These apples are being processed in a large horticultural operation. In this module, you will do your horticultural site visits as part of your assessment.
Welcome to Module 5 – Plant Names and Plant Propagation
In this module, we'll refresh our understanding of the classification of plants and look at how to write scientific names for plants according to the system of names called nomenclature.
After that, we'll learn how to identify plants based on their visual characteristics, such as flower type, colour, leaf shape, and size. We'll point you in the direction of some useful digital tools for plant identification.
We'll also talk about the desirable features of plants; why we might choose to grow one plant instead of another. After that, you'll be ready to do your next site visits (see Assessment 1, below).
The second half of the module looks at ways of reproducing plants (propagation). We already know about growing seedlings from seeds, but in this module, we'll be looking at a range of ways to create new plants from existing plants without using seeds (asexual reproduction).
Time to complete this module
You should plan to complete this module in 105 learning hours.
Assessment outline
In this module, you'll continue journaling about your garden each week. To finish this module, you need to complete two assessment tasks:
- Plant Suitability Report – visit two (2) horticulture operations and write a report describing five (5) different species that are being deliberately grown at each site.
- Garden Journal – explain what you've been doing in the garden each week and upload photos to show your mahi (work) and the state of the garden.
Remember, we're here to help!
As mentioned in earlier modules:
- It's ok to make mistakes. When we make mistakes, we can learn from them by thinking "what went wrong?" and "what can I do differently next time?". In fact, these are the kinds of questions and answers we'd like to see in your Garden Journal.
- Help is available! If something doesn't make sense, or you're unsure what to do next, ask a peer using Messaging on the Online Campus, check the forums for others that have asked the same questions, or get in touch with your Tutor. You can send them a message on the Online Campus or get in touch via email.
While the course is designed for you to work independently, please don't be afraid to ask questions.
Optional Video Resource
The Permaculture Orchard: Beyond Organic
The Permaculture Orchard: Beyond Organic is an educational film that will teach you how to set up your own permaculture orchard at any scale. Recognising the limitations of the organic model as a substitute to conventional fruit growing, this film proposes a more holistic, regenerative approach based on permaculture principles.
Based on 20 years of applied theory and trial and error, biologist and educator Stefan Sobkowiak shares his experience transforming a conventional apple orchard in Canada into an abundance of biodiversity that virtually takes care of itself. The concepts, techniques and tips presented in this film will help you with your own project, whether it is just a few fruit trees in your urban backyard, or a full-scale multi-acre commercial orchard.
Watch the trailer:
You can buy a digital download copy of this beautifully produced film for US$4-7.50 (about $12 New Zealand dollars at the time of writing) from Possible Media.
