AGRICULTURE

AGRICULTURE

PROJECT EASE Technology and Livelihood Education Agriculture and Fisher ArtsMODULE 1 Starting a Garden in a Smarter WayLesson 1 The Value of Using Good SeedsLesson 2 Proper Selection of SeedsLesson 3 Storing Seeds for Future UseLesson 4 Methods of Testing SeedsLesson 5 Percentage of GerminationMODULE 2 Happy Soil, Growing SoilLesson 1 Importance of Soil PreparationLesson 2 Proper Method of Preparing the SoilLesson 3 Tools and Equipment Used in Preparing the SoilLesson 4 Method of Soil Preparation Appropriate for a Particular Crop and SeasonMODULE 3 Grow a Glorious PlantLesson 1 Direct and Indirect PlantingLesson 2 Seeds Directly PlantedLesson 3 Indirectly Planted SeedsLesson 4 Distance, Depth, and Rate of Planting Seeds and SeedlingsLesson 5 Vegetable Plant Adapted to the LocalityMODULE 4 Pure Water, Pure DelightLesson 1 The Role of Water in Plant GrowthLesson 2 Different Ways of Watering PlantsMODULE 5 Help My World is Getting SmallerLesson 1 Types of WeedsLesson 2 Advantages of Weeding and Cultivating PlantsLesson 3 Methods of Weeding and Cultivating PlantsLesson 4 Garden Tools Used in Weeding and CultivatingMODULE 6 A Little Bit is Good, Enough is BetterLesson 1 Types, Example, and Value of FertilizersLesson 2 Elements of Fertilizers and their FunctionsLesson 3 Methods of Fertilizer Application

MODULE 7 WATCH OUT FOR LITTLE CREATURESLesson 1 Common Plant Pests and DiseasesLesson 2 Classifying Insect Pests and DiseasesLesson 3 Control of Plant PestsLesson 4 Common Plant Diseases and Their ControlMODULE 8 Possibilities of Raising AnimalsLesson 1 Poultry and Livestock RaisingLesson 2 Ideal Site for Poultry and Livestock ProjectMODULE 9 Easy to Know, Easy to GrowLesson 1 Factors in Selecting Animals to RaiseLesson 2 Types and Breeds of Poultry and Livestock to RaiseLesson 3 Characteristics of Animal Breeds Good to RaiseMODULE 10 Live Freely and ComfortableLesson 1 Poultry and Livestock Houses, Fixtures and EquipmentLesson 2 Sanitation and Cleanliness on the FarmMODULE 11 Feed Rightly, Grow HealthyLesson 1 Feeds of Farm AnimalsLesson 2 Feeding Farm AnimalsMODULE 12Lesson 1 Principles and Concepts of Fish CaptureLesson 2 Classification of Fishing Gear by Structure and FunctionLesson 3 Operating Fishing GearsLesson 4 Preparing a Simple Hand LineMODULE 13 Fish on ParadeLesson 1 Principles and Concepts and Importance of Fish CultureLesson 2 Phases of Fish CultureLesson 3 Bodies of Water where Fish is CulturedMODULE 14 Long and Lasting LifeLesson 1 Principles / Concepts and Importance of Fish PreservationLesson 2 Preparatory Procedure in Fish PreservationLesson 3 Methods of Fish Preservation

PROJECT EASE Effective and Affordable Secondary EducationTECHNOLOGY AND LIVELIHOOD EDUCATION Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1

MODULE 1 BUREAU OF SECONDARY EDUCATION Department of Education DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue Pasig City Plant Production First Year Module 1 Starting a Garden in a Smarter Way What this module is about Good day! Are you ready to start your day in a more productive way? If yes, good! Ifnot, think twice. I am sure you would like to contribute something good to your family. Youmay be thinking how? Well, you could grow vegetables in your backyard. This way, youcan contribute to the food needs of your family in your own little way. Vegetable gardening is not an easy task. It needs proper care to produce good yield.Have you ever thought why some farmers produce good quality vegetables in their farm?Were you able to see healthy growing pechay, mustard, kangkong, upo, patola, and 2

cucumber in your local market? What have you noticed in their physical appearancecompared to your own harvest in school? You want to find out their secrets? Prepareyourself because this module will help you find out the secrets of producing good qualityvegetables. What to learn from this module This module will teach you how to start producing your own vegetable garden.Specifically, this will enable you to: 1. explain the value of using good seeds; 2. discuss the proper selection of seeds; 3. describe how seeds are stored for future use; 4. differentiate the methods of testing seeds; 5. compute percentage of germination of seeds. How to learn from this module1. Read the title first. Do you have in mind what the title means to you? Are you excited to scan the pages of this module and start learning?2. After reading the introduction, go through the expected skills you are to learn from this module. Always refer to these objectives as you read and perform tasks in the different learning activities in this module. This way, you can check if you’re following the right tract to attain the objectives of this module.3. Next, work on the Pretest. Do your best to accomplish what is asked of you. Do not worry about getting a low score. Just go on and do your best.4. After working on the Pretest, accomplish all the activities in this module to check how well you fared.5. Finally, answer the posttest to check if you really comprehend what you read. Check if your answers are correct in the answer key provided at the end of this module. Certainly, you are expected to score higher than the pretest. PRETEST Write the letter of the correct answer in your notebook. 1. Why is the use of immature fruits not advisable as seed material? a. Immature seeds are weak. b. Its embryo rots easily. c. Its embryo has not fully developed. d. Seeds are infected with diseases. 2. The following are good reasons in using good seeds when planting crops, except one. 3

a. Higher yield b. Resistance to diseases c. High percentage germination d. Aromatic when ripe or about to be harvested3. When seeds are sown in the seedbox and it germinates, it is described as a. Maturity b. True to type c. Damage-free d. Viability4. The following are reliable suppliers of seeds, except a. Bureau of Plant Industry b. Department of Agriculture c. Ambulant vendors d. Commercial seed distributors5. Which of the following materials is not a good desiccant for seed storing? a. Dry ash b. Dry charcoal c. Toasted white rice d. River sand6. It is not advisable to allow the seeds to come in contact with the soil when drying because a. contamination will be high b. germination rate will be affected c. moisture content will rise d. embryo will die7. A method of seed testing wherein a moist tissue paper and a plate is used. a. plate b. dish c. ragdoll d. seedbox8. The ragdoll method is done through the use of a. a filter paper and a dish b. a cheesecloth and a stick c. soil and a seedbox d. a tin can and water9. Alex sow 75 seeds of okra on a seedbox. After two days, 70 seeds have sprouted. What is the percentage germination of the seeds sown? a. 91% b. 92% c. 93% 4

d. 94% 10. Which of the following seeds is advisable to store after testing? a. Seeds which were tested once and got an above 50 % seed germination. b. Seeds which were tested twice and resulted a seed germination rate of above average 50%. c. Seeds which were tested once and got a seed germination rate below 50%. d. Seeds which were tested twice and resulted a germination rate of below 50 %. Lesson 1 The Value of Using Good Seeds You learned in your elementary agriculture that plants can reproduce through seeds.Seed is a baby plant or embryo inside a protective covering called testa or seed coat. Theembryo is usually the product of the fertilization of the egg cell by one of the two male nucleifrom a pollen tube. The seed coat originates from the mother plant. The young plant inside the seed is very delicate. If we are going to compare healthyplants to healthy babies, usually healthy babies become healthy children and adults andbecome productive. Likewise, healthy seeds grow healthy, produce quality yield and benefitgrowers. If you use seeds which are not of good quality, you will only be creating problemsbecause these seeds are sometimes immature, contaminated, and worse, the embryo isdead.Activity 1 Analyze the situation below, then answer the questions that follow. Kenneth is a first year student. He has a project in vegetable production. He bought apack of pechay seeds from an ambulant vendor who sells ornamental plants and fertilizers.When he sowed the pechay seeds in a seedbox, he was surprised that only few of theseeds germinated.Questions: 5

1. What do you think are the reasons why only few seeds germinated? 2. If you’re in that situation, are you going to buy seeds from anyone who approached you? Why? 3. Could you still plant the seeds that germinated. Justify your answer. You might be wondering why it is not advisable to buy seeds from an unreliable source.Seeds that are sold by ambulant vendors are not registered and certified. These seeds areprone to contamination and adverse environmental condition that can kill the embryo insidethe seed. To assure you of good quality seed materials, you must look for a reliable source.Here are some tips when finding good seeds. 1. Buy seeds from a reliable source. There are government agencies specializing in seed certification and distribution. These are the Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry, and Agricultural Colleges and Universities as well as commercial seed distributors importing hybrid seeds from other countries. 2. Look carefully on the physical appearance of the seeds. Find if there are blemishes or stains in the seed coat, molds and holes caused by insects or egg of insects. These seeds might introduce a new pest or disease and are, therefore, unfit for planting. Clean the seeds and remove diseased or infected one. 3. Determine the vigor of the seeds. Observe its speed and uniformity of germination. You can soak the seeds in water. Those that float are weak. Weak seeds do not survive when used as planting materials. 4. Make sure that seeds are the right one. Read the label as stated. This can help you in determining the characteristics of the seed. 5. Select those without contaminants such as dirt, stones, and leaves. These foreign materials can lower seed quality. 6. Do not use seeds with foul odor, watery and shiny. These are dead, contaminated or low in percentage of germination Self-check: Check (4), if the statement explains the value of using good seeds and (8), if it is not._____1. Money spent in buying seed materials are wasted._____2. Buy seeds anywhere._____3. Seed materials used must be free from weed seeds._____4. Less problem in maintenance since quality seeds start healthy._____5. Determine the physical appearance of seeds. Lesson 2 Proper Selection of Seeds 6

Now that you have already learned the value of using good seeds it is best to knowhow to properly select good seed materials for planting or storing purposes. This is a difficulttask especially if your farm or project area is far from available supply of good seeds.Activity 2 Read the situations below and find out how proper selection of seeds is done. A. Eager Robert Robert is new in vegetable production. He is eager to start his new project since he has an area to use and he has available imported seeds given by his uncle. • Do you think he will succeed in his project? Why? B. Saver Rosa Rosa wants to start a vegetable garden. She wanted to save money in buying seed materials. She thought that the money saved from buying seeds will be used for fertilizers instead. To save more money every planting season, she planned of growing some vegetables on her farm for seed purposes. • Do you think it is a sound idea? Can you cite some of its advantages? C. Wiser Alex Alex wants to start his farm project but instead of buying seed materials from those who sells quality one, he plans to buy seeds from the local market where seeds are intended for food preparation. He plans to buy one kilogram of bean seeds which costs less than those in the Bureau of Plant Industry. • Is the source of his seed materials good or not? • What will happen to the seeds that he bought if planted on his farm? 7

Note that in the three situations, you do not have to be in a hurry to start a projectwithout considering the most important factor. That is finding good seed materials. To guide you in finding quality seeds, here are some factors to consider: 1. Viability - This is the capability of the seeds to germinate when sown in seedbed or seedbox. Seedlings should appear to be strong and healthy. 2. Maturity - Matured seeds taken from matured fruits will assure you that embryo in seeds are fully developed. Over matured seeds are not advisable because it might be infected with pests and diseases. On the other hand, seeds that are immature will not produce good seedlings and usually do not germinate. 3. Seed storage - There are seeds whose viability and rate of germination decrease after storing for a long time. This is due to some factors such as seed type, quality and storage conditions and length of time. 4. True to type - Seeds acquired or bought should be free from other type of seed plants. 5. Free from seed-borne diseases- Check if the seeds have blemishes or stains where insect eggs, fungus or bacteria thrives. 6. Damage free -Seeds that are cracked and deformed should not be used. 7. Free from foreign materials or weed seeds - Seeds to be used must be clean or free any type of contaminants such as dirt, stones, leaves, weed seeds and others. These are low quality seeds. If you wish to grow vegetables for seed purposes, you may do so. This will help yousave money at the same time choose the type of vegetable to plant. If you are not yetaccustomed to identifying maturity in plants, here are some tips to determine if seeds aremature. a. The fruit of squash, watermelon, and melon has a hollow sound when knocked. b. The color of tomatoes and pepper changes from green to red; from violet to yellow in eggplant. b. Shattering of pods in legumes. c. Fruit is disconnected from the branch as in squash, watermelon and melon. d. Number of days of plant growth depending upon your familiarity of the type of plants grown. There are also seeds which you can buy from commercial seed distributors which arecalled hybrid. Hybrid seeds are product of cross and pollinating plants with outstandingcharacteristics. Characteristics such as resistant to pests and diseases, quality of fruits andothers. These are more expensive considering its type and source, than the seedsdistributed by different government agencies. Self-check: 8

Match the factors to consider in finding quality seeds in Column A to their descriptionsin Column B. Write the letter of the correct answer in your notebook. A B1. Maturity2. Damage free a. The capacity of the seeds to germinate. b. Matured seeds taken from matures fruits lead3. Seed storage to fully developed embryo.4. Viability c. Seeds acquired or brought should be free from5. True type other type of seed plants. d. Seeds that are cracked should not be used. e. Seeds viability decrease after soaking for a long time. Lesson 3 Storing Seeds for Future Use Cost of seed materials is one of the areas of expense in plant production. To savemoney intended for seed materials, you should learn to grow plants with outstandingcharacteristics and have the seeds as your planting materials for the next cropping season.In this manner, you will be able to increase your income due to your savings. Moreover, ifthe quality of the seeds taken from your garden is good and outstanding, you can store it forfuture use.Seed Extraction and Cleaning If you are interested in gathering matured seeds from your vegetable farm, it isimportant to know the condition of the fruit and seeds that will be harvested. This way, youwill be able to collect seeds from the garden to be used as planting materials for your nextcropping season or store it for future use. 1. Seeds coming from wet and fleshy fruit. The seeds are attached firmly to the flesh. You can use a knife or hand to extract them, then they are subject to fermentation or soaked in water for two days. Seeds that float are thrown and those that are sunken are washed and dried. Example: Melon and Papaya. 2. Dry seeds. These are obtained or extracted from dried fruit or pod. Put the seeds inside a sack or net bag and pound them. Pounding inside a sack or a net bag will 9

prevent the seeds from shattering or scattering outside. Do not harvest these seeds if it is raining or early morning when there is still dew. Example: Pechay and Cabbage.3. Dry seeds from fleshy fruit. You can dry the fruit first before extracting the seeds. Example: Hot pepper.Activity 3 Classify the seeds of the vegetable plants below using the given table. Do this activityin your notebook.eggplant hot pepper okra pole sitaocabbage peas cucumber mungotomato cowpea squash hyacinth beanpigeon pea onion ampalayaWet seeds from Dry seeds Dried seeds fromFlesh fruit flesh fruitsHere are pointers to remember when drying seeds: 1. Do not allow the seeds to come in contact with the soil when drying. Microorganisms present in the soil will lower the quality of the seeds. 2. Use sack, winnowing basket or mat when drying. These materials allow air to pass through, giving fast and even drying of seeds. 3. Do not dry seeds rapidly under the heat of the sun. Air dry the seeds first in a shady area for one to two days before sun-drying. Dry only the seeds under the sun before 11:00 am and after 2:00 pm when the heat of the sun is not so intense because this condition can kill the embryo inside the seed. 4. Spread the seeds thinly and turn them occasionally at least four to five times a day to make drying fast and even. 5. Cover the seeds when it rains or before the night sets in and take them indoors to prevent their moisture content from increasing.Storing Seeds After extracting and drying the seeds, you may plant some of your seeds or you maystore them for future use. In storing seeds for the next cropping season, you may chooseany of the following procedures.A. Storing Using Desiccants Here are the steps in storing seeds using desiccants: 10

1. Prepare a container (bottle, tin can) with a tight cover.2. Place a desiccant (dry charcoal, dry ash toasted white rice or lime) at the bottom of the container.3. Place a cardboard after the desiccant material. Remember to punch holes on it.4. Place the seed on top of the cardboard or put them inside a paper envelop and label them.5. Replace the desiccant each time you open it.B. Temperature Storing 1. Place seeds inside a bottle or a sealed jar. 2. Place the jar or bottle in a low or cold temperature (not freezing) of your refrigerator. If refrigerator or air-conditioning equipment is absent, you may choose a cold place (near the river, under trees, underground, inside a clay jar). 3. Be sure seeds will not get wet. Remember that life of seeds doubles when the moisture content is lowered by 1% orwhen the storage temperature is lowered by 5%.Example: If the storage life of a seed with 14% moisture content is two years, its storage life canbe prolonged to four years if the moisture content of the seed is lowered to 13%. If the expected life of the seed is three years in a storage room with a temperature of15ºC, its life can be prolonged to six years if the storage , temperature is lowered to 10ºC. If both the moisture content of the seed and storage temperature are lowered, theincrease in the life of the seed is greater. Now, try to work on the activity below. Check if you fully understand what you justread.Activity 4 Choose the right materials to use in storing seeds. Place a check on the blank spacebefore each material if you think it is needed. Use your notebook._____ Bottle _____Dye _____Chalk _____Tissue_____Kettle _____Seeds _____Cotton _____Label_____ Sand _____Cardboard_____ Metal Cover _____Paper_____ Charcoal Self-check: A. Place a 4 if the statement is referring to the ways of storing seeds for future use and 8, if it is not._______ 1. Do not allow the seeds to come in contact with soil when drying. 11

_______ 2. Use a kitchen fork to extract seeds that are attached firmly to the flesh._______ 3. Dry seedbox before storing._______ 4. Use sack or mat when drying._______ 5. Cover the seeds when it rains or before the night sets in. B. Arrange the steps below in storing seeds. Write 1 in the box of the procedure that should go first, 2 for the second, and so on. 1. Replace desiccant each time the container is opened. 2. Place a cardboard with holes after the charcoal. 3. Label the seeds with its name, date of harvest, date stored, date of germination and the percentage of germination. 4. Get a bottle with tightly metal closed cover. 5. Place a dry charcoal at the bottom of the bottle. 6. Place the seeds inside a sachet and put it inside then seal it. Did you get all the answers correct? Very good! You may now move on to the nextlesson. Lesson 4 Methods of Testing Seeds Now, that you already know how to store seeds, it is important that you should alsolearn to test the viability of the seeds before storing it. In this way, you will have the ideathat seeds acquired are of good quality. Perform the activities below to know the different methods of testing seeds.Activity 5Dish Method a. Prepare 50 bean seeds and a seedbox. b. Sow the seeds in a shallow furrow of the seedbox. Water them. c. Bring the seedbox to an area in the school nursery. d. Visit the seedbox the following day.Answer the following questions based on your observations: 1. What happened to the seeds in the seedbox? 2. How many seeds have sprouted? 3. How many did not ? 12

Activity 6Plate Method a. Collect 30 mungo seeds. b. Prepare a plate and a tissue paper. c. Moisten the tissue on the plate and arrange the seed on it. Cover it with another moist tissue. d. Observe what will happen to the seeds the next day.Answer these questions: 1. What happened to the seeds on the plate ? 2. Do you think the method used is applicable to seed testing? Why?Activity 7Ragdoll Method a. Prepare a cheesecloth, stick and 100 seeds of radish. b. Arrange the seeds on a damp cheesecloth. c. Roll the cheesecloth on a stick and water it. d. Place it in the nursery where sunlight is not present. Water it everyday but do not flood it. e. Open it after two days.Questions: 1. What happened to the radish seeds? 2. How many seeds germinated? 3. How many did not? Self-check: Differentiate ragdoll method from plate method. Lesson 5Percentage of Germination Now, that you have germinated seeds using the methods discussed from the previouslesson, you may now compute the percentage of germination. In obtaining percentage of germination, you will be able to determine whether theseeds acquired or bought are of good quality or not. Percentage of germination iscomputed using the given formula: number of normal seedlings × 100% germination =_______________________________13

total number of seeds sown/germinated To understand this better, perform the activity below.Activity 8 The class of Mr. Danilo Baino harvested matured eggplant fruits to be used as seedmaterials for the next cropping season. The seeds were tested first before storing. Usingthe ragdoll method, the class sow 150 seeds. After three days, 122 seeds germinated. 1. What is the percentage germination of the seeds sown? 2. Considering the number of seeds that germinated, are the seeds good for storing? 3. Why? The more seeds tested for percentage germination, the more accurate the percentagegermination will be. If possible, replicate testing and use 50 or more seeds. Do not store orplant seeds if their percentage germination is lower than 50%. These seeds will usuallyproduce weak seedlings and will deteriorate rapidly, if stored. Self-check: Analyze the situation below then compute the percentage of germination of seedsused. Mang Elias germinated 190 seeds of radish using the ragdoll method. After threedays, he saw 150 seeds germinated. What is the percentage germination of the seeds?LET’S SUMMARIZE The value of using good seeds produce quality yield and benefit growers. Factors to consider in selecting good seeds are as follows: viability, maturity, seed storage, true type, free from seed-borne-disease, damage free, free from foreign materials or weed seeds. Seeds with high moisture content are more susceptible to physical damage during processing. Percentage of germination is computed using this formula: number of normal seedlings × 100% germination =_______________________________ total number of seeds sown / germinated 14

POSTTEST Choose the correct answer by encircling the letter.1. Embryo or young plant inside the seed are not fully developed in a. evergreen fruits b. immature fruits c. mature fruits d. over matured fruits2. It is highly recommended to use good seeds when planting crop in order to produce a. lower yield b. unsatisfactory yield c. satisfactory yield d. higher yield3. Viability means the ability of the seeds to a. germinate b. make food c. absorb water d. respond to light4. It is best to buy seeds from government agencies because they are a. good promoter b. business oriented c. reliable source d. financed by big time suppliers5. Dry ash and charcoal are good desiccant materials for seed storing because they can a. promote growth b. absorb moisture c. eliminate diseases d. repel insects6. Contamination is high when seeds dried come in contact with a. cloth b. soil c. dew d. heat7. Dish method of testing seed viability is done through the use of a. soil and a seedbox b. cheesecloth and a stick c. plate and a tissue paper d. soil and recycled materials8. Using cheesecloth, stick and water is a method of seed testing called 15

a. plate b. dish c. ragdoll d. seedbox 9. Danilo sowed 150 seeds of radish in a seedbed. After three days he saw 120 seeds germinated. What is the percentage germination of the radish seeds? a. 60% b. 70% c. 80% d. 90% 10. What is the percentage germination rate of seeds good for storing? a. Those that were tested twice with 40% germination rate. b. Those that were tested once with 60% germination rate. c. Those that were tested twice with 60% germination rate. d. Those that were tested once with 70% germination rate. ANSWER KEYPretest 1. c 2. d 3. d 4. c 5. d 6. a 7. a 8. b 9. c 10. bLesson 1: Activity 1 1. Seeds bought came from an unreliable source. 2. No, because money spent in buying seeds will be wasted. 3. No, plants will not grow healthy.Lesson 1: Self-check 1. 8 2. 8 3. 4 4. 4 16

5. 4Lesson 2: Activity 2 A. 1. No 2. Because the seeds might not fit with the climatic condition of the country. B. 1. Yes 2. She can save money intended for buying seeds. C. 1. No 2. There is a great possibility that seeds will not germinate because it was exposed to severe environmental condition.Lesson 2: Self-check 1. b 2. d 3. e 4. a 5. cLesson 3: Activity 3 Dry seeds Dried seeds from fleshy fruits Wet seeds from cabbage fleshy fruit peas hot pepper cow pea okra eggplant hyacinth bean cucumber pole sitao tomato pigeon pea ampalaya mungo squash onionLesson 3: Activity 4 1. charcoal 2. seeds 3. cardboard 4. label 5. metal cover 6. bottleLesson 3: Self -check A. 1. 4 2. 8 3. 8 17

4. 4 5. 4 B. 1. 6 2. 3 3. 5 4. 1 5. 2 6. 4Lesson 4: Self check: In ragdoll method, seeds are placed on a moist rag rolled over a stick. It is submergedto a pail of water and allowed to sprout in a cool place. Plate method, on the other hand, amoist tissue is placed on a plate and seeds are allowed to sprout on it.Lesson 5: Activity 8 1. 81% 2. Yes 3. Because the percentage of germination reached the above 50% requirement.Lesson 5: Self -check: 1. 78.94% or 79%Posttest 1. b 2. d 3. a 4. c 5. b 6. b 7. a 8. c 9. c 10. c 18

PROJECT EASE Effective and Affordable Secondary EducationTECHNOLOGY AND LIVELIHOOD EDUCATION Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1

MODULE 2 BUREAU OF SECONDARY EDUCATION Department of Education DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue Pasig City Plant Production First Year Module 2 Happy, Joyful, Growing Soil What this module is about Hello, dear student! Did you enjoy reading module 1? Do you want to find out what isthe next important step in crop production? Of course, you should know how soil isthoroughly prepared so plants will grow abundantly. Like the human body, soil needs proper nourishment so planted crops will grow fast,healthy, and productive. Now, look at your backyard. Do you have vacant spaces forplanting vegetables? Is your soil healthy or unhealthy? Are there weeds or trees growing?Is it really an ideal place for plants to grow? Soil has minerals and nutrients for plants to absorb. Hence, it should be free fromweeds to grow healthy. These soil nutrients are only available to plants if the soil is porous 2

enough and plant roots could deeply reach it. Now, are you ready to prepare your soil foryour favorite crops to grow? So, what are you waiting for? Continue reading this module. What to learn from this module After studying this lesson, you should be able to: 1. explain the importance of soil preparation; 2. discuss the proper methods of preparing the soil for planting; 3. relate each method of soil preparation appropriate for a particular crop and season; and 4. prepare soil for planting using appropriate farm tools and equipment. PRETEST Choose only the letter of the correct answer. 1. One of the advantages of land preparation is to a. test the soil b. promote good harvest c. have a fruitful planting d. promote good soil condition 2. If the growth of disease causing organisms is not controlled this will a. provide aeration of the soil b. help the plants to grow healthy c. serves as a fertilizer to the plants d. create a problem to crops most of the time 3. When the water moves downward to the soil, this promotes development of a. fruits b. new shoots c. plants to grow d. roots in plant deeper 4. When the land is harrowed thoroughly, it could also destroy a. weeds b. soil nutrients c. microorganisms d. insect pests 5. After putting fertilizer in the soil and levelling it, the next method of preparing the soil is a. harrowing b. watering c. putting markers 3

d. measuring seedbed 6. Primary tillage or plowing is done by a. digging the soil manually b. using a shovel to dig the soil c. using a power tiller hitched to cow or carabao d. using a spading fork to till the soil 7. A tool used for clearing or removing weeds is a. ax b. fork c. knife d. hoe 8. A tool which is used for tilling thick soil is a. grab hoe b. trowel c. shovel d. rake 9. A tractor is an example of equipment required in a. chemical technology b. mechanical power technology c. animal-draft technology d. manual technology 10. To plant vegetable fruit for a particular season like sweet pepper, one should follow these steps, except one. a. Select a well-drained clay wet soil. b. Plow and harrow the land area. c. Know the medicinal value of the plant. d. Water the seedbed thoroughly. Lesson 1 Importance of Soil Preparation Were you able to experience planting root crops such as sweet potato, cassava, ube,carrots, or radish wherein its storage roots were not fully developed as expected? Have youseen leafy vegetables such as pechay and mustard whose leaf petioles turn violet andbecame stunted? What about the eggplants and pepper whose fruits were too smallcompared to those you have seen in your local market? Do you know the causes why ithappened? Surely, it is because of poor soil preparation. 4

Remember that soil is an important medium in crop production because mineralelements are deposited into the soil and absorbed by plant roots. These elements are calledsoil nutrients. These nutrients are absorbed by the roots and transported to the differentparts of the plant to develop flowers, fresh leaves, new shoots and fruits. It is thereforeadvisable to prepare the soil thoroughly, so that plants could maximize its use. AActivity 1 BAnswer these questions: 1. Which of the following plants reached the depth of 3 m beneath the soil surface? 2. Which of the illustrated plants has the ability to penetrate only a shallow part of the soil? 3. Which plant needs more thorough and deep land preparation? Why?Why is it important to prepare the land thoroughly before planting?1. To promote good soil condition. Soil must be tilled to a depth of about 10 to 12 inches if planting vegetable and ornamental plants. Before working the soil, spread organic materials such as compost or manure one to four inches thick. This will improve the condition of the soil that is beneficial to plants. Remember to work on the soil when it is not too wet nor too dry. How do you do this? Pick up a clump of soil and roll it into a ball. If the ball is sticky, it is too wet to work. Wait a few days until it dries out a bit more. If the soil is too fine or dry to roll into a ball, water the area evenly and wait a day or two. If your garden area has never been worked before, remove all humps, rocks, and weeds either mechanically or manually.2. To control the growth of weeds. When soil is being tilled, weeds growing in the area are disturbed. Their roots are exposed to sunlight and may die. If deep tillage is done, there will be a significant reduction in the growth of weeds.3. To control the growth of disease causing organisms present in the soil. Nematodes and other microorganisms present in the soil are exposed to adverse climatic condition when soil is plowed. These microorganisms create a problem to crops most of the time if not controlled. By working thoroughly the soil, it will prevent the attack of disease causing organisms to plants in a natural way4. To improve the water holding capacity. A well-prepared soil prior to planting has its great advantage. Aside from the fact that it is easy to work on soil, surface may 5

be well-drained yet able to retain moisture as it is needed. This becomes very productive.5. To promote soil aeration. Plant roots need oxygen underneath. When soil is well- prepared, this promotes soil aeration. This is very evident when plants are cultivated in the garden. After the practice, plants respond by forming new shoots, a result of oxygen passing through the particles of the soil where the roots of the plants are benefited.6. To take advantage of the soil nutrients present in the soil. Soil nutrients under subsurface should be absorbed by the plant roots. This is especially true to those plants which are deeply rooted, like tomatoes, pepper, okra, trees, shrubs and others. When soil is not properly tilled, only a particular portion of the soil surface is useful to plants thereby nutrients present underneath become useless.7. To allow water to move downward. If soil is loose because of thorough preparation water could easily pass through it. This promotes the development of roots in plant deeper, taking advantage of the soil nutrients present. Self check: Choose the letter of the correct answer. l. Soil must be tilled thoroughly before planting in order to a. block the entrance of oxygen to the soil b. increase the growth of weeds c. allow soil to become clayey d. improve soil condition2. Nematodes and microorganisms present in the soil are killed when a. applied with fungicides b. water is plenty in the garden c. garden is planted with munggo d. exposed to adverse soil condition when soil is plowed3. A well-prepared soil prior to planting has the capacity to a. retain moisture b. save more nutrients c. allow soil to become compact d. help insect pests harbor the area4. A garden site that is well-prepared will promote soil aeration, meaning a. cultivation becomes easy b. potassium becomes abundant c. oxygen passes through the soil d. nitrogen evaporates from the soil5. A well-tilled soil will allow water to easily pass through underneath, this is advantageous to 6

a. vegetable plants b. deeply rooted plants c. flowering plants d. climbing plants Lesson 2 Proper Method of Preparing the Soil for Planting Suppose you are given an area to prepare for crop production, what are the things youshould do to gain a successful project later on. Are you aware of it? Here are some questions which will guide you in starting the project. 1. What kind of soil do you have? Is it wet or dry? 2. What type of crops do you want to plant? 3. Is it appropriate to the soil condition that you have? This lesson will help you answer the questions above. Lowland or low soil needs to be well-prepared. This means that the soil surface isweed-free, porous, and levelled to make planting easier. Proper soil preparation serves tolevel the field for uniform distribution of irrigation water, fertilizer, and pesticides. It alsoprevents or minimizes water to overflow from the land area. Land or soil preparation may be divided into two stages: 1. Primary tillage or plowing - this is the process of breaking up the soil. It can be accomplished by using a power tiller or moldboard plow hitched to a carabao or in some areas, they use cow as substitute. 2. Harrowing - the easiest way to harrow a field is leaving just enough water in the field to expose the high and low spots. But in some areas, it uses a native spike-toothed wooden harrow commonly drawn by an animal like plowing. This farm implement is good for bringing clods of soil to the surface and is effective in breaking soil into smaller bits. It could also destroy weeds at the same time. However, if you are planning to start a garden in your school or backyard, here aresimple ways to follow on how to prepare the soil before planting. 1. Remove all the unimportant things that can stop the growth of your crops or plants. This might be tree branches that can hinder sunlight, humps, and rocks. 7

2. Measure and place 4 markers to have a bed soil for planting. 3. Tie the 4 markers together to encircle the bed or area for planting. 4. Using a grab hoe or a fork tip hoe, dig or till the soil properly. Pulverized it by using a fork. 5. Place fertilizer on top of the soil. If it is compost, incorporate it well through harrowing or pulverizing. 6. Use a rake in levelling the soil. Water the prepared bed soil. 7. Repeat the same procedure if the area is big enough for other crops to be planted. Remember that the number of your prepared bed soil depends on the wideness of thespace you have for planting. A one foot distance between beds is enough for you to movefreely and comfortably while working in your area. See to it that there is right water canalaround each bed soil for it helps the plants grow fast and healthy. Self-check: Arrange the steps below in preparing the soil for planting in proper order. Use numbers1-5. 8

_______ 1. Put 4 markers to form a bed soil._______ 2. Level the soil and water it._______ 3. Place organic fertilizers on the soil._______ 4. Remove unimportant materials in the planting area._______ 5. Dig or till the soil properly. Lesson 3 Tools and Equipment Used in Preparing the Soil Some garden tools were already mentioned in lesson 2. In this lesson other tools andequipment used in preparing the land will be fully discussed. This will guide you on whattools are appropriate to use in soil preparation. Remember that it would be best and convenient to plant if you use the right tool.Sometimes, farm tools are easily worn out because they have been used inappropriately byusers. If the needed tools are not available, you can use substitutes if you are resourceful byconverting recycled materials for the purpose. For example, an old spoon or ladle cansubstitute the hand trowel. Just flatten it with a hammer and presto! It will serve the purpose.If you are blessed enough with complete tools and equipment in farming, be sure to protectit so that it will last long. In developing countries like ours, traditionally, planting is done by using animal-drawnsystem wherein a plow or harrow is attached to a carabao in working the area. This is onlyideal to small farmers where labor is cheap. However, as time passes, system of landtechnology is improved too. There are modern machines that can be used to produce goodquality products. With the modern farm machines, planting becomes easy however, thisdoes not replace the manual technique of planting. Here are some of the common tools and equipment used in preparing the soil.A. Hand tools - These are different tools used for clearing and tilling the soil. 1. Knives - These are available in different designs, weights and sizes. Heavy knives are used for clearing, removing or cutting succulent weeds. Curved knives are used for cutting grasses. 2. Grab hoe - This is used for tilling thick soil. 3. Fork tip hoe - This is used for rocky and hard soil. 4. Spading fork - This is used for a desired deep tilling of the soil. 5. Trowel - This is used for transferring seedlings, loosening the soil and planting trees. 9

6. Ax - This is used for cutting big branches of trees. 7. Shovel - This is used for digging canal along bed soil and clearing grasses too.B. Animal - Draft Technology Here, vegetable planting or farming is done with the use of animals like carabaos, buffalos, cattle, and horses. Before plowing the soil, see to it that the farm is free from weeds and debris. You can do this by using a spike tooth harrow which is entirely made of hardwood but there are those made of metals. The harrow is pulled by the animal and passed over the field several times until the weeds are removed from the roots. Moreover, in tilling the soil, moldboard plow is used. Here the soil clods are broken. However, this method is time consuming.C. Mechanical Power Technology The tractor is one of the most important equipment required in mechanical power technology. It is available in different sizes and capabilities. The smallest tractors are usually two-wheel in design and are commonly used for tilling the soil. If it is steady, the tractor’s power take off device can be connected to a water pump or a power generator. When attached to a trailer, the tractor can save the transport needs in the farm. Which do you think is the best way in putting up your garden? Self-check: Identify the farm tool described in each statement._______ 1. These tools have different designs, weights, and sizes which are used for clearing weeds._______ 2. It is pulled by the animal and passed over the field several times until the weeds are removed._______ 3. It is used for tilling thick soil._______ 4. It is used for making canal along bed soil._______ 5. It is used for cutting branches of trees. Lesson 4 Method of Soil Preparation Appropriate for a Particular Crop and Season 10

You have already learned how to start a garden, to prepare the soil and its importanceand proper tools in planting. I am sure you are now ready to plant your desired crops orvegetables. This lesson will provide you the important ways of soil preparation appropriate in aparticular crop and season. Let us take for example the sweet pepper. This crop is important to our body becauseit contains vitamins A and C. It can be a money-maker for it is in demand at home and inpizza restaurants where sweet pepper is used as condiments. Do you want to try plantingthis in your available planting area? Here are the proper steps to produce good qualitysweet pepper. 1. Select a well-drained sandy dry to clay wet soil. 2. Plow and harrow the land area 2 to 3 times until the soil is well-pulverized. 3. Set furrows at 0.75 cm to 1 metre apart. 4. Start planting the seeds or seedlings. 5. Water the seedbed thoroughly. Can you now grow sweet pepper and be a top producer of this in famous pizzarestaurants? Do you want another example of vegetable that you can produce in your area?Aside from sweet pepper, what other vegetable is profitable and is used in several foodestablishments. This is most seen as seasoning in soup, lomi, mami, congee or goto. Thisspice crop is used in salads and vegetable dishes. It has medicinal value to correctphysiological disorders such as cough, obesity, insomnia, hemorrhoids, constipation, andmenstrual discomfort. Do you have an idea what is this vegetable? Yes, it is the bunchingonion. Here is how to plant it. 1. Prepare the land by plowing and harrowing. It requires 1 to 2 times depending on the condition of the soil. You may apply animal manure prior to bed preparation. 2. Raise beds up to 50 - 100 cm apart but if the soil is well-drained, these are not necessary. 3. Trim top portion of the leaves prior to transplanting to reduce transpiration and increase plant survival. 4. Transplant in seedbeds at a distance of 10 cm × 15 cm. Use markers to provide proper spacing and to facilitate transplanting. Dibbles may be used to make holes. Plant deep enough. Care must be taken so as not to damage the basal portion of the plant. 5. Press the soil lightly around the basal portion. Make sure that the roots are in full contact with the soil. 6. Irrigate the field before and after transplanting. Another popular vegetable among root crops is radish. It can be grown on silt loam orsandy loam type of soil that is friable, well-drained and rich in organic matter.Here is how it is planted. 1. Plow the soil 2-3 times at 30-40 cm deep and harrow to obtain a fine tilth. 11

2. Construct a seedbed 1 metre wide and 10-15 cm high. 3. Make thin shallow on the bed at about 25 cm apart and 2 cm deep. 4. Plant the seeds either broadcast or drill. When drill method is preferred: a. Drill the seeds thinly 12.14 cm deep in furrows of 20-25 cm apart. b. Cover the seeds thinly with fine soil. c. Thin the seedlings at 10 cm apart as soon as they developed true leaves. If broadcasting method is used: a. Broadcast the seed directly into the soil. b. Cover with thin layer of soil afterwards. c. As soon as the plants developed true leaves, thin out and transplant them at 1.5 cm deep and 20 × 25 cm planting distances. Now that you are through with bunching onion, radish and sweet pepper, is it notexciting to plant other vegetable crops with economic value? There are more to learn whileyou are going through other modules. Self-check: Check (4) if the statement is a method of soil preparation and cross (8), if it is notincluded._______ 1. In planting sweet pepper, plow and harrow the land 2-3 times._______ 2. Start planting the seeds or seedlings._______ 3. Put fertilizer, 10-15 grams._______ 4. Check the vitamin content of the crop._______ 5. Know the medicinal value of the crop._______ 6. Construct a seedbed._______ 7. Cover the roots with thin layer of soil._______ 8. Irrigate the planting area._______ 9. Trim top portion of the leaves.______ 10. Press the soil lightly around the base of the plant. LET’S SUMMARIZE Soil preparation promotes good soil condition; prevents the growth of disease causing organisms; improves the water holding capacity of the soil; and promotes soil aeration. Following are the proper methods of preparing the soil: a. Plowing and harrowing b. Removing less important objects in the planting area. c. Measuring and marking the soil. d. Digging the hole for planting. e. Applying fertilizer to the soil. f. Levelling and watering the soil. 12

 Hand tools are tools used for clearing and tilling the soil such as knife, hoe, fork, trowel, ax, and shovel. Animal-draft technology uses animals such as cows and carabaos in farming. POSTTEST Choose the letter of the correct answer. 1. In order to promote good soil condition, the soil must be a. watered thoroughly b. tilled thoroughly c. weed out thoroughly d. sterilized thoroughly 2. Which of the following creates a problem most of the time when soil is not thoroughly prepared? a. caterpillars b. flood c. maggots d. microorganisms 3. When the water moves downward to the soil, this promotes a. the development of fruits b. the development of new shoots c. the development of plants to grow d. the development of roots in plant deeper 4. When the land is harrowed thoroughly, it could also destroy a. weeds b. soil nutrients c. microorganisms d. insect pests 5. After putting fertilizers in the soil and levelling it, the next method of preparing the soil is a. harrowing b. watering c. putting markers d. measuring the seedbed 6. Primary tillage or plowing is done by a. digging the soil manually b. using a shovel to dig the soil c. using a power tiller hitched to cow or carabao d. using a fork to pulverize the soil 13

7. A tool used for clearing or removing weeds is a. ax b. fork c. knife d. hoe 8. A grab hoe is used for a. digging canal b. tilling thick soil c. watering the land area d. drilling holes for planting 9. Which of the following tools and equipment is an example of a mechanical power technology? a. ax b. hoe c. shovel d. tractor10. To plant vegetable fruit for a particular season like sweet pepper, one should follow these steps, except one. a. Select a well-drained clay wet soil. b. Plow and harrow the land area. c. Know the medicinal value of the plant. d. Water the seedbed thoroughly. ANSWER KEYPretest 1. d 2. d 3. d 4. a 5. c 7. c 8. c 9. a 10. b 11. cLesson 1: Self-check 1. d 2. d 14

3. a 4. c 5. bLesson 1: Self-check 1. d 2. d 3. a 4. c 5. bLesson 2: Self-check 1. 2 2. 5 3. 4 4. 1 5. 3Lesson 3: Self-check 1. knives 2. harrow 3. grab hoe 4. shovel 5. axLesson 4: Self-check 1. 4 2. 4 3. 4 4. 8 5. 8 6. 4 7. 4 8. 4 9. 8 10. 4Posttest 1. b 2. d 3. d 4. a 5. b 6. c 15

7. c 8. b 9. d10. c 16

PROJECT EASE Effective and Affordable Secondary EducationTECHNOLOGY AND LIVELIHOOD EDUCATION Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1

MODULE 3 BUREAU OF SECONDARY EDUCATION Department of Education DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue Pasig City Plant Crop Production First Year Module 3 Grow a Glorious Plant! What this module is about Congratulations! You are now working on Module 3. Are you still eager to learn moreabout plant crop production? Very good! It means you are keeping up with the objectives ofthis learning task. After finding good seeds to sow and learning how to prepare the land for planting, it isgood to know that plant crops grow well on properly prepared land. More so, if the land isrich in soil nutrients. To be sure that the seeds will grow, apply organic fertilizer beforeplanting. 2

However, there are other things that you should know in order to grow plantssuccessfully. Give life to your plants by starting the task right. How? You will know more ifyou read this material thoroughly. In this module, you will know how to prepare and growseedlings or young plants before planting. What to learn from this module This module helps you perform these tasks well:1. compare direct and indirect planting;2. cite samples of seeds directly or indirectly planted;3. discuss the advantages of observing proper distance, depth and rate of planting seeds and seedlings;4. raise seedlings; and5. plant vegetables adapted to your locality. PRETEST Before working on this module, answer the questions below to find out how much youalready know about the topic. Write the letter of the correct answer on the blank beforeeach number._______ 1. Direct method of planting is growing plants in a. a permanent place b. a seedbox or seedbed c. a nursery house d. its natural environment_______ 2. Growing plants in seedbeds or seedboxes is known as a. direct planting b. indirect planting c. transplanting d. sowing_______ 3. Which of the following seeds is indirectly planted? a. cabbage b. carrot c. corn d. cucumber_______ 4. The following seeds are directly planted, except one. a. squash; upo b. okra; katuray 3

c. eggplant; pechay d. beans; sayote_______ 5. It is the process of transplanting seedlings from one seedbox to another. a. hardening b. pricking c. sterilizing d. withering_______ 6. Why should the soil in the seedbox be fertilized? a. to kill microorganisms b. to give moisture to the seeds c. to protect the seeds from wilting d. to enhance the growth of the seeds_______ 7. What will happen to small seeds when buried deeper than the required depth of sowing? a. They will become dormant. b. They will sprout slowly. c. They will dry up. d. They will germinate underground._______ 8. Which of the following distances of planting is recommended for cabbage? a. 8-20 cm b. 30-50 cm c. 40-50 cm d. 60-90 cm_______ 9. Which of the following tools is used to separate seedlings from the seedbox? a. dibble b. trowel c. crowbar d. hoe______ 10. The following fruit vegetables are commonly grown in our country, except one. a. tomatoes b. pechay c. okra d. eggplant 4

Lesson 1 Direct and Indirect Planting Plants are grown in two different ways. Through direct and indirect planting. Thefollowing situation will tell you how direct and indirect planting is done.Good morning Good morning,Romeo and Mr. Sahorda. CanDanica. I am very you help usglad to help you. differentiate the methods of planting vegetable crops.Mr. Sahorda: There are two methods of planting seeds, direct and indirect.Romeo: What is direct planting, Sir?Mr. Sahorda: In direct planting, the seeds are planted right into the soil in the field where they will grow, up to the time of harvesting. Like the corn plantsDanica: and beans, they are planted directly in the field. Direct planting isMr. Sahorda: usually done when plants have large seeds. What about indirect planting, Sir?Romeo: In the indirect method of planting seeds, seeds are planted first in aDanica: seedbox or seedbed. As soon as the seedlings have grown three or more leaves, they are ready for transplanting. This is usually done to plants with tiny seeds such as pechay, mustard and other vegetables. We are very grateful to you, Sir. We shall share with our classmates what we have learned from you. Now, I know the difference between the two methods of planting seeds. Danica and Romeo left their teacher very much satisfied. They were certain aboutthe answers to their questions and eager to apply their new knowledge as well as share thiswith others. Let us now see what you have learned from the discussions. Work on the givenactivities. 5

Activity 1 Study the illustration below and identify the method of planting used.Activity 2 Differentiate indirect from direct planting using the comparison alley between them. M E T H O D S O F P L A N T I N G Self-check: 6

In direct planting, seeds are _____________in a designated place where they growuntil ________. Corn and beans are planted directly on the field. Plants with l_______seeds are grown by direct planting. In direct planting, seeds are first sown in a _______or _________. As soon as theseedlings have grown three or more true leaves, they are ready for _________. This isusually done to plants with _____________like ________and ___________. Lesson 2 Seeds Directly or Indirectly Planted How well did you understand the previous lesson? Good! After learning the twomethods of planting, the next task is to identify seeds that are directly and indirectly planted.This is a very important task, because seeds might not germinate if not planted properly. Usually, seeds that are too small like the pechay and mustard are planted indirectly.Since you cannot place exactly the right number of seeds in the garden area, they might beburied underground when it rains hard. Big seeds such as upo, patola, ampalaya, and beans, can be directly planted on thefurrow. You can count exactly the number of seeds planted per hill or hole.To know more about how vegetable seeds are planted, examine the table below.Farm Crops Classified as to Methods of PlantingDirect Planting Indirect Planting corn; watermelon onion; cabbage cucumber; melon cauliflower; celery spinach; tomato sayote; bataw lettuce; mustard carrot; upo eggplant; pechay squash; katuray sweet pepper okra; carrotspatola; winged beans all peas and beans Since you have already identified which plants are planted indirectly or directly, let ussee if you can work on the exercise below.Self-check: 7

Check ( 4 ) the vegetable plants that are directly planted and cross ( 6 ) those that areindirectly planted._____1. pechay _____6. sweet pepper_____2. corn _____7. tomato_____3. squash _____8. carrot_____4. onion _____9. okra_____5. cabbage _____10.upo Lesson 3 Indirectly Planted Seeds In Lesson 2, you identified seeds that are directly planted. This lesson focuses onhow indirectly planted seeds are prepared and grown in the seedbox or seedbed beforetransplanting. Observe and find out how seeds are planted indirectly in the following situation: Rhea and Tina want to raise pechay seedlings for their vegetable project in school.Let us read their conversation.Tina, what shall we We are going todo with the pechay allow the pechayseeds we bought? seeds to germinate or sprout.What does When a seed germinates, the embryogerminate mean, or the small plant inside the seed develops.Tina? The small embryo inside theHow do we know seed grows bigger and awhen seeds have 8 small plant or seedling startsalready germinated? to grow.

Below are the steps in raising seedlings:1. The seedbox must be prepared for the purpose. The seedbox contain a soil medium. The soil medium should be free of weeds, fungus, spores, and garden pests. It should be porous enough to allow delicate rootlets to penetrate and let in air and moisture. A mixture of equal parts of sand, soil, and compost is recommended.2. Sterilize the mixture by pouring boiling water.3. Sow the seeds when the soil is already cold. Prepare drills along the seedbox.4. Cover the seeds by sifting the soil medium through a fine sieve held above the seedbed. Fine seeds are not covered. They are merely pressed gently into the soil with a flat, level piece of wood. Water gently by misting.5. The seedlings should be protected from temperature fluctuations. It is best to bring the seedbox in the open. However, it should be placed in an area where partial sunlight is available.6. The seedlings should continue getting protection until the first true leaves grow. When one or two sets of true leaves have grown, the seedlings are ready for transplanting.7. Pricking or thinning is the process of transplanting seedlings from their seedbox to another seedbox. During this step, the seedlings start developing roots and leaves. The seedlings should have grown into plants and should be pricked as soon as they have grown two sets of leaves. 9

Activity 3 Report to your teacher what you have done for practical application of what you havelearned. Prepare the checklist below for checking if you have missed any steps. Procedure Performed Missed1. Prepared a seedbox/ seedbed.2. Mixed sand, compost, and soil.3. Sterilized the soil medium.4. Sowed seeds.5. Watered the seedbed/ seedbox.6. Placed in the plant nursery. Visit your project the next day to find out if the seeds have already germinated and towhat extent. Exciting isn’t it? Self-check: Arrange the following steps in growing seedlings. Write 1, for the first step, 2 for thesecond step, and so on to the last. Write your answers on the blanks provided. _____1. Prick to the other seedbox. _____2. Water gently by misting. _____3. Sterilize the soil. _____4. Prepare a seedbox. _____5. Add the soil medium. _____6. Sow the seeds. _____7. Press the soil gently. Lesson 4 Distance, Depth, and Rate of Planting Seeds and Seedlings Have you ever sown seeds on a seedbox? Very Good! Seeds can also be sown inseedbeds, particularly if it is a large crop production. 10

When plants are closely planted without considering distance, depth, and rate ofplanting, the growth of plants is also affected. Hence, distance, depth, and rate or plantingmust be considered to ensure the growth of plants. Below is the continuation of Danica and Romeo’s conversation with Mr. Sajorda.Romeo: Sir, we have already sown the seeds in the seedbox. What about the seeds which are directly planted into the field?Danica: Do we also consider the distance, depth, and rate of planting seeds when growing seeds in the field?Mr. Sahorda: Certainly! Distance, depth and rate of planting should be considered when planting seeds and seedlings.Below is the table on how to plant seeds and seedlings considering distance, depthand rate of planting. Seeding Rate, Depth and Distance of Planting Farm CropsCrops Rate of Seeding Depth of Sowing Distance of Planting between (gm per hectare) (cm) hills (cm) Cabbage 150 ½Sweet Corn 8,500 ½ 30-50 1 60-90 Eggplant 75 ½ 40-50Green Onion 85 ¼ 8-20 90 1½ 25-30 Lettuce 26,250 ½ 25-30 Mongo 750 2.5 12-20 Mustard 2,870 2.5-3 30-50 Okra 200 ¼ 60-120 Squash 700 1 12-20 Pechay 200 ¼ 20-30 Pepper 3,250 2.5-3 15-25 Radish 8,000 ¼ 30-50 Pole Sitao 2,000 2.5 8-15 Onion Bulb 40,000 15-25 Bush Sitao 11

Below are the advantages of observing rate, depth and distance in planting.1. Rate of planting - refers to the thickness of sown seeds in a row or the number of seeds planted per hill. This depends on whether or not the plants are to be thinned. If there are more seeds germinated in a hill, some can be transferred to another hill when germination has failed. In commercial farm crop production, this is not advisable because of added labor and wastage of seeds.2. Depth of planting -Three factors determine the appropriate depth of planting seeds, as follows: a. Size and structure of seeds - Seedlings of vegetable crops with large seeds have greater power to push their way to the surface of the soil compared to the small seeds. Bigger seeds are usually planted deeper than small seeds. b. Soil - the condition of the soil influences the depth of planting seeds. Plant the seeds deeper on sandy than in clay soil. This is so because of soil moisture. c. Season of planting - the seeds may be planted at different depths in different seasons of the year. If the soil is almost too wet for the germination of seeds, shallow planting is advisable. On the other hand, during the dry season when evaporation is rapid and the heat of the son is intense, the conditions of both moisture and temperature are likely to be more favorable for germination at a considerable depth below the surface. Under these conditions, the seeds should be planted as deeply as the power of the seedlings will permit.3. Distance of Planting -The distance at which seeds should be planted is determined by two factors: a. Amount of space needed by the plant for normal development during the time it is expected to occupy the given location and the amount of space needed to properly care for the plants. b. Size of the plants at maturity if they are not to be transplanted or the size at the time of the first shift if they are to be transplanted. Did you learn something from this lesson. Well, let us see. Work on the activitybelow.Activity 4 Alberto is a plant grower who is planning to plant 4 types of vegetables on his 4hectares farm. Help him find the right vegetables to plant considering the rate and depth ofplanting.A. Type of vegetables: __________ C. Type of vegetables: __________ Rate of planting: __________ Rate of planting: __________ Depth of planting: __________ Depth of planting: __________ 12

B. Type of vegetables: __________ D. Type of vegetables: __________ Rate of planting: __________ Rate of planting: __________ Depth of planting: __________ Depth of planting: __________ Self-check: Complete the chart below. Provide the proper distance, depth and rate of plantingseeds and seedlings.Crops Rate of Seedling Sowing Depth Planting Between HillsSweet corn 8, 500 ½ __________Eggplant 75 1 __________Lettuce 90 __________ 25-30Green onion 85 __________ __________Okra 2, 870 2.5 __________ Lesson 5 Vegetable Plant Adapted to the Locality Now that you have learned the advantages of rate, depth and distance of planting, itwill be easy for you to apply these when planting vegetables. Have you checked the seeds you sowed in the seedbox in your previous activity? It istime for you to transplant these to a permanent growing area. What kind of vegetable seed did you sow? The most common leafy vegetables grownin our country are pechay, mustard, green onion, spinach and celery. Fruit vegetablespopularly grown are eggplant, pepper and tomatoes. Have you experienced planting any of the vegetables mentioned? If you had, good!Find out if you followed the steps correctly in your previous lesson.Steps in Transplanting Seedlings1. Water the seedbox or seedbed before transplanting.2. Hold the seedling carefully or use a dibble or stick to lift the small plant out from the germinating area. Do not shake the soil off the roots to prevent exposure to air which will dry them out. 13