You could also log onto the computer or charge up your iPad for some research. Try using search terms such as âpropagator imagesâ, âgerminationâ, âheathy plantsâ.
Step 2: Design your propagator
Use your learning to design your propagator. Think about the recycled materials you have at home that you could use to make it. Check out the inspiration station for some ideas. You might like to make two or three designs and then choose the one you think will work best. Check your chosen design has all the features it should have: removable transparent top, air vents, waterproof bottom tray and tall enough for plants to grow.
Equipment you might need
- Clear plastic drinks bottles
- Thermometers or data logger with temperature sensors
- Plastic food packaging trays
- Scissors
- PVA glue
- Polythene
- Plastic bubble wrap
- General purpose potting compost
- Superfood seeds (broccoli, sunflower and watercress)
Inspiration Station
We ask Josh Payne, at NFU Education, about his Propagator design.
Tell us about your designâŠ
I like to call it the professional plant propagator v1.0 or the PPP for short. It has a section at the bottom to plant seeds and a lid to trap warm air and allow sunlight in. We had a few radish seeds at home which Iâve planted. These are great because they grow quickly and the propagator makes them grow even faster!
What features does it have?
Iâve made a nice clear lid at the top so sunlight can get in and also made some little vents to that air can circulate, as in my experience radishes donât like it when itâs too humid. I also wanted to use a clear base so I can hopefully see my plants roots as they grow, but thatâs not essential (itâs a bonus feature!).
What did you use to make it?
To make my propagator I used a grape carton, a strawberry carton, some cellotape, some coloured card, 4 drawing pins and some potting compost.
How would you improve it?
Next time I would make my vents out of something other than cardboard as Iâm a bit worried about them if it rains. Maybe I could do a science investigation to find out which materials are the most waterproofâŠ
Any final top tips?
Remember to water your plants! Even if theyâre outdoors they wonât get any rain because of the lid. If youâve not got any seeds why not try and save some from fruits or vegetables youâre eating this week – there are lots of tutorials on Youtube and Pinterest.
Step 3: time to make your propagator
Use your research and things you have learnt from the presentation to design your propagator. Think about the materials you will use to make it. The images below might give you some ideas. Donât forget to think about what seeds you will grow inside the propagator too!
Step 4: time to grow!
Next, plant some seeds and wait for them to germinate and grow into seedlings. You might like to grow some seeds in another pot so you can compare which seeds grow faster.
Step 5: evaluate your design
Think about how quickly your seeds germinated and how healthy they look compared with those outside the propagator. How easy is it to operate the ventilator, water the seedlings and avoid overwatering? How might you improve it if you made it again?
We’d love to see your ideas and designs. You can send them to letstalkfarming@nfu.org.uk, and if you enjoy this activity, check out the current Farmvention challenges over at www.farmvention.com.
Explore
Find out more about plants with activities and videos on the #LockdownLearning channel. Keep coming back each day as we add more. You can also find fun things to do and watch about lifecycles, with sheep, pig, cow and chicken farmers.
Watch a video with TV presenter and botanist James Wong, about plant that makes popcorn.
