- - AGRICULTURE CORE CURRICULUM - -

(CLF6000) Advanced Core Cluster: ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURE

 (CLF6600) Unit Title: GROWTH AND MAINTENANCE OF NURSERY STOCK

____________________________________________________________________________
 (CLF6603) Topic: MIXING GROWING          Time                Year(s) 
                    MEDIUM                  1 - 2 hours          3 / 4 
____________________________________________________________________________

         Topic Objectives: Upon completion of this lesson, the student
                            will be able to:

         Learning Outcome #:

           (K-1) - Prepare (mix) a growing medium for container plants.

         Special Materials and Equipment: Soil ingredients, shovels,
                     watering can, hose, wheelbarrow, area to store mixed 
                     soil

         References: Baker, Kenneth F. (Ed.). (1957). THE UC SYSTEM FOR 
                       PRODUCING HEALTHY CONTAINER-GROWN PLANTS. 
                       University of California, Division of Agricultural
                       Sciences, Agricultural Experiment Station--Extension
                       Service, Manual 23. (out-of-print)
                     Ball, Vic (Ed.). (1985). BALL RED BOOK (14th ed.). 
                       Reston, VA: Reston Publishing Company.
                     Hartmann, Hudson T., & Kester, Dale E. (1983). PLANT 
                       PROPAGATION: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES (4th ed.). 
                       Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
                     Ingels, J. (1985). ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURE: 
                       PRINCIPLES & PRACTICES. Albany, NY: Delmar 
                       Publishers.

         Evaluation: Observation by instructor or quiz.

TOPIC PRESENTATION: MIXING GROWING MEDIUM

A. Growing Media for Container Plants

   1. When selecting a growing medium, choose one with the following 
       qualities:

       a. It should support or anchor the plant

       b. It should provide a constant source of moisture for the plant.

       c. It should provide good aeration around the root area.

       d. It should provide the mineral nutrients needed for normal 
           growth.

       e. It should be free of soil-borne pests (weeds, insects, disease).

   2. See supplemental handout for components of soil mixes.

   3. The following factors should be considered when selecting soil
       materials:

       a. Availability of local materials

       b. Cost of materials

       c. Growth obtained with plants.

B. There are several methods of mixing a growing medium:

   1. Hand Mixing

       a. Spread materials on a clean surface.

       b. Disinfect mixing tools.

       c. Thoroughly mix various components, adding a moderate amount of 
           water.

       d. After mixing, use or store in a clean place.

   2. Concrete Mixer

       a. Mix using the same steps 


         __________________________________________________________
         ACTIVITY: 

         1.  Have students mix a soil medium.
         __________________________________________________________

Supplemental Handout


                         GROWING MIX COMPONENTS


     FOR DRAINAGE           FOR WATER RETENTION           FOR BODY

     Sand                   Sphagnum peat                 Soil

     Perlite                Vermiculite                   Ash

     Bark                   Some soils                    Sand

     Shavings



                              SOIL MIXES 

Following are several mixtures which are good growing media:


     MIXTURE A              MIXTURE B              MIXTURE C


     1/2 sharp sand         1/2 sharp sand         1/4 ash

     1/2 sphagnum peat      1/4 sphagnum peat      1/4 coarse sand

                             1/4 humus              1/4 sphagnum peat

                                                     1/4 humus



     MIXTURE D              MIXTURE E              MIXTURE F
 

     1/3 sandy loam soil    1/3 pine bark          1/2 peat moss

     1/3 sphagnum peat      1/3 sphagnum peat      1/2 perlite

     1/3 humus              1/6 perlite

                             1/6 coarse sand



NOTE: If plants are to be grown in these soil mixes for any length of time,
      chemical (fertilizer) amendments will need to be added; the type and 
      amounts added will depend on the kind of plants that are being grown.


12/17/90 MT/sg

#%&C