# Plant Nursery

## Overview

In this chapter, students explore how to create and maintain a plant nursery. It teaches them to understand plant growth conditions, various propagation methods, safety practices, and how to record and analyze their work. The chapter encourages hands-on learning, collaboration with peers and experts, and building respect for the environment and life forms.

## Key Topics Covered

### 1. Introduction to Life Forms and Nursery Projects

* **Life Forms** include all living things such as plants, animals, humans, insects, birds, bacteria, etc.
* The project involves **working with plants**, especially in creating a **plant nursery** at school.
* Students can choose from examples like “Plant Nursery” or “School Habitat Garden”, or design their own.

### 2. Purpose of a Plant Nursery

* A place where plants are propagated and grown until ready for planting.
* Nurseries allow **year-round growth**, **better pest control**, and **customized environments**.
* Plant nurseries are crucial for **conservation**, **mass propagation**, and **education**.

### 3. Conditions Required for Plant Growth

* Plants need **sunlight**, **water**, **air**, **nutrients**, **humidity**, and **suitable temperature**.
* Like humans, plants have preferences depending on their species and native climate.
* Example: More plants grow near water sources due to ideal humidity and temperature.

### 4. Plant Propagation Methods

* **Seed propagation**: Traditional method using seeds.
* **Stem cuttings**: Using parts of the parent plant like softwood, semi-hardwood, or hardwood.
* **Tuber propagation**: E.g., potatoes.

### 5. Tools and Materials Required

* **Gardening tools**: Shovel, spade, watering can, gloves, etc.
* **Nursery materials**: Seed trays, cocopeat, compost, seed papers, etc.
* **Other essentials**: Shade-net, bamboo poles, tarpaulin, bricks, labels, water.

### 6. Safety Precautions

* Use appropriate tools carefully (especially sharp ones).
* Wear gloves and wash hands after handling soil.
* Lift heavy materials with bent knees, not back.
* Use proper tool storage.
* Practice **Internet safety** while researching or uploading materials.


### 7. Types of Nurseries

* **Vegetable nurseries**: Grow brinjal, tomato, onion, etc.
* **Fruit nurseries**: Banana, mango, coconut.
* **Flowering/ornamental nurseries**: Rose, marigold.
* **Urban/rooftop nurseries**: Use trays, pots or limited space.
* Students are encouraged to visit a nursery or invite an expert to learn more.

### 8. Activities for Setting Up the Nursery

#### **Activity 1: Visit a Plant Nursery**

* Observe how plant needs (light, water, temperature, humidity) are managed.
* Record key observations and interview nursery experts.
* Identify which plants you will grow in your own nursery.

#### **Activity 2: Planning the Layout**

* Choose a suitable location (at least 2–3 hours of sunlight, no waterlogging).
* Create a layout with paths, beds, shade, and water source.
* Use available spaces like school paths, terraces, or even pots.

#### **Activity 3: Preparing Land and Installing Shade-Net**

* Clean land and mark the boundary with lime.
* Install poles and set up a green shade-net (50% or 75% shade).
* Make protective fences to prevent damage from animals or people.

#### **Activity 4: Germination Test**

* Use seed germination paper or cardboard to test seed viability.
* Place 100 seeds on damp paper and observe how many sprout in 3–5 days.
* Calculate germination percentage to plan how many seeds are needed.

#### **Activity 5: Raising Plants in Nursery**

Three main methods:

1. **Raised-Bed Sowing**:

* Prepare raised beds (15–20 cm high).
* Sow seeds directly and water gently.
2. **Seedling Tray Sowing**:

* Use trays with cocopeat for limited space.
* Sow 1–2 seeds per cell and keep covered until germination.
3. **Stem Cuttings**:

* Use hardwood, semi-hardwood, or softwood.
* Dip in rooting hormone, plant in bags with soil-compost mix.

#### **Activity 6: Monitoring Growth**

* Maintain a record of plant name, method, date of sowing, germination, and observations.

#### **Activity 7: Cost Estimation**

* Keep track of materials used and calculate total cost.
* Estimate potential selling price for the plants.

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## Learning from Peers and Experts

* Reflect on what was learned during the nursery visit and teamwork.
* Record total time spent on each activity.

## Extension Activities

* Decorate pots and gift them.
* Conduct a plantation drive during special occasions.
* Try seasonal planting at school or home.

## Think and Answer

* Reflect on your enjoyment, challenges, and improvements.
* Identify related jobs: gardener, botanist, farmer, forest officer, etc.

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## New Words and Their Meanings

| Term | Simple Definition |
| --------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Propagation | The process of growing new plants |
| Germination | The beginning of growth in a seed |
| Cocopeat | A soft, spongy material from coconut husk used for growing plants |
| Shade-net | A cloth that reduces sunlight intensity to protect plants |
| Compost | Natural fertilizer made from decomposed plants and food |
| Stem Cutting | A piece of plant stem used to grow a new plant |
| Raised Bed | A slightly elevated garden bed that improves plant growth |
| Humidity | Moisture or water vapor in the air |
| Rooting Hormone | A powder/gel that helps cut stems grow roots faster |
| Seedling Tray | A tray with many small sections to start growing seeds |

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## Practice Questions

### Easy (3)

1. **What do plants need to grow well?**
**Answer**: Sunlight, air, water, nutrients, and suitable temperature.
*Explanation*: These are the basic conditions every plant requires.

2. **Name two types of plants grown in nurseries.**
**Answer**: Rose and tomato.
*Explanation*: Both are commonly grown in flowering and vegetable nurseries.

3. **Why is a shade-net used in a nursery?**
**Answer**: To protect young plants from too much sunlight.
*Explanation*: It prevents heat stress and allows plants to grow safely.

### Medium (2)

4. **What is seed germination rate and why is it important?**
**Answer**: It is the percentage of seeds that sprout after sowing.
*Explanation*: It helps estimate how many seeds are needed to get the desired number of plants.

5. **List two precautions while using gardening tools.**
**Answer**: Use gloves for grip and wash hands after soil contact.
*Explanation*: Ensures personal safety and hygiene while working.

### Difficult (3)

6. **Compare raised-bed and seedling tray methods.**
**Answer**: Raised-bed is used in open land; seedling trays are for small spaces and large-scale sprouting.
*Explanation*: Both help grow plants but suit different environments and needs.

7. **Explain the process of plant propagation using stem cuttings.**
**Answer**: Cut a healthy stem, dip in rooting hormone, plant in soil-compost bag, wait for root growth.
*Explanation*: This method helps grow a plant without using seeds.

8. **Why do nurseries need proper temperature and humidity control?**
**Answer**: To ensure healthy growth and prevent diseases in plants.
*Explanation*: Extreme conditions can damage young plants.

### Very Difficult (2)

9. **Design a simple layout for a 200 sq ft plant nursery including beds, paths, and water source.**
**Answer**: A rectangular 10x20 ft layout with 3 raised beds (5x1.5 ft each), paths (0.5 ft between), and water source in one corner.
*Explanation*: Efficient use of space for access and plant care.

10. **Suggest ways to make a plant nursery project eco-friendly.**
**Answer**: Use recycled pots, rainwater harvesting, compost from school kitchen waste.
*Explanation*: Sustainable practices reduce waste and cost.

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