Google Links

Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare to propagate plants
   • Collect and wash containers and trays
   • Prepare containers with suitable potting mix for the propagation process being undertaken
   • Have tools, water and labelling materials on hand
2. Propagate plants using garden techniques
   • Take cuttings, sow seed or divide plants as required
   • Place new plants into prepared containers to required level and give water, cutting treatment or fertiliser as needed
   • Label the new plant accurately
   • Place containers in trays or in propagation area to grow on
3. Maintain health of plants during propagation
   • Monitor new plants and take remedial action as needed
   • Check for disease or pests and treat according to permaculture principles
   • Check for root growth and pot into larger container if required
   • Water, shelter or shade depending on prevailing weather conditions, size of container and needs of species
   • Harden off in a sheltered area before planting out
4. Maintain garden propagation system year round
   • Check propagation area between seasonal propagation activities and clean or tidy to avoid disease
   • Maintain health of mother plants for propagation purposes
   • Maintain stocks of containers, labels, stakes and ties for future use
   • Maintain stocks of potting materials and nutrient additives
   • Keep propagation system clean and weed free at all times

Range Statement

---

Performance Evidence

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

prepare for plant propagation

propagate plants using garden techniques

maintain healthy new plants and mother plants

---

Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

permaculture principles and practices related to propagation, such as:

using reclaimed or reused containers (suitably cleaned to avoid cross-contamination)

labelling systems using reclaimed materials

maintaining rare and unusual varieties

using edges and valuing marginal or unusual plants in micro-climates

sharing and swapping to increase biodiversity and mutual wellbeing

preserving provenance of locally indigenous species

testing and trialling for new plants or resistant varieties

global food plant preservation including seed saving

principles of sustainable horticultural practices

propagation techniques, such as:

soft wood cuttings

hard wood cuttings

tip and root cuttings

layering and division

grafting (whip and tongue, saddle and wedge)

seed sowing

basic plant nutrition

potting mixes suitable for propagation in a garden setting, such as:

compost and worm casting mixes

sieved and graded sands

blends used for different purposes or different times of year

sphagnum moss

basic plant growth and development

small-scale glass, shade or poly house structures

methods of waste disposal causing minimal impact on the environment

---