small flat stones on top of each hole at the bottom of the seed box.
2. Fill one half of the seed box with coarse sterilized soil.
3. Level and press the surface a little bit.
4. Place the fine, sterilized soil on the surface. Fill up to about 3
centimeters below the edge of the seed box.
5. Level the surface and press the soil again.
The same procedure is followed in filling the individual plastic bags except the
first procedure.

Activity 1

Answer the following questions briefly. Use a separate sheet of paper.

QUESTIONS:
1. What are the components of the growing media and their proper ratio
and proportion? (5 pts)
 2. Why do we need to sterilized the growing media? (5 pts)

Activity 2
Read and answer each of the questions carefully. Write only the letter of your
answer in a separate sheet of paper.

1. Which of the following is the recommended growing media for fruit-bearing

crops?
A. Equal parts of garden soil, compost, sieved sand and sawdust
B. 2 parts of coco coir, 1 part of compost, ½ part of sawdust and ½ part
of garden soil
C. Equal parts of garden soil, coco coir, sawdust/rice hulls and compost
D. Equal parts of loam soil, sand, sawdust/rice hulls and manure

2. What should you do to protect your propagating material from the infection
caused by soil-borne diseases?
A. Analyze the soil
B. Fertilize the soil
C. Sterilize the soil
D. Irrigate the soil

3. Which of the following treatment is used against seed borne diseases?

A. Soaking in water or partial burning
B. Applying chemical treatment and hot water treatment
C. Filing or rubbing them against coarse objects
D. Breaking the seed coat thinning making

4. An example of chemical that can be use when sterilizing the growing media.
A. Chlorine
B. Acetaldehyde
C. Formaldehyde
D. Benzaldehyde

5. Which of the following can best guide you in selecting varieties of fruit-
bearing crops to plant?
A. Reading books and pamphlets about raising fruit trees.
B. Listening to the advice of farm management technicians in the locality.
C. Listening and following the advice of the experienced successful
growers in the neighborhood
D. B and C

B. Write T if statement is correct and F if it is wrong. Write your answer on a

separate sheet of paper.

1. Soil sterilization is the processes of subjecting the soil to heat or chemicals

to kill micro-organisms and other bacteria.
2. One of the important factors to consider in growing seedlings for fruit-bearing
crops is the preparation of the organic matter.
 3. Sterilization could be done by burning organic materials above the soil.
4. Soil media should be gathered and mix thoroughly before they are placed in
seed beds or seed boxes.
5. Compost is composed of decayed plant and animal matter.

Activity 3
PROCEDURE:
As part of your project, gather 25 kilograms of each different component of the
growing media and mix thoroughly. You will use the mixed media in your seed bed,
seed boxes, or individual pots. Take a video of your activity as a documentation and
send it to your teacher via messenger or email.
Refer to the scoring rubric.

Criteria Performance Level

Outstanding Very Satisfactory Needs
4 Satisfactory 2 Improvement
3 1
Growing
Media Mixed
Thoroughly
Potting
container
properly
prepared
Growing
media is
sterilized
Potting of soil
well done

Materials/Resources:
Growing media Shovel
Garden soil sacks
Coco coir container
Compost pot/plastic bag
Sawdust/rice hull trowel

Potting/bagging growing media

Propagating plants involves sowing of seeds, making cuttings, and other
methods to make new plants. Once plants are established in their pot or tube, with
developed root system, they need to be transplanted in bigger pots or containers.
Sometimes this happens more than once if plants need to be kept for longer period of
time. This process is called potting. Potting seedling to a right size of container will
ensure healthy and strong plants. Plants with big and more roots need bigger pots,
while plants with lesser and smaller roots need smaller pots.
At the time of potting, the soil should be neither too dry nor too wet, nor sticky,
nor powdery. If the soil used is dry, the plat may be watered immediately after potting.
If the soil is wet, the plant need not be watered at once, except very little to allow the
soil particles to settle around roots. In setting the plant in the pot, it should be placed
at the center, then the empty space between the plant and the wall of the pot is filled
with potting soil which is pressed gently but equally all around.
In removing plant from the pot to be transferred to the field or into another pot, it is
better not to water the plant before repotting, for the soil may break away and the
delicate roots will be disturbed. The soil must be dry in order to remove it whole from
the pot. To attain such, pass a knife around the soil close to the wall of the pot then
revert the pot knock a little to force the soil to come out. In potting plants, the depth of
planting should be the same as that of its old place.

Potting Materials:
○ Polyethylene bags – plastic bags come in all sizes and are light and cheap.
The commonly used nursery dimensions and the amount of soil they hold are as
follows:
3” x 6” – 250 cc
4” x 6” – 500 cc
6” x 6” – 1000 cc
6” x 8” – 1300 cc
5.5” x 9” – 1300 cc
The plastic should have a gauge of not less than .002 inch to be sure that it lasts until
field planting. For drainage, plastic bags should have 4-6 punched holes.
○ Veneer pots – waste veneers are ideal materials for pots because of ease in
preparation and handling. These pots easily deteriorate; hence, there is a need
to remove them during planting.
○ Boho pots – cut the boho in between nodes and punch a hole at the bottom
of the node to serve as drainage.
○ Paper pots – The paper pots are made of fiber-strengthened biodegradable
paper; hence there is a need to remove them during planting.
The best soil for nursery purposes, is a friable loam, rich in humus with proper
percentage of clay. In cases that these are not available, the growing media can be
prepared by thoroughly mixing the following components:

For loam soil:

1 part loam soil
1 part compost or decomposed manure
1 part decomposed rice hull or sawdust or coconut coir dust
1 part sieved sand

For clay soil:

1 part clay soil
2 parts compost or composted manure
1 part decomposed rice hull (sawdust or coconut coir dust)

These soil components are thoroughly mixed together and will be placed in
potting containers. A good mix should not be too wet or soggy (for the seedlings will
rot). If you pick up a handful of mix and squeeze it and water oozes, then the soil is
too wet.
Before putting the soil in a pot, drainage material should be placed at the bottom
to allow escape of excess water. Pieces of broken pots, bricks, tiles, or stones are best
for this purpose. A large piece should be loosely placed over the hole to prevent
clogging.
Other things to remember are:
a. Potting mixes should be sterile, free from weeds and soil diseases.
b. Never re-use old mixes or used garden soil. The use of a new materials
will reduce the chances of disease infecting seedlings.
c. Always wash all containers, tools, and other materials with water with
diluted bleach, 10 tbsp bleach per liter of water.

Activity 4
Answer the following questions briefly. Use a separate sheet of paper.
QUESTIONS:
1. What is the advantage of using a container in potting? (5pts)
2. Why is there a need to sterilize the soil used in potting seedlings? (5pts)

Activity 5
Write T if statement is correct and F if it is wrong. Write your answer on a separate
sheet of paper.
1. Soil containing equal parts of leaf mold, loam, and manure with a little amount of
sand or rice hull may be used for ordinary potting.
2. If the soil is clayey, more sand and gravel may be added.
3. The best soil for nursery purposes is a friable loam, rich in humus with a proper
percentage of clay.
4. A poor soil should never be used for potting.
5. A good mix should be too wet or soggy (for the seedlings will rot).
6. Potting mixes should be sterile, free from weeds and soil-borne diseases.
7. If you pick up a handful of mix and squeeze it and water oozes, then the soil is too
dry.
8. Never re-use old mixes or used garden soil, the use of new materials will reduce
the chances of disease infecting the seedlings.
9. The soil should be neither too dry nor too wet, nor sticky nor powdery.
10. Potting seedlings to a right size of container will ensure healthy and strong plants.

Activity 6
Procedure:

Prepare your materials for potting. Use any material available. Recycle if it is
needed. Place the thoroughly mixed growing media in your potting containers. Then,
sterilize your growing media by pouring boiling water in it. Take a video of your activity
as a documentation and send it to your teacher via messenger or E-mail. Always
remember that the success of growing seedling depends upon the growing media.

Refer to the scoring rubric.

 Performance Level
Criteria Very Needs
Outstanding Satisfactory
Satisfactory Improvement
4 2
3 1
Growing
properly
prepared
Potting
container
well
prepared
Growing
media is
sterilized
Potting of
soil well
done

Materials/Resources:
Growing media
Plastic containers and other potting containers
Planting materials
Wheelbarrow
Shovel
Broken pots, small stones, etc.

SEEDBED PREPARATION; SEEDLING MANAGEMENT

Rice Production
In rice farming, it is very important to know the varieties your neighbor will be
planting, as well as their expected date of sowing. This will give you the best idea when
to sow your seeds to have almost a uniform date of harvesting, and for a more
convenient transport of farm equipment and harvest.
Once you have identified the best variety of rice suited to the climatic conditions
of the locality which is high yielding and with high quality of harvest, you must decide
on the method of raising seedlings you will use based on the availability of water. The
following points should be considered:

1. Select a site far from the residential area and away from wandering chicken.
If not, protect the area against stray animals with a nylon net or chicken wire.
2. The site must have undergone soil analysis to be able to correct soil
deficiency and to ensure healthy seed growth.
3. Make sure it is far from fields infected with tungro, grassy stunt, and other
diseases. It should not be lighted at night to avoid attracting adult stem borers,
brown plant hoppers, and green leaf hoppers.
4. Monitor fields nearby to detect the presence of virus-infected plants
particularly from ratoon of previous crop.
 5. Protect against insect vectors. If there is an abnormally high incidence of
virus infestation in the area, look for better site.

Methods of Raising Seedlings

1. Wetbed Method

The wetbed method is widely used in areas where water abounds, even in
rainfed areas and in the second/dry cropping season. It is usually done 25-30 days
before transplanting. The steps in the wet-bed method are:

a. Plow and harrow the field a day before sowing of seeds. Then prepare seed
bed plots of any convenient length, approximately 1-1.5 meter wide. Do this
in 1 to 2 days. While harrowing, allow water to flow out of the bed for some
time. This will allow the weed seeds to be carried out thus leaving lesser
weeds to grow in the seedbed.
b. Use mud around to raise the seedbed to about 4-5 cm. higher than the
original soil level. Level the bed and slightly incline to the side using a wood
plank. This will facilitate irrigation and drainage, and to ensure uniform
growth of the seedlings.
c. Incorporate carbonized rice hull or organic materials on bed for easier
pulling of seedlings later.
d. Use a plot of about 400-500 sq. meters to sow 44 kg. of inbred seeds and
20 kg. for hybrid seeds (adjust seed bulk based on actual % of germination)
for a one-hectare field.
e. For seedbeds with poor soil, apply 60-100 grams of nitrogen fertilizer before
sowing. Then sow seeds uniformly.

Incubating the seeds

1. Put the seeds in a container filled with water for 24 hours. Stir the water in the
container while pouring seeds to allow the empty one to float thereby separating
them from the good ones.
 2. After 24 hours of soaking, transfer the seeds in sacks. Half fill the sacks with
seeds for easier germination.
3. After soaking and putting in a half-filled sack, incubate the seeds in a warm and
shady place for 36-48 hours. Moisten the seeds regularly by sprinkling with
water to speed up germination.

Sowing the pre-germinated seeds

After the seeds have germinated, they are broadcasted uniformly on the surface of the
seedbed. Avoid sowing too thickly to ensure healthy seedling growth. Too dense
sowing will result in thin and weak stems.

Care and maintenance of the seedlings

After sowing, the pre-germinated seeds should be submerged in water
overnight. Drain them the ff. day to ensure uniform germination.
Start shallow irrigation 2-3 cm depth within 3-5 days after sowing. Then apply
nitrogen fertilizer at the rate of 5 kgs per 40-50 sq. m. seedbed. Continue irrigation, by
gradually increasing the water depth to 5 cm. As a rule of thumb, you have to visit your
seedbed always to detect occurrence of insect pests and diseases. Upon detection,
immediately spray with appropriate insecticide or fungicide, following the rate
recommended by the manufacturer. Transplant the seedlings using the ff. guide: 16-
18 days old for the early maturing varieties harvestable after 116 days, and 20-25 days
old for varieties that are harvestable after 126 days or more.

2. Dapog method
 This method is used in irrigated land with a well-managed and controlled
irrigation system. It is characterized by the absence of the soil medium, restricted area
(40 sq./ha.) and early transplanting.

Preparation of seedbed
1. Construct seedbed the same way as the wetbed method.
2. Cover the beds with banana leaves remove the midrib, plastic sheets or heavy
coarse paper to prevent the roots of seedlings from getting in contact with the
seedbed underneath and to facilitate separation of seedlings.
3. Surround the seedbed with bamboo slats or banana stems held in place with a
stick.

Pre-germination of seeds

1. Soak and incubate the same way as wetbed.

2. Sow seeds uniformly at the rate of one cavan (44 kg.) per 40 sq. m. You will
need 11/2 cavan (66 kg.) seeds for one-hectare field. Adjust seed bulk based
on the percentage germination of the seeds.
3. Keep aligning the roots in contact with the banana leaves or plastic to prevent
the seedlings from drying.
4. Press the seedbed lightly using a wooden board every morning and afternoon
repeatedly within 3-4 days.

Care and maintenance of the seedlings

Water the dapog seedlings every morning and afternoon, using water sprinkler
until the seedlings are ready for transplanting. Seedlings will be ready for
transplanting, 10-12 days after sowing. Instead of pulling the young plants, cut intone
sq. ft. or to any convenient size, then roll each piece.
Control of insect pests and diseases will be done following the same procedure in the
production of seedlings in seedbed method.

Activity 7
Choose the letter of the correct answer and write it in a separate sheet of paper.
1. The ideal size intended for raising seedlings using seedbed method is
_________.
a. 1-1.5 m wide with any convenient length.
b. 1-1.5 m wide x 10 m.
c. 4m x 2m.
d. 5m x 5m.

2. The recommended soaking time for rice seeds before sowing into the seedbed
is ________.
a. 20-22 hours c. 28-30 hours
b. 24 hours d. 36-48 hours
3. How many hours of soaking will it take to incubate seeds before sowing in the
seedbed?
a. 36-48 hours c. 46-50 hours
b. 40-48hours d. 48-72 hours
 4. Five days after sowing, the seedbed is irrigated for two days at a depth of
______.
a. 1-2 centimeter c. 3-4 centimeters
b. 2-3 centimeters d. 4-5 centimeters

5. Rudy wanted to produce healthy seedlings in his farm, how many times in a
week should he visit the young plants?
a. Only once c. 3 times
b. Twice d. 4 times

6. Which among the following methods of raising rice seedlings is more

economical?
a. Dapog c. Seed bed
b. Dry bed d. Seed box

7. How much nitrogen should be applied per sq. m. in a seed bed with poor soil?
a. 50-80 grams c. 60-100 grams
b. 55-85 grams d. 100- 125 grams
8. What is the average seeding rate of seeds sown using the dapog seedbed
method?
a. 22 kg c. 44 kg
b. 33 kg d. 66
9. What is the recommended age of seedlings for transplanting of late maturing
rice varieties that are harvestable in 126 days after sowing?
a. 12 – 15 days c. 18 – 20 days
b. 16 – 18 days d. 20 – 25 days

10. Which of the following methods of raising seedlings works best in areas where
water is sufficiently available?
a. Wet bed c. dry bed
b. Seed box d. dapog

Activity 8

Procedure: Form a group to perform the following activities in an identified area.

1. Prepare a 3m x 1m seedbed.
2. Germinate seeds just enough for the area.
3. Demonstrate proper sowing.
4. Discuss how to take care of your seedlings.

Assign an observer group to fill up the rubrics for scoring on the table below to
determine how good the work group manage their activity, and vice-versa.
 A. Seedbed preparation
Activities Rating
1 2 3 4 5
1. Cleared the area
2. Prepared seedbed about 4-5 cm
3. Leveled the seedbed surface
4. Selected the proper site for seedbed
5. Sowed seeds uniformly with the right
thickness

B. Care of seedlings
Activities Rating
1 2 3 4 5
1. Visited the seedbed at least once
2. Sprayed insecticides when there
was occurrence of insect pests
3. Collected Golden Apple Snail (GAS)
eggs
4. Removed weeds
5. Applied irrigation water at
recommended depth

Legend:
1 = 75-79% 2 = 80-85% 3 = 86-90% 4 = 91-95% 5 = 96-100%

Resources
1. Area for the seed bed
2. Seeds
3. Bolo
4. Plow and harrow if needed
5. Plunks
6. Draft carabao/hand tractor
7. Shovel
8. Fertilizer
9. PPE
10. Insecticides
 Glossary of Terms
Seedbed – a well-prepared plot where seeds are sown.
Dapog method – a method of raising rice seedlings characterized by the absence of
soil medium.
Fertilizer – any substance which is added to the soil to supply the nutrients needed to
enhance plant growth.

V. Closure
❖ The material that your plants grow in is called the “growing medium or
media” never dirt. Roots grow in the spaces between individual particles of
soil. The choice on what type of soil media to use is very important. The
success of growing seedlings depends on the proper preparation of the
growing media.

❖ A poor soil should never be used for potting. It should be remembered that
the most critical stage of a plant is during its seedling stage. For ordinary
potting, soil containing equal parts of leaf mold, loam, and manure with a
little amount of sand or rice hull may be used. If the soil is naturally sandy,
the sand may be omitted. If it is clayey, more sand or rice hull may be added.
The manure may also be increased or decreased depending upon the
richness of the soil.

❖ The farmer’s decision on the method to use in growing seedlings depends

on the availability of water. However, wetbed method is widely used in areas
where water abounds. Production of healthy seedlings require utmost care,
to ensure healthy plant growth and high production.

References
• COMPETENCY-BASED LEARNING MATERIAL RICE PRODUCTION
• https://www.google.com.ph/search?q=wet+bed+method&tbm=isch&source=iu
• https://www.google.com.ph/search?q=incubating+the+seeds&tbm=isch&ved
• https://www.google.com.ph/search?q=dapog+method+of+rice&tbm=isch&ved
• nature-and-farming.blogspot.com
• agropedia.iitk.ac.in
• grandeurafrica.com
• pinoyrice.com
• knowledgebank.irri.org
• COMPETENCY-BASED LEARNING MATERIAL (FOURTH YEAR)
HORTICULTURE NC II PRODUVE FRUIT-BEARING CROPS
• https://www.google.com.ph/search?q=GROWING+MEDIA&tbm=isch&ved=2a
• nosoilsolutions.com
• planetnatural.com
• tropicalannahorticulture.com
Activity 1
Essay Writing (Answers May Vary)
Activity 2 Multiple choice Activity 2 True or False
1. C 1.T
2. C 2.F
3. B 3.T
4. C 4.T
5. D 5.T
Activity 3 Activity 4
Preparation of Growing Media Essay Writing
(Refer to the Scoring Rubric) (Answers may vary)
Activity 5 Activity 6
1. T Potting/Bagging of Growing Media
2. F (Refer to the Scoring Rubric)
3. T
4. T
5. F
6. T
7. F
8. T
9. T
10. T
Activity 7 Activity 8
1. a Seedbed Preparation
2. a (Refer to Scoring Rubric)
3. a
4. b
5. d
6. a
7. c
8. d
9. d
10. a
Answer Key